The Mahabharata to be released as Randamoozham in Malayalam
Recently, there have been a lot of talks surrounding the title of Mohanlal’s upcoming magnum opus The Mahabharata, which will be directed by renowned ad filmmaker VA Shrikumar Menon. The Mahabharata, touted to be the most expensive movie in
Indian cinema was recently embroiled in a controversy after a pro-Hindu group threatened that they would not allow the movie’s release unless they change the title.
The controversy was set rolling 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 warned that if the makers did not change its name, then the Kerala Hindu Aikya Vedi would not allow its screening.
However, the makers has now revealed that only the Malayalam version will be titled as Randamoozham. All the other versions will be titled as The Mahabharata, as they feel that only a title like Mahabharata will make sense to the global audience and hence they are sticking to the it. It was announced officially by producer BR Shetty who also made it clear that they changed the title not fearing any backlash.
BR Shetty informed that the movie will be made as two parts, each having a of 3 hours. The movie will go on floors in Abu Dhabi next year. The casting process will begin soon and he assured that some of the best talents across the globe will be part of this prestigious project. Governments and local administration have extended their support for the team for the shoot.
VA Shrikumar’s 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.
