Marmayogi On Hold?

Has Kamal Haasan’s magnum opus Marmayogi, which was to be a joint production of Rajkamal and Pyramid Saimira been dropped?

The Kollywood grapevine is abuzz with rumours that the film has been shelved and Kamal has moved on to a new project. Another reason being stated is that Pyramid Saimira is not in a position to produce a mega budget movie
after the financial losses incurred due to the colossal failure of Kuselan. Kamal seems to have approached Sun Pictures, which decided to veto the project after going through the estimated budget report. Kamal’s dream project Marudhanayagam, also suffered a similar fate when it was shelved a couple of years back due to monetary constraints. A case of once bitten, twice shy, perhaps?

A press note issued on August 19, 2008 by Pyramid Saimira stated that they would produce Marmayogi in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu along with Rajkamal International. However, they remained mum on the budget and said, “We would not like to specify the exact cost of the project at this point.” The film is based on a story written by Kamal Haasan, who was also to direct the film and play the lead role. Five heroines — Hema Malini, Trisha, Shriya, Shobhana and Mumaith Khan were chosen by the actor to essay important roles along with Telugu star Venkatesh. A photoshoot of the film with Kamal and Trisha also took place at AVM studios in Chennai.

The same week, Trisha, who had given 200 days for the film, informed certain directors and producers that she was no longer a part of the project. She is reported to have signed Selvaraghavan’s new film with Vishal as her hero for which shooting is likely to start in January. She has also given the green signal to Gautham Menon to complete his long pending Chennayil Oru Mazhaikalam from December, and has also signed a new Telugu film. The first hint that the film was being dropped came when Kamal trimmed his beard, a look that he was sporting for Marmayogi and appeared in public at the Unnavrutham conducted by Nadigar Sangam. The first schedule of the film which was to start on November 5 in Ramoji Rao studio has been cancelled. Shriya, who was eager to shoot for the film, has now allotted the same dates for Vishal’s home production.

The latest we hear is that Kamal is starting an all new project titled Thalaivan Irukkiraan, for Gemini Films Circuit, who previously worked with the star in Vasool Raja MBBS. Sun TV, who has a working arrangement with Gemini Films is said to be closely associated with the project which will have music by AR Rahman. Rumour has it that it is going to be an action-adventure and will have a galaxy of stars like Rishi Kapoor, Venkatesh and Mohanlal. Sources close to Mohanlal confirmed that he will be a part of this film and was trying to juggle his dates to accommodate Kamal Haasan. A final sitting will be held in Chennai between Lal and Kamal some time next week to decide on the script. An official announcement will be made by Gemini Film Circuit, once the casting and logistics regarding the project is put in place, which will happen by the end of the month.