There has been much speculation around Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's next, with rumours suggesting that she may reunite with Mani Ratnam for a film based on the historical Tamil novel, Ponniyin Selvan. In the latest development, mid-day has learnt that the actor has given a go-ahead to the period drama. With his favourite actor on board, the auteur has now put the multi-lingual into overdrive and hopes to take it on floors by the year-end.

The film, based on the life of Arulmozhi Varman who became the great Chola emperor, will see Rai as the antagonist. Says a trade source, "The story takes place in the 10th century before Raja Raja Chola became a king. Aishwarya will be seen as Nandini, the wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, who served as the chancellor and treasurer of the Chola kingdom. Her character is written as a mysterious, power-hungry woman who manipulates her husband to plan the downfall of the Chola empire because she has been wronged by them."