Will Rajinikanth reprise Mammootty’s role?

While speculation is on about Rajinikanth approving Ranjith’s (of Madras fame) script, predominantly a lighthearted comic entertainer, there is also other buzz about the star’s upcoming flick. Having received a lukewarm response for his last two releases Kochadaiiyaan and Lingaa, it looks like Rajini is going easy on the scripts for his future offerings!

A little birdie tells us that Rajinikanth was approached for the remake of the Malayalam hit Bhaskar The Rascal which had Mammootty and Nayanthara in lead roles. Apparently, the Tamil remake rights of this family entertainer have been bought by veteran producer SS Durairaj.

According to inside sources, when Durairaj showed it to his family members, they felt that Rajinikanth would be perfect to play Mammootty’s character. Pleased with their feedback, the producer reportedly approached KS Ravi Kumar, who shares a good rapport with Superstar, to assist him in making the deal happen.

Sources say that Rajini watched the Malayalam film at a special screening and was very impressed with the plot. He is said to have given the go-ahead.  The source says, “Durairaj who has been on a hiatus, went all out to arrange for the finances to use this great opportunity. But there’s a twist in this tale. Apparently, Rajini suddenly called the producer and told him that he may not be able to do this film immediately”. A slightly shaken Durairaj asked if the Superstar can give him a commitment for a later date. But to his dismay, Rajini reportedly gave him an indecisive reply, which has put Durairaj in a spot of bother.

Rajini in the past reprised Mammootty in Kuselan, the Tamil remake of Kadha Paryumbol where he played himself, a Superstar. Durairaj however was not available for further comment.