Mahesh Babu to play Aamir Khan

The Bollywood blockbuster 3 Idiots will finally have a Telugu version. But strangely, the reclusive Mahesh Babu has been signed on to reprise the role essayed to such perfection by Aamir Khan. Strangely, because Aamir went all out to promote the film, including hanging out at university campuses to talk about the movie and its philosophy. One can’t quite see Mahesh Babu who went into hibernation doing all that.

Gemini Film Circuit has bagged the remake rights of this movie for Telugu and Tamil. While actor Vijay has been signed on for the Tamil version, the movie will be directed by Shankar, who is currently busy with Endhiran starring Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Harris Jayaraj is rumoured to be the music director for both versions of the film.

Kiran, who heads the Gemini Film Circuit had been holding talks with the producer of 3 Idiots, Vidhu Vinod Chopra for the past six months. There was speculation that Pawan Kalyan would play the lead, but the actor has reportedly rejected the proposal considering his age and ‘image’.

The production house is also not revealing the price at which they have bought the remake rights. Sources however claim that Rs 15 crore was paid for the rights in both the languages. “It is confidential and we can’t reveal the price we paid. Mahesh Babu will play the lead and we are yet to finalise the actors for other two characters in the film,” said Kiran, the producer. The film is expected to hit the screens by summer next year.

However, industry sources say they doubts the film will click considering that it was widely watched in Hindi and Mahesh Babu is certainly no Aamir Khan!