Mani Ratnam Announces New Film with Vijay Sethupathi & Sai Pallavi; AR Rahman On Board
Acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam has officially announced his next project, bringing together an exciting combination of talent. The film will star Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi in lead roles, with music composed by A. R. Rahman.
The announcement comes amid recent speculation that composer Sai Abhyankkar would be part of the project. However, the makers have now confirmed Rahman’s involvement, putting all rumours to rest.
Official Announcement
The project, tentatively referred to as Madras Talkies Production 23, was revealed through a joint social media post by Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions.
The announcement read:
“Delighted to welcome Sony Music South as the Audio Partner for #MadrasTalkiesProduction23. A Mani Ratnam Film. An AR Rahman Musical. Produced by Lyca Productions and Madras Talkies. Starring Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi.”
The film will also have Sony Music South as its audio partner.
Fans React to AR Rahman’s Return
Fans were quick to celebrate the reunion of Mani Ratnam and A. R. Rahman, a duo known for delivering iconic soundtracks over the years. Social media was flooded with excitement, with many calling it a “soulful album loading.”
While a section of fans had hoped to see Sai Abhyankkar onboard, the majority expressed relief and excitement over Rahman’s inclusion, expecting a musically rich experience.
After the Setback of Thug Life
Mani Ratnam’s previous film Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan, failed to meet expectations at the box office. Despite a massive budget reportedly between ₹200–300 crore, the film earned under ₹100 crore globally.
The film also featured Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, and Abhirami in key roles. Many viewers had expected it to recreate the magic of Nayakan, but it fell short of those expectations.
What’s Next for the Lead Stars
Vijay Sethupathi continues to stay busy with a diverse lineup. After appearing in Ace, Thalaivan Thalaivii, and the silent film Gandhi Talks, he has several projects in the pipeline, including Jailer 2, Train, Slum Dog: 33 Temple Road, and Arasan. Notably, this marks his second collaboration with Mani Ratnam after Chekka Chivantha Vaanam.
Meanwhile, Sai Pallavi was last seen in Thandel (2025) and has an exciting slate ahead. She is set to make her Bollywood debut with Ek Din and Ramayana: Part 1 & 2, along with a Tamil project alongside Dhanush.
A Promising Collaboration
With Mani Ratnam at the helm, A. R. Rahman’s music, and a strong lead cast, expectations are already high for this upcoming film. While further details about the storyline and release date are yet to be revealed, the announcement has certainly generated strong buzz among fans and the industry alike.
