A source tells us, ‘Mani is impressed by Ranbir’s acting prowess. It only helps that he draws crowds at the box office. The combination of Ranbir and Mani will be an absolute winner because Mani makes quality cinema and he will be able to extract a stunning performance from Ranbir, who is an effortless actor anyway. Mani Ratnam has seen Ranbir grow as an actor. He played a lovelorn guy in Saawariya, then a playboy who turns over a new leaf in Bachna Ae Haseeno, followed by a confused young boy who takes control of his life in Wake Up Sid!, in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani he played a happy-go-lucky lover boy, he will be portraying a Sardar in Rocket Singh and a suave political heir in Rajneeti.’

Our source adds, ‘Mani Ratnam’s Raavana will release in March. After that he will start shooting for his next film, Azan, which he is scripting right now. The director wants Ranbir to play the lead role. The film is named after the Muslim call of prayer. Unlike recent films such as Kurbaan and New York, there will be no Muslim terrorists in the film. In fact Azan is a pro-Muslim film that will show the community in a positive light.’

He continues, ‘Ranbir should take up the film as few people get the opportunity to work with Mani Ratnam. Ranbir will essay the titular role in Azan and will play a Muslim for the first time. In fact, he turned down an offer to play Vivek’s role in Kurbaan and even portrayed a Pathan in APKGK. Ranbir is fair and tall with brown eyes and healthy hair, so he can easily pass off as a Muslim.’

Ranbir Kapoor is currently shooting for Siddharth Anand’s Anjana-Anjani with Priyanka Chopra in Thailand and was unavailable for comment.