SALMAN kHAN
Salman Khan Getty Images

Plot details of Salman Khan's next film Prem Ratan Dhan Payo have been revealed and looks like the Kick star's upcoming family drama has a storyline similar to Mark Twain's popular tale – The Prince and the Pauper.

According to a Times of India report, Khan will play a double role in the film where one of the characters will be that of a king.

"One of his [Salman] two roles is that of a king with a heart of gold who answers to the call of Ratan and rules over a fantasy kingdom. He has an identical twin, Prem, who's a 'common man' and miles removed from his world," states the TOI report.

A source close to the production told TOI that the film also has an evil step-brother to the king who has got a vengeful agenda of his own – this part will be played by Neil Nitin Mukesh.

Story of The Prince and the Pauper

Mark Twain's classic tale has been brought to screen previously in many different ways. A popular version, and one which comes closest to the plot of Khan's film, is as follows:

A King, although admired and respected by his subjects, longs for a more normal life away from the duties and responsibilities of managing his kingdom. His love interest is secretly having an affair with his step-brother who wants the throne for himself. Together, they plan to get rid of the king. However, things unfold differently when the king encounters a lowly commoner who looks exactly like him. The two decide to exchange lives temporarily and what follows is a roller-coaster ride of comedy and drama.

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is directed by Sooraj Barjatya, who has helmed Bollywood classics like Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and Hum Saath Saath Hain earlier.

The source also added, "Sooraj has written the character of Ratan with Salman in mind. He's the ideal raja, who is loved and worshipped by his subjects. Sonam Kapoor plays the role of a princess."

"Salman has given a lot of inputs for both the characters, Prem and Ratan, which are positive roles," the source said.

Khan is currently basking in the success of his recently released movie Kick, which is a remake of a Telugu film of the same name.

Bollywood