Way back in 2011, Mani Ratnam wanted to make a mega-budgeted magnum opus with Mahesh Babu, Tamil superstar Vijay, Anushka Shetty and Arya. Even back then, its budget was touted to be Rs. 100 Cr. The project didn't happen for many reasons.

It's believed that 'Nawab' is the film which the fine filmmaker wanted to do as a mega South Indian multi-starrer in the past. It's allegedly based on Kalki Krishnamurthy's iconic Tamil novel 'Ponniyin Selvan'.

Those who have watched the trailer for 'Nawab' (which is 'Chekka Chivantham Vaanam' in Tamil) are of the view that the film is an "abridged version" of the aforementioned novel. Kings and princes in the novel have been replaced by gangsters, wannabe lords and more. From Prakash Raj's character to Arvind Swamy's, Vijay Sethupathy's, Simbu's and Aditi Rao Hydari's, they are all there in the novel.

But others have a different opinion. Mani might have made a different version of 'Godfather', they say.

The truth will be out on Sept 28.