With Bollywood's "Ramayana" film gaining momentum, the spotlight is shifting to other ambitious epic projects, particularly "DanaveerasuraKarna," Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra's planned pan-India film about Karna.
Mehra's ambitious project, announced a year ago with a budget exceeding 300 crores, has faced delays due to funding constraints and Surya's busy schedule. The project, which was initially planned as a grand unveiling of Karna's story, has been put on hold for years.
However, recent reports suggest a revival of the project. Mehra is reportedly exploring budget modifications and potentially increasing investment in the film's visual effects.
The question now arises: With films like "Hanuman" breaking box office records without relying on big stars, is there a need for a prominent hero like Surya to lead this epic? Playing this legendary role, reminiscent of the late NTR and Sivaji Ganesan, could be a double-edged sword for Surya.
Currently, Surya is focusing on completing "Kanguva" and has "Vadivasal" with Vetrimaran lined up next. Lokesh Kanagaraj's "Rolex" is also in the pipeline, but its realization seems uncertain at this point.
If "Karna" pre-production is expedited, the film could potentially start filming soon. Otherwise, it could face further delays.
Meanwhile, fans are eagerly awaiting the release date of "Kanguva," which is slated for a 2024 release. With most Fridays booked from August to December, it remains to be seen when "Kanguva" will hit the screens.