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Ever since Vidya Balan walked out of Kamala Das biopic, Aami, the makers were left in dismay to find an apt actor for the titular role. The Kahaani actress pretty much dumped the filmmaker in the most unprofessional way citing reasons of not being able to connect with the role. There have been speculations about the Vidya being replaced by by Tabu for the iconic role of Kamala Das aka Kamala Surayya aka Madhavikutty. Kamal the director of the film now confirmed that its not Tabu but Manju Warrier who has been roped in for the biopic of the noted writer.
Filmmaker Kamal confirming the reports said Manju Warrier has been finalised to play Kamala Das as he found some resemblance in terms of character and physical aspects. He was quoted saying during the International Film Festival of Kerala that, “I expect Manju Warrier will easily get under the skin of the character.” Further talking Vidya Balan’s exit, he said, “She had informed me about her decision even before IFFK. I learnt later that she told the media that she opted out of Aami due to a few changes in the script. But the script has not changed so far.” (ALSO READ: Will Vidya Balan agree to play grey role in Soumik Sen’s next?)
Aami is expected to go on floors by November 2016 but got delayed due to Vidya’s untimely exit. Kamal had mentioned that the Begum Jaan actress’ move was ‘unethical’ and ‘unprofessional’. Moreover, he is clueless about the reason behind her exit till now. According to the Aami director, Vidya knew about the script for nearly a year. He said, “I met her in Mumbai and arranged a person to read the script to her and make her thorough with the language. She said it was an excellent script. A photo shoot was conducted and costumes were designed as per the character’s requirement. Even the cast was decided. However, five days before the commencement of the shoot in Ottapalam, she said she was quitting the film.” (ALSO READ: Begum Jaan first still: Vidya Balan’s hauntingly real look as a brothel ‘Madam’ will BLOW your mind)
Vidya had sent SMS to Kamal stating that she couldn’t connect with the character. On the contrary, Kamal assumes that Kamala Das’ controversial life and her decision to convert into Islam in her last years might have concerned the Bollywood star. He adds, “Recently, she faced some setbacks in Bollywood. A film in South India during this period may affect her future prospects. This may be a reason for her sudden decision.” (ALSO READ: Vidya Balan wants to work with Dangal star Aamir Khan)
Further talking about Manju the new leading lady of Aami having similar concerns, Kamal said, “I don’t think Manju would quit due to any external threats.” With the Malayali actress coming in, this would mark Kamal’s third project with Manju Warrier. She has returned to Mollywood after a gap of nearly 14-years in 2014. Aami will be extensively shot in Ottappalam, Ernakulam, Mumbai and Kolkata and is likely to be wrapped up in around three months.
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