The shooting of Mani Ratnam's most-ambitious project 'Ponniyin Selvan' has started rolling in Thailand. Jayam Ravi and Karthi have started shooting for their portions. According to reports, Karthi plays Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan and Ravi essays the role of Arulmozhi Varman in the movie. The first schedule of the film will last for 40 days.

Vikram who is also part of the drama is expected to join the sets later after completing his upcoming film with Ajay Gnanamuthu tentatively titled 'ChiyaanVikram 58'. 

The film boasts a huge starcast that includes Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Amala Paul, Lal, Ashwin Kakamanu and Jyothika amongst others. Vikram Prabhu is the latest addition to the film's cast. Most of the actors have already started prepping for their role in the project. 

The film is based on the epic novel written by Kalki Krishnamurthy. Ponniyin Selvan narrates the story of Arulmozhivarman, one of the famous kings of the Chola dynasty during the 10th and 11th centuries. The period drama bankrolled by Lyca Productions is set to be made in two-parts and has music by AR Rahman.