Who is delaying Raavan

Abhishek Bachchan does not make a convincing Raavan.

Everyone knows of Mani Ratnam’s penchant for re-shooting his films. So why should Raavan be any less re-worked? Some portions are being re-shot as the filmmaker is not happy with the rushes.

A source confirms, “Mani Sir is not happy with Abhishek Bachchan’s performance in the film, compared to Southern superstar Vikram, who seems to be stealing Jr Bachchan’s thunder with his fine performance. Since he is not the central character, Mani Sir thinks he will over-shadow Abhishek, who is the hero of the film and so he wants to re-shoot some scenes just to make sure Abhishek is not over looked.”

As for Aishwarya, she will have a dance choreographed by internationally renowned dancer Astad Deboo, and she is thrilled with the prospect of working with him. Aishwarya is also an old hand when it comes to her association with Mani Ratnam, with whom she did her first film Iruvar.

Raavan also stars Govinda, and the film is being made simultaneously in Tamil as Ashokavanam with a different cast.

The story of Raavan is a closely guarded secret. However, what is known is that in the film the sister of Abhishek Bachchan is humiliated publicly by the character played by South star Vikram. Thereafter, Abhshek kidnaps Aishwarya Rai, the wife of Vikram as revenge. Both of them take shelter in the jungle chased by the police. Thereby, both of them fall in love.

Raavan is only a reference point and Mani Ratnam does not want to court controversy by suggesting that Sita falls in love with Raavan. Knowing this, Raavan is likely to court trouble, owing to public pressure, when the film is released in early 2010.

The New Year is sure to start with a bang!