After the back to back failures of Indian 2 and Game Changer, director Shankar is once again in the spotlight, with reports suggesting a comeback attempt through his long-cherished dream project, Velpari. Buzz indicates he is in discussions with a pan-Indian star for the ambitious film.
Recent reports claim that production house Pen Media is willing to back Velpari, but only under strict terms and conditions. At the same time, strong speculation suggests Shankar is planning to cast Ranveer Singh and Vikram in lead roles, with an official announcement expected soon.
Interestingly, Shankar’s earlier collaboration plans with Ranveer Singh under Pen Media were reportedly dropped. Now, he appears to be revisiting the same actor and banner for Velpari, highlighting how crucial this project is for his career revival.
However, these rumours have triggered mixed reactions online. Some trackers feel Ranveer Singh’s pan-Indian appeal makes business sense, but others argue that casting a non-Tamil actor in a Tamil historical fiction like Velpari could affect the film’s authenticity.
Concerns have also been raised about the budget. Ranveer Singh’s recent film Dhurandhar crossed 1000 crores, and his remuneration is believed to be at its peak. Given Shankar’s recent form, a high budget could pose serious risks for the production house.
As of now, there is no official confirmation from the makers. It remains to be seen whether Ranveer Singh and Vikram will headline Velpari and how Shankar’s dream project will eventually shape up.
