The story of Raavan revolves round Seeta. The film however, is about Aishwarya, says director Maniratnam. In the Ramayana, we are told Raavan had 10 heads. The Mani Ratnam film is based on that aspect. It is a difficult subject. Questions Mani: ‘‘Did such a man ever exist? Was he just a myth or does he live even today? What’s the line that divides good from evil…does our understanding change when we look from the opponent's perspective?”
Initially, Mani had asked Abhishek to act in the Tamil version too. Abhishek opted out, citing lack of familiarity with Tamil. Once Abhishek declined, Prithviraj stepped into the Tamil version. He plays Dev in it and Vikram essays Raavan. Raavanan is being released with 220 prints and 125 abroad.
The film starring Abhishek-Aishwarya and Tamil superstar Vikram was released in 2200 screens worldwide in three languages. Reliance BIG Pictures, the co-producers with Ratnam's Madras Talkies, said it is the first Indian film to release simultaneously in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
The Hindi version was released in 1250 screens in India and in 325 screens in 35 countries including US, Canada, UK, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa, Netherlands, France, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, said Sanjeev Lamba, CEO, Reliance BIG Pictures.