Eminent director Maniratnam’s version of Ramayana the story of lawful Ram and his wife Seetha who is being kidnapped by fierce Lanka king Ravana is taking shape in the forest region in Thrissur.

This much awaited film Ravanan, which is now renamed as Asokavanam is in its shooting stage.

The film which is made in Tamil and Hindi has Aiswarya Rai as Seetha.

Chiyan Vikram is Raman in Tamil version, while Abhishek Bachan does the role in Hindi.

Vikram has turned all his concentration to Asokavanam now, after completing the shooting and dubbing work of his Kandhasamy which is scheduled to release this Diwali, Ashokavanam will bring Vikram and Aishwarya Rai together as pair for the first time.

Malayalam star Prithviraj is doing the sparking role of Ravana in Tamil version and for Hindi the role is acted by Akshay Kumar.

The movie is expected to be a mile stone in the history of Indian Cinema and also in lives of many actors and technicians.

The controversial cinematographer, director Velu Prabhakaran will be seen playing the role of Vikram’s mute father in the Tamil version.

Karthik who is infamous for not reporting for the shoot in time is giving everyone a pleasant surprise by arriving early. He is a forest officer in the film.

Red Tape
The shooting of Asokavanam came to a halt as Forest officials ordered to stop filming it in the Malayattoor forests after they found breach of the agreement.

The officials found illegal construction of temporary huts by film’s crew for storing equipment in the prohibited area Mahagonythottam

Some rare plants in the area were alleged to be destroyed as vehicles passed to reach the location. The permission for shooting was granted for 20 days within two month period and it was the fifth day as per the terms. Hopefully the problem will be settled soon.

We at Tamilnow.com wish the best for this legendary director of our times.