Tuesday May 19 2009, Chennai

Santosh Sivan replaces Manikandan!

Santosh Sivan has replaced Manikandan as the cinematographer in Mani Ratnam’s ambitious bilingual venture, 'Raavan'/'Asokavanam', it is reported. As of now, the film is only 60 percent complete.

Manikandan could not complete the shoot of the film as he had a commitment to honour with Shah Rukh Khan’sRed Chillies. He is the cinematographer for Farah Khan directed 'Happy New Year', scheduled to start in June.

The shooting for 'Raavan' was delayed due to Mani Ratnam's illness and hospitalisation. Earlier, Manikandan had left Shankar’s 'Anniyan' midway through the shoot so as to honour a commitment he had in Mumbai. Then also, the film was delayed beyond Manikandan's contract.

Mani Ratnam has worked with Santosh Sivan in four films- 'Thalapathy', 'Roja', 'Iruvar' and 'Dil Se'.