AJITH’S NEXT WITH RATHNAM
The veteran producer and the actor have buried their differences and the former will be producing the star’s next
V Lakshmi
In the film industry, friends turning foes or vice versa is a frequent phenomenon. Some time back, the rift between Ajith and veteran producer A M Rathnam over their respective stand over an industry-related issue was the talk of town. It’s no news that Rathnam, who was to do a film with Ajith before the rift and had paid him an advance, demanded the actor return the money. It looked like the two would never work together after that.
But now, the table seems to have turned and the buzz is that Rathnam has offered a whopping 15 crore to Ajith for his next film post Billa 2. While the deal is yet to be inked, a hesitant Rathnam tells CT, “Yes, I will be doing a film with Ajith. I’m in talks and it’s too early to confirm now. The details of the project can be revealed only later.”
A source close to the actor concurs, “Ajith’s next project is being produced by A M Rathnam and right now, it looks like Vishnuvardhan will be directing the venture. But, of course, we will get a clear picture only after a while. As of now, Ajith is concentrating on Billa 2 and is working hard on his character. But the project with Rathnam will go on floors only by December, after Ajith finishes Billa 2.”
Interestingly, Ajith, who worked with Vishnu in Billa, was supposed to work with him on Billa 2 as well. But, due to an earlier commitment, the director had to walk out of the prequel, which is now being directed by Chakri Toleti (of Unnaipol Oruvan fame). However, Ajith had always maintained that Vishnu is one of his favourite directors and he would definitely work with him in the future.
