Vidya Balan had opted out of the Malayalam biopic of Kamala Das. Then the director told to a daily, "I still don’t get it. We signed up Vidya nine months ago. I had sent her the movie’s script along with Madhavikutty’s books and several videos. Vidya had gone through her dialogues. Then, just five days to go before the shooting, she sent a message that she was not able to do the part. We had put everything in place but the project had to be delayed. This is the first such instance in my 37-year-long career. Vidya’s decision hurt me personally. She faced the camera for the first time in a movie directed by me. Everyone associated with Aami was hurt by her decision."

But when Vidya was asked about opting out of the biopic, she said, "I had creative differences with the director. Kamala Das was someone loved, respected, revered."

She also said, "I’m absolutely sure that Kamal sir will make a great film. Manju Warrier is a fabulous actor, to say the least. I whole-heartedly wish the team well."

Now a Malayalam actress is signed for the film, "This role is a challenge for Manju. But we have to drop these prejudices. Madhavikutty is a writer known for her exposes. Manju has also taken courageous decisions in her life. I expect Manju to assimilate this character. She has to prepare for it. I have asked her to put on weight for the movie."

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