Renji Panicker to pen Prithvi’s Velu Thampi Dalawa

It’s raining historical projects for Prithviraj. After signing up for Hariharan’s Syamanthakam and R S Vimal’s Karnan, the latest we hear is that the actor will play the freedom fighter Velu Thampi Dalawa in another epic project later this year.
The movie, which will be directed by Viji Thampy, was first announced in 2010. The latest development is that the makers have roped in Renji Panicker to script the period drama.“The script is in progress,” says Renji Panicker, adding, “I wouldn’t want to make any announcement before completing it.” However, a source close to him tells us, “He is planning to finish scripting this project before he begins work on other films including the one directed by Shaji Kailas.”
While Viji Thampy tells us that it’s too soon to reveal anything about the project, its producer M Renjith says, “It’s a historical film based on Velu Thampi Dalawa’s life and his fight against the British. Currently, only Prithviraj has been confirmed as part of the cast.” Velu Thampi Dalawa was the prime minister of the Travancore kingdom in the early 1800s. Outraged by the East India Company’s constant interference in the affairs of the state, he led one of the first rebellions in India against the British imperialist regime. While the mutiny failed, his valour is still remembered.
Meanwhile, Prithviraj also has another historical project on the cards – Kunchirakkottu Kaali, which will be based on the real-life story of the eponymous hero of the 1600s, who was the trusted companion of the legendary warrior Iravikkutti Pillai.