Mumbai, Feb 14: Bollywood's Bad boy Salman Khan now has a chance to play God. Salman will be Ram and Sohail Khan his sibling in real life will play Lakshman in Ramayana, a film announced by G S Entertainment, Salman's home production along with Bunty Walia.
Mythologicals are certainly the flavour of the season, as this closely follows the announcement of Raj Kumar Santoshi's Mahabharata, and Sanjay Khan has long since declared his intentions to make Maryada Purushottam Ram.
Confirming the news, producer Bunty Walia said the proposed film was Salman's idea and that he was toying with the concept for a long time. The project is planned on a mega scale, befitting the great epic and expects to complete the film by the middle of next year. "The budget is over Rs 100 crore and the film will be made both in English and Hindi," says Walia, adding that the film will be targeted at both the Indian and the International market.
"We intend to have separate directors for the two languages and talks are on to involve a big studio for Ramayana," informs Walia. The virtuous goddess Sita, the last word in wifely devotion, will be portrayed by a Hollywood actress, to give the film an "international appeal." Walia has no fears that an Indian audience will shirk away from a blond, westernised Sita. "We will give her an Indian look and are considering big names, an A-grade Hollywood actress," says Walia. For the moment, though, it is not sure which Hollywood star will be tied in holy matrimony with Salman. On the silver screen, of course.
The film will be shot in Ayodhya and possibly, New Zealand. The Ramayana on the silver screen will be no tear-jerker, the producer catering to the audience and giving them a happily-ever-after. Can we expect then Ram and Sita then, to walk into the sunset? "There will be agni praiksha and it will be a happy ending," says Walia. The film will stick to history, though it is expected to be more on Tulsidas interpretation of Ramayana.
Salman playing Lord Ram has found support in unexpected quarters. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad is delighted that the bratty Khan will play an Indian God, if only on-screen. "Bahut hi bhala hoga agar woh Salman se Ram ban jayega," quips Ramesh Mehta, the president of the Mumbai chapter of VHP. He denies rumours that VHP had opposed the idea and says that it is a matter of pride and goodwill that Muslims are reliving the holiest epic on screen.
Sanjay Khan's Marayada Puroshottam Ram is reportedly being scripted by Farrukh Dhondy and is intended on a mega scale for an international audience, as well. Khan says that he has not decided on the cast as yet and adds that they will be ready with the film by 2004. A holy year, 2004, when Indians can expect Lord Ram and Krishna to come alive on the silver screen.
Bureau Report
