The Mahabharata makers have no plans to change title
The Mahabharata, which is touted to be the most expensive movie in Indian cinema was recently in the news after a pro-Hindu group threatened that they would not allow the movie’s release unless they change the title.
However, the makers of The Mahabharata are in no mood to change the title as the movie is being planned be released in multiple languages. Only a title like Mahabharata will make sense to the global audience and hence they are sticking to the same title.
The controversy was kick-started by Hindu Aikya Vedi chairperson KP Sasikala. In a recent addressing, she stated that the movie should be titled as Randamoozham, the novel on which the movie is based on, and not Mahabharata.
Randamoozham, written by Jnanipath award winner MT Vasudevan Nair, is based on the Hindu epic Mahabharatha. It is told from the perspective of Bheeman.
According to Sasikala, the novel is a distortion of the writings in the real Mahabharatha and hence it’s movie adaptation should not be titled as The Mahabharata. She emphasized that Mahabaratha is closely knit to religious beliefs and hence a novel that distorted the history and beliefs would not be allowed to release with this title. She warned that if the makers did not change its name, then the Kerala Hindu Aikya Vedi would not allow its screening.
This statement from her paved way to a lot of criticisms with several people including opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala accusing Sasikala for trying to force religion into cinema.
The Mahabharata will be directed by renowned ad filmmaker VA Shrikumar. His team is currently working on the pre-production for this mammoth project. UAE based Indian businessman Dr BR Shetty is investing Rs 1000 crores for this epic project.
Mohanlal has already been confirmed to play the central character of Bheema in this movie. The makers had informed that several leading actors from other industries will be part of this movie. Telugu superstar Nagarjuna has been approached to play the role of Karnan. Some big names from Indian and world cinema will be associated with this project. The Mahabharata will go on floors by September next year and will hit screens in 2020.
