1. Vijay
![](https://d3avoj45mekucs.cloudfront.net/ulagam/media/ulagam/comedy_kannayiram_2018/1_20220712_151536_0000.png)
Thalapathy Vijay was Mani Ratnam's initial choice to play Vanthiyadevan in 2009. But the film was shelved just 7 days before the shooting commence due to financial constrains.
2. Mahesh Babu
![](https://d3avoj45mekucs.cloudfront.net/ulagam/media/ulagam/comedy_kannayiram_2018/6_20220712_151536_0005.png)
Mahesh Babu was also Mani Ratnam's first choice for playing a significant role in the film alongside Vijay, Arya, Amala Paul and Anushka Shetty. However, the actor opted out of the movie due to the decade-long delay.
3. Keerthi Suresh
![](https://d3avoj45mekucs.cloudfront.net/ulagam/media/ulagam/comedy_kannayiram_2018/8_20220712_151536_0007.png)
Keerthi Suresh had to choose between playing major roles in 'Ponniyin Selvan' and 'Annaatthe'. The actress chose to play Superstar Rajinikanth's sister in 'Annaatthe' and had to opt-out of Ponniyin Selvan due to the shooting date clash.
4. Suriya
![](https://d3avoj45mekucs.cloudfront.net/ulagam/media/ulagam/comedy_kannayiram_2018/2_20220712_151536_0001.png)
Suriya was among the actors considered for a vital role in the multi-starrer film. However, the actor didn't make it to the final list of casts for some unknown reasons.
5. Arya
![](https://d3avoj45mekucs.cloudfront.net/ulagam/media/ulagam/comedy_kannayiram_2018/7_20220712_151536_0006.png)
Similar to Vijay, Mahesh Babu, Amala Paul, and Anushka Shetty, Arya was also a part of the cast in 2009 when the movie was initiated. But the actor couldn't commit to the movie due to its postponment.
6. Anushka Shetty
![](https://d3avoj45mekucs.cloudfront.net/ulagam/media/ulagam/comedy_kannayiram_2018/5_20220712_151536_0004.png)
Anushka Shetty is among the initial cast confirmed to play a vital role in the postponed shooting in 2009. The actress opted out of the project once it was revived once again by the director.
7. Amala Paul
![](https://d3avoj45mekucs.cloudfront.net/ulagam/media/ulagam/comedy_kannayiram_2018/4_20220712_151536_0003.png)
Amala Paul joined the Ponniyin Selvan casts in 2009, but wasn't a part of the movie after its uncertain delay.
8. Vijay Sethupathi
![](https://d3avoj45mekucs.cloudfront.net/ulagam/media/ulagam/comedy_kannayiram_2018/3_20220712_151536_0002.png)
Kollywood's versatile hero Vijay Sethupathi rejected the offer to join the cast due to a conflict in shooting dates.
9. Simbu
![](https://d3avoj45mekucs.cloudfront.net/ulagam/media/ulagam/comedy_kannayiram_2018/9_20220712_151536_0008.png)
Actor Simbu was selected to play a crucial role in Ponniyin Selvan. The actor, however, was replaced later due to unknown reasons.
The highly anticipated 'Ponniyin Selvan' is in cinemas from 30th September onwards!