Aishwarya Rai has a huge fan following in India as well as in the world. In her initial days in the film industry, she had worked in many South Indian movies such as Mani Ratnam's Tamil film Iruvar and Jeans directed by S Shankar. She later acted with Rajinikanth in Endhiran.

Now after a long break, Aishwarya will back in Kollywood with Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan  (son of Kaveri), a film based on the Tamil classic novel of the same name penned by Kalki Krishnamurthy. 

Ponniyin Selvan is a mega-budget film which has some popular actors from the south including Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Keerthy Suresh and Amala Paul. Like Mani Ratnam's earlier movies, Ponniyin Selvan will be a pan-Indian film, which will be simultaneously made in multiple languages.

The latest update about Aishwarya's role is that she will be seen in dual roles in the Lyca Productions-funded flick. According to reports, Aishwarya would be playing the role of Nandini, wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, the second most powerful person in the Chola kingdom. 

 

Mani Ratnam and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

She will also be seen in the role of Mandakini Devi aka Singala Naachiyaar aka Oomai Rani, the mute queen and mother of Nandini. It means she will be seen playing the role of a mother and daughter. In the movie, Nandini is the main antagonist, and it is said to be the most challenging project of her career.