Actor attacks Mohanlal over Mahabharata role, gets trolled
new delhi — Early this week, UAE businessman B. R. Shetty announced that he is producing a movie, based on an adaptation of the Indian epic, Mahabharata. This would be the most expensive movie to be made in India at a cost of Rs1000 crore. Malayalam super star Mohanlal will be the hero in the magnum opus.
The movie is narrated from the perspective of Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers persecuted by their cousins, Kauravas. The
Mahabharata is the story of the 18day long, totally destructive war between the two clans.
But temporarily at least, a relatively marginal actor, a self styled pop singer, and “critic,” Kamaal Khan, seemed to be stealing the thunder with a tweet that mocked Mohanlal: Sir @Mohanlal you look like Chota Bheem so then how will u play role of Bheem in Mahabharata? Why do you want to waste money of B R shetty?
In Mahabharata, Bhima (or Bheem) is a giant. The movie is based on the novel of the award winning writer M. T. Vasudevan Nair, Second
Turn, which reassess Bhima’s character and dilemmas. In traditional interpretation, Bhima is more physical in his talents, and not given to introspection. Nair rewrites that.
Mohanlal’s fans went after Kamaal Khan, who clearly was trying to get some cheap publicity. Khan has a history of taking on established icons like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, among others, and making fun of them. He has been trolled heavily, called names in Malayalam, and told where to get off.
Khan initially stood his ground, but gave in finally with a half apologetic tweet, asking Mohanlal why he is unleashing his fans on him. An earlier tweet from him suggested that deity Krishna’s role in the movie should go to him, as Khan, like deity Krishna, is from Mathura. The movie as envisaged is international in cast and quality, and top artistes from across the world are expected to join the venture.
Shooting will begin in early 2018. The sequel will hit the screen within 90 days of the release of the first part. According to the production team, the movie will be shot simultaneously in English, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. It will be dubbed into major Indian and leading foreign languages.
Shetty, founder and Chairman of UAE Exchange and NMC Healthcare, said: “I believe that this film will not only set global benchmarks, but also reposition India and its prowess in mythological storytelling.
“I am confident that this film will be adapted in over 100 languages and reach over 3 billion people across the world.”
In Kerala, Vasudevan Nair, said: “I’m happy with Shetty’s faith in the potential of the story and his passion and commitment to take it to global audiences.”
Mohanlal is currently enjoying a terrific spell of success. His recent movie, ‘Puli Murugan,’ is reported to have collected over Rs100 crore, a figure unheard of in small regional markets like Malayalam.
Despite the repeated taunts from Kamaal Khan, Mohanlal has maintained a dignified silence, though he is otherwise active in the social media.
Sir @Mohanlal you look like Chota Bheem so then how will u play role of Bheem in Mahabharata? Why do you want to waste money of B r shetty? KRK @kamaalrkhan