PM Modi backs Mohanlal’s Mahabharata, calls it ‘pride of the nation’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has backed Mohanlal's upcoming big-budget epic The Mahabharata, which is based on MT Vasudevan Nair's iconic novel Randamoozham.

In a letter sent to producer BR Shetty, PM Modi said he was awaiting the release of film, and that it was a "matter of pride for the entire nation". To affirm the PM’s support to the film, the main cast and crew of the film will meet Modi on June 7. 

Also read: 'Change the name': Hindutva leader issues warning to Mohanlal's Mahabharata

Earlier, Hindu Aikya Vedi state president KP Sasikala had said that they would not allow the release of the film, if the makers used the name The Mahabharata.

Shetty wrote to the PM following this and Modi has now assured his full support to the project. In his letter, Shetty had said that the film would be a‘Make in India’ project.

Also read: Step aside Baahubali, Mohanlal announces Rs 1000 crore Mahabharata [Video]

On Sunday, Shetty had announced at a press meet that the Malayalam version of movie will be titled Randamoozham but out of respect for MT and not due to the Hindutva group's threat. However, the film will be titled The Mahabharata in all the other languages it releases.

The Mahabharata will reportedly be made on a record budget of Rs 1000 crore and will be released in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and English and will also be dubbed in other Indian and foreign languages.

• Mohanlal
• The Mahabharata
• PM Modi
• MT Vasudevan Nair
• Randamoozham