Raavan is a 2010 Tamil film written, produced and directed by Mani Ratnam. The film stars Vikram in the title role, with Aishwarya Rai and Prithviraj essaying the other leading roles as well as consisting of a strong supporting cast led by Karthik, Prabhu and Priyamani. Featuring dialagoues from Suhasini, music from A. R. Rahman, editing from Sreekar Prasad and cinematography shared by Santosh Sivan and V. Manikandan, the was also made simultaneously in Hindi as Raavan, with a slightly different cast. Furthermore, the film wad dubbed and released into Telugu[2] as Villain, with all three versions releasing simultaneously on 18 June 2010. The film follows the crux of the epic Ramayana, with a ruthless police officer on the chase to find a tribal leader and lawbreaker, who has kidnapped his wife. Veeraiya, the kidnapper and his motif for the kidnap has been led on by the death of his sister, as a result of police custodial torture and brutal rape. The film explores the search by the officer, whilst exploring the changing emotions that the three protagonists experience with each other, leading to a riveting climax, situated in the jungle. Raavan was announced in February 2008, amidst much hype of the celebrated director, Mani Ratnam's return to Tamil films, whilst Vikram's and Aishwarya Rai's selection in the lead roles, creating more anticipation. Shooting began soon after, and took place in various locations with a record number of extras in areas including Chalakudy, Kerala and Ooty, Tamil Nadu amongst other regions throughout India.