After years of anticipation, director Shankar's ambitious project, Velpari, is finally moving forward, but with some financial constraints. The historical, three-part fantasy epic, based on Su Venkatesan's novel Veera Yuga Nayakan Velpari, has reportedly found a producer in Pen Media, a Bollywood production house and film distribution company. However, unlike Shankar's previous ventures known for their massive budgets, Velpari is moving ahead under strict budgetary conditions.
The news of Velpari finding a producer comes after a period where Shankar faced challenges in securing funding, particularly after the lukewarm reception of his recent films Indian 2 and Game Changer, which, despite their large budgets, did not meet box office expectations. This context has led Pen Media to adopt a cautious approach, requiring Shankar to submit a detailed budget and shooting schedule for Velpari. Moreover, the production house has reportedly asked for a written assurance from the director that he will not exceed the agreed-upon budget.
This move is seen by many as a direct response to Shankar's history of exceeding planned budgets in his films. While the exact reasons for these overruns have not been publicly disclosed, the producers are keen on maintaining tight control over the financial aspects of Velpari to ensure the project stays on track.
Despite the budget constraints, Velpari remains a project of significant scale and ambition. Shankar envisions the film as a grand spectacle, comparable to Hollywood blockbusters like Game of Thrones and Avatar. The film will tell the story of the legendary Tamil ruler Vel Pari and his conflicts with the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms. While the lead actor is yet to be finalized, names like Suriya and Vikram are reportedly being considered for the role. There has even been speculation about actors like Ranveer Singh or Shah Rukh Khan joining the cast. A.R. Rahman is rumored to be composing the music for the film.
Currently, Shankar is actively involved in pre-production, focusing on budget planning and scheduling. The film is planned as a three-part series, aiming for a global audience. The adaptation of the historical novel Velpari is expected to showcase Shankar's vision on a grand scale, with high production values, costumes, art, and graphics. While the pressure is on to adhere to the budget, Shankar has expressed confidence in making his dream project a reality, aiming to explore new aspects of filmmaking with Velpari.
The film industry and fans alike are keenly observing whether Shankar can deliver a cinematic marvel within the defined budget. The success of Velpari under these conditions could set a new precedent for large-scale productions, proving that creative vision and financial discipline can go hand in hand.
