It's Preity, not Vidya or Madhuri in Shaji Karun's film

It had first been reported that actress Madhuri Dixit would be essaying the role of Suryamukhi in Shaji Karun's film by the same name, which is based on the life of iconic painter Raja Ravi Verma. Madhuri was the director's first choice followed by Vidya Balan, who was the second choice. But now it seems that the producers have zeroed in on Preity Zinta to portray the role of the painter's lover and muse.

The film deals with the relationship between the painter, to be portrayed by actor Madhavan, with a Maharashtrian woman who posed for his paintings. Apparently Ajay Devgan was the first choice for the role but the actor wasn't too interested. The director seems quite happy with Madhavan, who he feels has matured as an actor. Shaji has had the honour of taking three of his films to Cannes, and Suryamukhi could well be his fourth!