Soundarya to change the format of 'Sultan'

Soundarya Rajinikanth, the director of "Sultan the Warrior", which is touted as a Rs 2- billion cartoon extravaganza profiling her father's life and work, is considering including in it the superstar's live action to increase the duration of the one-hour animation film to 2-1/2 hours and make it a regular commercial film.

The live action, it is said, will appeal to all sections of the audience and not just children.

Actress Ileana's name is mentioned to play opposite Rajinikanth in the 'live portion' and she is said to be very keen to sign the project. Many other actresses are in the race and no final decision has yet been taken, according to sources.

Soundarya originally wanted to make the movie with animated Rajinikanth playing the protagonist.

By increasing the duration of the film and making it a regular commercial film with Rajini's presence, the producers are said to be hoping to sell its rights for a price even higher than that "Kuselan" has fetched.

The film is being produced jointly by Ocher Studios owned by Soundarya and Warner Brothers.

A.R. Rahman has scored the music for the film and the graphics and visual effects have been done by Soundarya's team at Ochar.