Mohanlal to star in Ibsen adaptation

Thiruvananthapuram, May 23 (IANS) Malayalam superstar Mohanlal is all set to play the title role in an adaptation of a famous work of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen.

"Akashagopuram" (Castles in the air), directed by veteran filmmaker K.P. Kumaran, is based on Ibsen's "Master Builder".

"It is going to be a film with a lot of difference. This character is unlike the characters that I normally portray. It has got lust, romance, greed and anxiety and it is a subtle film. It is one character which has a philosophical approach and I am really excited to bag the role," Mohanlal told reporters here Tuesday.

"This is a film which will appeal across the boundaries and one which will be a visual treat to watch. In fact, this is one which is a metaphor on the life and times of Ibsen himself," said director Kumaran.

"I am really excited about this film because I love Kerala and it is my first venture outside of Bollywood," said producer Taizoon F. Khorakiwala.

"We expect to release it during Christmas and also take the movie to the Berlin Film Festival to be held in January next year. We would also take it to the 'art house circuits' in the US and Europe," added Khorakiwala.

Ibsen is generally acknowledged as the founder of modern prose drama who moved away from the romantic style and brought daily problems and ideas on to the stage.