On Friday an FIR was lodged by Abdullapurmet Police, Hyderabad against Madras Talkies, the production house of director Mani Ratnam, and the owner of the horse. As per the complaint and reports during the shoot of Mani Ratnam's film Ponniyin Selvan a horse was involved in a head-on collision and died on August 11. It is also claimed that the owner of the horse allowed the shoot crew to work with the horse even when the animal was not in a stable condition. PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) India also filed a complaint and Animal Welfare Board has called the director for an inquiry.
The complaint is filed under Section 11 of the PCA Act, 1960, and Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. While a statement from the director’s team is awaited, PETA India Chief Advocacy Officer Khushboo Gupta issued a statement and said, "In the age of computer-generated imagery (CGI), production companies have no excuse for forcing exhausted horses to play at war until one of them drops dead."
The Golden Era comes to life! #PonniyinSelvan #PS1 #ManiRathnam @LycaProductions @MadrasTalkies_ pic.twitter.com/orEAEhq2L1
— R Sarath Kumar (@realsarathkumar) July 20, 2021
Recently, a concept poster for the film has been released. The film is being co-produced by Lyca Productions and Madras Talkies Banners. It will be released in several parts. The film is set against the backdrop of the Chola Empire. The film stars Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Prakash Raj, Karthi, and others. Ponniyin Selvan is an epic historical action-drama film directed by Mani Ratnam. Recently actress Aishwarya had returned to Mumbai post her schedule wrap. The film is based on Kalki Krishnamurthy's 1995 novel of the same name. The magnum opus also has music is by A. R. Rahman.
Mani Ratnam's dream movie Ponniyin Selvan will be released in two parts. The first part of the film will be released in 2022
Image source/Twitter