For years, Ram Gopal Varma has been working on Raktha Charitra (Rattha Charitram in Tamil), the life story of Paritala Ravi, prime suspect in many murders. At last, the story will be narrated on celluloid with Vivek Oberoi in the title role; but the sweet news for South Indians is that Suriya has been cast in a pivotal role! This trilingual is being made simultaneously in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.

Rakta Charitra will have actor Vivek Oberoi as rebel-turned politician Paritala Ravi, one of the most feared individuals in the blood-ridden faction politics of South India. Suriya will play the role of Maddalcheruvu Suri, Paritala Ravi's opponent. Suriya's role is almost equal to that of the lead protagonist.

Ram Gopal Varma's script reportedly lasts for about five hours on screen. Hence, he divided the theme into two parts: Rakta Charitra 1 and Rakta Charitra 2. While the first part shows the rise of Paritala Ravi from forest to ballot, the second part deals with how he was trapped in the conspiracies of opponents.

Speaking about his Bollywood experience, Suriya said, "Bollywood has enough talented actors. I don't think I'm needed here. Rakta Charitra required only 30-40 days of my time, so I could manage. I do have my commitments in Tamil cinema and I can't give them up. Here the way of working is entirely different. I don't know whether I can fit in. I don't think I'd want to do run-of-the-mill Bollywood films."

The overseas rights of Rattha Charitram (Tamil version) have been sold for a record Rs 4.5 crores (over US $1 million)! With this, Suriya has joined the elite 'Million dollar club of Tamil superstars' which includes Rajinikanth ($2.5 million), Kamal Haasan ($1.5 million) and Vijay ($ 1 million). This is the highest-ever overseas price paid for a Suriya film.

Rakta Charitra is produced by Madhu Mantena; Mani Sharma is the music director. The film also stars Shatrughan Sinha, Priyamani, Radhika Apte, Subrat Dutta, Ashish Vidyarthi, Sudeep, Zarina Wahab, Raj Babbar and Ranjeet.