Director Sundar.C's ambitious historical fantasy 'Sangamithra' was yesterday (IST) launched at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France. The pre-production work of the film touted to be the costliest Indian film is underway for almost a year now.

In an exclusive chat with IndiaGlitz, Hema Rukmani (the CEO of Thenandal Studios Limited), which bankrolls this mega project, has said that the shooting of the mythical period duology will begin in the later half of 2017. The plan is to release the film by the end of 2018 or early 2019.

Shruti Haasan plays the titular character of a princess and she has trained in martial arts and sword fighting for her character in the film. Jayam Ravi and Arya will be seen in important male characters. Ravi has trained in horse riding, while Arya, a fitness freak, has worked up very hard to get the right physique.

'Sangamithra' will have the music score of AR Rahman, while Tirru of 'Janatha Garage' fame has been roped in for the cinematography. Art director Saby Cyril of 'Eega' and 'Baahubali' fame is working busily round the clock to design the grand sets for this 101st film of the prestigious Thenandal banner.