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Jayam Ravi addresses speculations about ousting STR from Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan: ‘Do you think Mani sir would listen to me?’

During the release of the Ponniyin Selvan movies, there were widespread speculations that some members, particularly Jayam Ravi, refused to work on the film if STR was part of the cast.

Jayam Ravi rubbishes claims of removing STR from Ponniyin Selvan's cast. Image courtesy: Madras Talkies

Ponniyin Selvan was a dream project for everyone involved. From director Mani Ratnam and composer AR Rahman to the star-studded cast of the duology, which is based on the cult novel by Kalki Krishnamurti, Ponniyin Selvan was a landmark film in the careers of all. Both films created history at the box office, won critical acclaim, and took home top prizes in almost every category in the awards circuit. However, there is one rumour that frequently resurfaces during conversations regarding the two films.

Right from the time of the announcement of the project, some of the casting choices were under a lot of scrutiny. Prominent among these speculations were the ones surrounding Silambarasan TR’s (STR) purported presence in the film as Vandhiyathevan. It was said then that some members of the cast, particularly Jayam Ravi, refused to work in the film if STR was part of the cast. In fact, this was one of the hot topics during the promotional tours for both the films, and many, including Ravi rubbished these claims.

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In a press interaction back then, Ravi had said, “Do you think Mani sir would even listen to me? In fact, after this news broke out, Simbu himself reached out to me and said ‘Machi, I know you would be happy if I was part of Ponniyin Selvan. So don’t take these things to heart. Forget it.”

In fact, STR was the special guest for one of the promotional events of the second part of the Ponniyin Selvan franchise. However, these claims refuse to die down, and Ravi, in a recent interaction with Hindustan Times, once again reiterated that such a thing never happened.

A file photo of Jayam Ravi and Silambarasan TR | Image courtesy: Jayam Ravi/ X profile

“For 21 years, I have had the dream of working with Mani Ratnam sir. Do you think when I finally got the chance to work with him, I would make such demands? Secondly, do you think that such a big director will actually listen to me? Simbu and I are good friends. There is no issue between us and I don’t know how this whole rumour started,” said Ravi.

ALSO READ: Silambarasan’s first look from Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life unveiled: Kaalai is back, say fans

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Meanwhile, Silambarasan TR, who previously worked with Mani Ratnam in Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, is once again teaming up with the ace filmmaker starring in a pivotal role in his Thug Life, headlined by Kamal Haasan. On the other hand, Ravi is awaiting the release of M Rajesh’s Brother, and has Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi’s Kadhalikka Neramillai under production.

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