Sonam Vs. Aamir: A battle over Mahabharata?

By Nichola

on December 20, 2017

Will Sonam Kapoor’s latest move compel Aamir Khan to ditch his own epic plans? We think not! The actress has acquired the rights of Govinda, a modern retelling of the Mahabharata by Krishna Udayasanar. The book, the first in the Aryavarta Chronicles, was a bestseller, and will be followed by Kaurava and Kurukshetra.

Govinda, set in ancient Aryavarta, portrays a world filled with romance, political machinations, deception, murder, adventure, and loyal ties of friendship. And Sonam, a keen reader herself, is gung-ho about its movie adaptation. Needless to say, she will feature in the film, though all she will say as of now is, “I don’t know which character I will essay, but it’s Indian mythology, which is spectacular and has a lot of potential.”

She’s absolutely right on that count. One of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the Mahabharata has weaved its magnetism over the centuries, with its narrative of the Kurukṣetra War, the dynastic struggle for the throne, and the fates of the Kaurava and the Pāṇḍava princes, combined with philosophical and devotional material.

Just two days ago, news had emerged about Aamir Khan’s intention to spend the next full decade working on a massive Mahabharata project, which would stretch into several films. The actor was touted to not only produce these films but also play roles in all of them. This mythological franchise was alleged to be the reason why he pulled out of the Rakesh Sharma biopic film Salute, so he could give his magnum opus his complete attention. Aamir was expected to finish the shoot of his upcoming Thugs of Hindostan, before starting work on his mythological series. His protegee Fatima Sana Shaikh had also posted an image of the book she was reading – the classic epic – leading to speculation that she would also feature in the film franchise. Secret Superstar director Advait Chandan had apparently already started work on the first part of this mammoth project, which has the entire Aamir camp stirred and shaken.

With Sonam throwing down the gauntlet, it looks like war. May the better warrior win!