SLB's next to release on 15 Dec 2017? - Page 2

Written By FilmfarePosted Thu, Apr 14, 2016

The 90-crore extravaganza will star Kareena in the lead.

SLB will adapt the legendary story of Padmavati, the 16th century queen of Chittor who with her husband, the King Of Chittor Rattan Sen, fought valiantly against foreign invasion and gave up her life.

Fascinated by the historical-romance for years, SLB got a chance to be the first Asian filmmaker to put the legend of Rani Padmavati on stage when he directed a version of Padmavati in Paris's prestigious Theatre du Chalet in March 2008. SLB's staged opera based on Albert Rousell's 1923 opera was a huge success.

It was then that SLB decided to make a movie version of Padmavati. Post-Guzaarish the director is ready to direct "something as spectacular, dramatic, female-oriented and musically-inclined as Padmavati.'

Says a source, "After Guzaarish Sanjay was in two minds as to what to make. He had two options, both large-scale epic tales. But it's Padmavati he wants to direct next."

A leading corporate house with whom SLB worked recently has already agreed to produce the Rs 90-crore historical epic.

And now for the crucial question.Who plays the title role in SLB's Padmavati? Apparently Kareena Kapoor who has never done a costume drama before is seen as the best bet for the role.

SLB says, Padmavati is a project very close to my heart.I have been in love with this character and her story from long before the time when I directed the staged version of the opera in Paris.

The movie adaptation has great potential for songs, dances, music and drama. Most important of all Padmavati is such a modern character, a true-blue feminist in spite of having existed five centuries ago. Beyond that it's too early to comment on the project."