Raavan: Abhishek or Vikram?

Updated: June 15, 2010 09:39 IST

Here's a look at Abhishek and Vikram, Mani Ratnam's two Raavans who are all set to clash this Friday.

While Abhishek Bachchan plays the character of Raavan in Hindi version of the movie Raavan, southern star Vikram essays the similar character in Tamil Raavanan. Take a look…

Both, Abhishek and Vikram, say that the negative character of Raavan is the most challenging one.

According to Vikram, “I've done a lot of tortuous sequences in the past. But this one takes the cake and the ache.”

Both, Abhishek and Vikram, endured quite a bit of pain while shooting for this role.

Praising Mani Ratnam, Abhishek says, “I have the highest regard for him. He understands me very well.”

He says further, “He knows my capabilities and takes out the best from me.”

Even Vikram says that the character of Raavan was so tough that he had his physiotherapist with him to relieve his muscle pain.

We bring you exclusive images from Tamil Raavanan. Take a look

In the Hindi version, Vikram will be seen in a positive role as Aishwarya's husband while in Tamil he will play Beera, a negative character being essayed by Abhishek in the Hindi version.

Praising Aishwarya Rai, Vikram says, "I had to do two characters. But she had to play the same character twice in two languages one after another.”

He continues, “For example, if she had to climb a rock with me, she'd do it, climb down and then do it again with Abhishek."

"Abhishek is one of my best friends. I am known to be the prankster. But with Abhishek around, I had to withdraw from the brat race," said Vikram.

Playing Aishwarya's noble husband in the Hindi version and then the dark outlaw, who kidnaps her in the Tamil version, was not easy.

Talking about his role, Vikram says, "I had to do it in two consecutive shots one after another. It was very exciting for me.”

He says further, “Though I'm known to change my look, but going from the husband's look to the outlaw's look after six-seven months didn't seem feasible. So, we decided to do both versions simultaneously.

"When you see Raavan in two languages, you won't recognise me as the same person in both. I had to change my body language and get-up completely," says Vikram.

Aishwarya in a still from Tamil Raavanan.

Now Vikram's family is fighting over which version to watch first on release.

Aishwarya in a still from Tamil Raavanan.

Vikram has taken his time making an entry into Hindi films. "That's because my work in the south has been time-consuming. All my Tamil films take one to two years. I like to take my time over my projects. I didn't want to enter Hindi cinema until I was ready."