Satish Kaushik celebrates birthday : Bollywood News

The success of Lagaan, Gadar and Devdas has perhaps set off a trend of historical films. While the year 2004 has a lineup of period dramas in making like 'The Rising', 'Swades' and 'Kisna', the latest addition in the league of historical films is Rajkumar Santoshi's next. And No, it's not Mahabharat, the idea he was toying the last time around.

While his latest film Khakee is all set to release very soon, the prolific filmmaker has confirmed in a leading daily that his next film will be a period drama based on the life of legendary Rajput warrior and king, Prithviraj Chauhan. The film titled Prithviraj Samyukta is a love story set against the backdrop of violence and hatred.

Ajay Devgan has been finalized to play the role of Prithviraj Chauhan for which he will be learning archery and fencing skills. This will be Devgan's fourth film with Santoshi. The leading lady of the film, who would play Samyukta, has not yet been finalized though Santoshi has Aishwarya in mind.

Santoshi has already sent team to Prithviraj's hometown to do research work. Considering the tremendous amount of detailing and research that Santoshi does for his films (The Legend of Bhagat Singh being the best example), one does look forward to this film.