Dharavi Slum Being Recreated in Chennai for Rajinikanth’s Next?

‘Kabali’ director is reportedly spending more than Rs 5 Crore on recreating Dharavi in Chennai for Rajini’s next.

‘Kabali’ director is reportedly spending more than Rs 5 Crore on recreating Dharavi in Chennai for Rajinikanth’s next. (Photo courtesy: Kabali) 

Superstar Rajinikanth and director Ranjith, who had previously worked on Kabali, are reuniting for a yet-untitled project, which will be bankrolled by Dhanush. Originally planned to be shot in Mumbai, the makers have now decided to shoot in Chennai extensively and are currently erecting a set of the Dharavi slum, on a whopping budget of over Rs 5 Crore.

A huge set of Dharavi is currently being constructed in Chennai. Ranjith and the film’s art director had spent a couple of weeks in Mumbai, and closely studied the lifestyle of the slum. Ranjith is very particular that the set should look very authentic and shouldn’t give the viewer the feeling that it’s actually a set. The entire set work will cost about Rs 5 Crore. In the next two weeks, the set will be completed. The principal shooting will commence from May 28.

A source

The source also added that Rajinikath will sport a different look once again. It's still uncertain as to who will play Rajinikath's love interest in the film. Vidya Balan is said to be the current front-runner, but nothing has been finalised yet. Santhosh Narayanan, Kabali’s music composer, has been signed on and has apparently commenced work on the project.

The film is rumored to be based on the life of the Mumbai-based gangster Haji Mastan, but it is yet to be officially confirmed. Sources also tell us that it's unlikely to be based on his life. However, it is yet to be seen whether the Kabali pair can repeat their box-office success once again.