Suriya Drops Out of 350-Crore Project: The Story Behind the Abandoned ‘Karna’ Movie

Kalki 2898 AD, starring Rebel Star Prabhas and directed by Nag Ashwin, has been a massive success. Blending sci-fi with mythology, the film presents a grand visual spectacle. Featuring a star-studded cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani, the movie was made with a colossal budget of 600 crores. Released on June 27, Kalki 2898 AD has gained widespread acclaim and continues to make waves on OTT platforms.

Meanwhile, another mythological epic, Karna, was generating buzz in Bollywood. Directed by renowned filmmaker Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, Karna was set to star Tamil superstar Suriya. However, the film seems to have hit a roadblock.

The Birth of ‘Karna’

Suriya’s fans were excited to hear about his Hindi debut through Karna, an ambitious project based on the Mahabharata’s legendary character, Karna. Rakesh Omprakash Mehra planned to bring this iconic character to life in a two-part epic. The project gained momentum, and actress Janhvi Kapoor was rumored to be cast as the female lead. Pre-production was well underway, and approximately Rs. 15 crores had already been spent on initial work.

The Kalki Effect

However, Karna faced a significant hurdle with the release of Kalki 2898 AD, in which Prabhas portrayed the role of Karna. This overlap reportedly caused Suriya to lose interest in the project, leading to doubts about whether Karna could compete with the success of Kalki 2898 AD. Financial concerns, combined with questions about the film’s box-office prospects, led to the project’s shelving.

Why Was ‘Karna’ Abandoned?

Beyond the Kalki connection, Karna’s budget, estimated at 350 crores, and concerns about its commercial viability played a critical role in the project’s halt. Despite the extensive effort put into pre-production, the film was ultimately shelved. This decision was a disappointment for both Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, who had long dreamt of making the film, and Suriya’s fans, who were eager to see him in such a challenging role.

Suriya’s Future: Ganguwa Still on Track

Despite the disappointment of Karna being shelved, Suriya’s upcoming film Ganguwa is still on track. Originally set for release on October 10, the release date has been adjusted to avoid a clash with Vettaiyan. Fans can now expect Ganguwa to have a solo release, ensuring it receives the spotlight it deserves.

While Karna may have been shelved, Suriya’s future projects continue to generate excitement and anticipation among his dedicated fanbase.

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