Aishwarya reveals daughter Aaradhya's reaction when Mani Ratnam let her say 'action' on Ponniyin Selvan set

Aishwarya Rai shared how Aaradhya reacted when Mani Ratnam gave her the opportunity to say 'action' on Ponnyin Selvan sets. The actress shared how it is one of her cherished memories.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will soon return to the big screen with Mani Ratnam’s period drama, Ponniyin Selvan. She plays the role of Queen Nandini in the film. While speaking at a promotional event in Mumbai, Aishwarya spoke about how Aaradhya was mesmerised when she visited her on the sets of PS I.

Aaradhya visited her mother Aishwarya Rai on the sets of Ponniyin Selvan with her father Abhihek Bachchan. When asked what was Aaradhya's reaction, Aishwarya said, "At the time she was enthralled. Seeing a period drama is always exciting. And she did get the opportunity to visit on set. It was mesmerising (for her) and I could see that in her eyes. But I think my admiration for working with him (Mani Ratnam)...she respects him, she is in awe of him. And, I think what excited her the most was when one day she came on the set, he gave her the opportunity to say 'action'. She could not get over that. She was like 'aah, sir gave me that opportinity'. I don't think any of us had that opportunity. That's probably THE most cherished memory for her. She values it already and with growing years more so."

Ponniyin Selvan is touted to be a potential game-changer for the Tamil film industry. The two-part franchise has been shot on a budget of Rs 500 crore. Its stellar cast is headlined by Chiyaan Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Lal, and Sobhita Dhulipala, among others. Its soundtrack has been composed by AR Rahman. The film's cinematography has been handled by Ravi Varman. It will be distributed in Tamil Nadu by Red Giant Movies. Ponniyin Selvan will become the first Tamil movie to release in IMAX when it opens in theatres on September 30.

This will be Mani Ratnam's first release after the crime drama Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, which hit the screens in 2018 and emerged as a success. It remains to be seen whether the ace filmmaker is able to score another hit with his magnum opus.