central figure of the story. South actor Vikram plays Aishwarya's husband, Ram. Bipasha will begin filming from mid September for a period of 20 days. Her 40 minute long role is important and includes an item song.

Mandodari, the beautiful and pious daughter of the King of Danavas, Mayasura and the celestial dancer, Apsara Hema, is best known as the Queen Consort of Ravana. She was the mother of Indrajit, who got his name after defeating Indra, the King of Gods.

"Bipasha immediately said yes to the role. She had agreed to do it a month ago but Mani Ratnam had given her strict instructions to not talk about it," a source from the industry told Mumbai Mirror. "Bipasha's costumes are ready.