Director Maniratnam had last scored a blockbuster return to form post the Kaatru Veliyidai debacle with the multistarrer movie Chekka Chivantha Vaanam starring Arvind Swamy, Simbu, Vijay Sethupathi, Arun Vijay, Jyothika, Aishwarya Rajesh, Aditi Rao Hydari, Prakashraj, and the movie had music by AR Rahman.

Next, the director is all set to make the film adaptation of Kalki's classic novel Ponniyin Selvan, and has been in talks with stars like Chiyaan Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Aishwarya Rai and Amitabh Bachchan. Years back, Maniratnam had planned a version with Vijay and Mahesh Babu but the project did not materialize.

The latest update on this project is that Maniratnam has been in talks to rope in Tollywood actor Mohan Babu for a powerful role in the movie. Mohan Babu has been a well known name in Kollywood as well being the friend of Superstar Rajnikanth, and having acted in the Telugu remake of Naatamai, where Rajnikanth played Vijayakumar's role. An official confirmation on Mohanbabu's presence in Ponniyin selvan is expected soon.