Ali Peter John (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 13, 2015)

Two years after Ravi Chopra's death, his wife Renu and sons, Abhay and Kapil, are all set to revive the family banner. The trio are planning to launch three new films under BR Films and brainstorming sessions are currently on. While the trio are tight-lipped about the projects, Mirror has learnt that they are planning to turn their popular TV mega serial from the '80s, Mahabharat, into a feature film, as they have the rights to the complete script.

Confirming this Renu says, "It was my husband's idea to turn Mahabharat into a film after Chopra saab (BR Chopra) fell ill. But then he himself fell ill and after a seven-year battle, succumbed. After seeing Baahubali and the scale on which it was made, my sons felt it was time to fulfil Ravi's dream. I know it's not going to be easy. It'll have to be made with A-list stars and huge finances but the epic is still so relevant. Every character inspires one even today and Dr. Rahi Masoom Reza's lines touch people of all ages. It will take time but we are determined to make Mahabharat into a film. We just hope 'samay' (time) and God are on our side."

The banner, founded by B R Chopra, is associated with memorable films like Dhool Ka Phool, Dharamputra, Sadhna, Gumrah, Waqt, Hamraaz, Nikaah and Dhund, among others. It came under a cloud after some flops but the unprecedented success of Mahabharat saved it. After the senior Chopra's death, Ravi kept the show going with films like Baghban and Baabul. After his death Amitabh Bachchan, whom Ravi had directed in Zameer, spearheaded Bhoothnath and Bhoothnath Returns. Now, with Renu leading from the front, it's time for another Mahabharat.