Kamal and Disney to produce most expensive film

In what seems to be another feather in the cap of one of India’s finest actors, Kamal Haasan will now join forces with none other than Walt Disney Productions, who are slated to produce his forthcoming film Marma Yogi (Mysterious Saint). According to the buzz, this big-budget spectacle will be co-produced by Bharath Bala, who was responsible for Vande Mataram, the first patriotic music video by A. R. Rahman which made waves several years ago. The new collaboration will see Kamal Haasan and A. R. Rahman coming together after a long gap.




According to sources, Walt Disney Productions, which recently tied up with Yash Raj Films for a full-length animated feature called Roadside Romeo, wanted to expand its operations across the country. And this is why Marma Yogi was chosen.



The film, which is said to be directed by Kamal Haasan will be his fourth directorial venture. It is a period drama, set in the seventh century, which will also feature him in the lead role. Hema Malini, who worked with Kamal in Hey Ram and Asin who is cast opposite him in Dasavadharam have been roped in to play key roles. There is yet another heroine in the film. Co-incidentally, Marma Yogi is the title of one of MGR’s legendary blockbusters, which is known to be the first Tamil film to receive an ‘A’ certificate at the time of its release in 1951.

This is the second time that Kamal has adopted the title of an MGR film (after Sathi Leelavathi of 1936). The new film, which is touted to be the most expensive film ever made in the country, has an astronomical budget of approximately Rs 120 crore. The movie seems all set to compete against Rajnikanth’s recently announced film, Robot in the race to become India’s most expensive film to date. Kamal will shortly go to the US to discuss the production of this film, which is slated to be shot in Thailand. Kamal plans to start shooting for this film in February.