Ponniyin Selvan on the back burner!

Mani Ratnam's prestigious project Ponniyin Selvan, which has been in news for over five months, is reportedly under reconsideration. The makers of the film have temporarily dropped the film for the reasons best known to them.

Industry insiders say that the production house has told the actors, who were signed to be part of the project that it has been shelved for the time being, thus asking them to return the advance amount paid by the makers of the film. Though Ponniyin Selvan was not formally announced, it was revealed by sources close to the director that Mani roped in Mahesh Babu, Vijay, Anushka Shetty and Aarya to play the lead roles in the historical movie.

Reports say that a market survey made by Mani Ratnam's team opened the eyes of the makers of the film. They felt that the proposed movie which was planned with the budget of Rs. 200 crores, may not be a profitable venture, as it is a period-drama. It is difficult to expect good returns from a historical movie due to limited market, adds a trade analyst.