Mani Ratnam's ambitious project 'Ponniyin Selvan' has begun principle photography in the forests of Thailand and initial portions are going to be shot with Karthi and Jayam Ravi who play Vanthiya Devan and Arulmozhi Varman respectively.  Keerthy Suresh was roped in for the central female character Kunthavai but it is reported that she has opted out of the project due to date clashes.  The Best Actress National Award Winner has given bulk dates to 'Thalaivar 168' in which she is paired opposite Superstar Rajinikanth.

Parthiban, Amala Paul and Sathyaraj also opted out of 'Ponniyin Selvan' at various stages of pre-production.  Vikram is set to play Karikala Chozhan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Nandini and Sarathkumar as Pazhaya Vettaiayar.  Trisha, Lal, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Jayaram and Ashwin Kakamanu are said to be playing other important roles and the official announcement of the project is expected in a couple of days' time.