Mani Ratnam is making brisk progress on 'Ponniyin Selvan'. After a short stint in Puducherry, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vikram, Jayam Ravi and others have apparently commenced the final schedule of the period drama in Hyderabad. A set of a huge fortress has been constructed on a hillock at Ramoji Film City, where Vikram’s character — Aditya Karikalan — will lead a war.

“Vikram has already shot a crowd sequence. Over the next few days, Mani sir will shoot some intense scenes with Aishwarya, Karthi, Trisha and Jayam, and a song with the entire cast. Post that, he will film the Chola expedition that sees Karikalan defeat the Pandya king, Veerapandyan,” reveals a trade source. 

Envisaged in two parts, the magnum opus will trace the early days of Arulmozhivarman, who became Emperor Rajaraja Chola I. Rai will be seen in a double role as princess Nandini, and her mother, queen Mandakini Devi. “Nandini manipulates her husband, leading to the downfall of the Chola empire.” The source adds that some portions will be shot in Tamil Nadu and other regions across India.