Vijaykanth set to play MGR

Chennai, July 8 (IANS) Tamil star and politician Vijaykanth is all set to don the role of former chief minister M.G. Ramachandran in an upcoming movie called "MGR, as the AIADMK leader was known to adoring millions.

Shooting for "MGR" is to begin soon and it will be the 150th film for the actor-politician who has a large fan following across Tamil Nadu.

Directing the movie will be Madhesh, who made hit film "Madurai" starring Vijay. He was once an associate of Shankar, director of Rajnikant blockbuster "Sivaji: The Boss".

Madhesh is said to have gone on a Canada tour to select a suitable location for the first schedule of shooting.

According to industry sources, the heroine's role in "MGR" was offered to top actresses including Nayantara, Shriya, Asin and Trisha but all of them turned it down pleading date problems.

Gurlin Chopra, who acted in "Thullal", has been signed on for the role subsequently, the sources said.

However, many wonder whether 'Karuppu MGR' (dark MGR), as Vijaykanth is known, will be able to re-create the strikingly fair-complexioned yesteryears hero and AIADMK founder.

And whether advanced make-up techniques will be used to make Vijaykanth appear fairer is not known. The producers are keeping the matter confidential.