Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus period film, Ponniyin Selvan, is growing bigger by the day even before its filming is underway. The latest addition to the cast is Malayalam actor 'Lal' who was recently seen is Prabhas starrer 'Saaho'. The actor has confirmed doing the film in his latest interview to Manorama Online. He is set to play the role of an aged warrior in the period drama. 

The actor's long time dream to work with Mani Ratnam has been fulfilled by bagging a role in his most-ambitious project. Lal who was earlier offered a role in "Kadal' couldn't take it up at that time due to other project commitments. He has also started learning horse riding for his character. 

The pre-production work of Ponniyan Selvan is happening in full swing and the film is expected to go on floors in December in Thailand. The film boasts of an ensemble cast which includes Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Keerthy Suresh, Aishwarya Rai, Amala Paul, Parthiban and Jyothika among others. 

 Ponniyin Selvan is based on the  epic Tamil novel of the same name written by Kalki Krishnamoorthy. The epic drama produced by Lyca Productions, is being planned on a magnanimous scale. Mani Ratnam is yet to make an official announcement about his dream project.