Ace director Shankar has reportedly approached Tamil star Dhanush for a significant role in his ambitious project, ‘Velpari’. ‘Velpari’ is a dual hero subject that Shankar has been keen on. Sources suggest that Shankar inquired about Dhanush’s availability for the project and had even participated in the pooja function of Dhanush’s upcoming film, tentatively titled D55. Additionally, R Take Studios, a production company involved in D55, is reportedly in discussions with Shankar for his dream venture.
Shankar had earlier considered casting Tamil star Vikram and Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh in leading roles for ‘Velpari’. The project is based on the historical novel ‘Veera Yuga Nayagan Vel Pari’ by renowned Tamil writer Su Venkatesan. ‘Velpari’ revolves around the legendary Tamil king known for his valor, administration, generosity, and kindness. The phrase ‘Mullaikku Theru Koduthaan Pari’, widely used in Tamil Nadu, originates from a poem praising Pari’s act of saving a jasmine shrub by offering his chariot.
During a speech on ‘Velpari’, Shankar revealed his quest to read the novel during the Covid lockdown. Despite initial challenges, writer Su Venkatesan provided Shankar with a personal copy, impressing the director with the novel’s depth and historical insights about a king from 2000 years ago.
