One of the most talked-about upcoming Tamil films just got an intriguing new plot twist — and it has nothing to do with the story on screen. Reports are swirling that legendary director Mani Ratnam may be parting ways with his decades-long musical collaborator AR Rahman for his next film, and replacing him with rising composer Sai Abhyankkar. Here’s what we know.
Table of Contents
Mani Ratnam’s New Film — Key Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Director | Mani Ratnam |
| Lead Cast | Vijay Sethupathi, Sai Pallavi |
| Genre | Romantic Film (unconfirmed) |
| Reported Composer | Sai Abhyankkar (unconfirmed) |
| Previous Composer | AR Rahman (since Roja, 1992) |
| Vijay Sethupathi’s previous Mani Ratnam film | Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018) |
| Sai Pallavi’s status | First collaboration with Mani Ratnam |
| Official Status | No official confirmation yet |
The Report That’s Got Tamil Cinema Talking
According to a report by Valai Pechu, Mani Ratnam is considering roping in music composer Sai Abhyankkar for his upcoming film starring Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi. However, this remains an unconfirmed report and is yet to receive an official update.
If true, this would mark a seismic shift in how Mani Ratnam makes his films. The director initially worked with Ilaiyaraaja on his early projects before beginning his long-standing collaboration with AR Rahman from the 1992 film Roja — a partnership that has spanned over three decades. Breaking that bond would be one of Tamil cinema’s biggest creative pivots in years.
The Mani Ratnam–AR Rahman duo is as iconic as cinema partnerships get. Learn more about their legendary collaboration on Roja, the 1992 masterpiece that changed Indian film music forever.
What We Know About the Film Itself
Vijay Sethupathi confirmed he will be working with Mani Ratnam and that the film will feature Sai Pallavi as the co-lead — marking her first project with the director. The actor noted this will be something completely different from his previous collaboration with Mani Ratnam, and reports suggest it will be a romantic film.
This is undeniably a film that deserves attention — a celebrated director, two of Tamil cinema’s finest performers, and now potentially a fresh musical voice. Sai Abhyankkar, who has been on a remarkable rise, brings a youthful energy that could signal a genuinely new chapter for Mani Ratnam’s filmmaking. If confirmed, Sai Abhyankkar would become only the third music composer to collaborate with the director.
For more Tamil film updates, South Indian industry news, and Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi project updates, stay connected with TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q1. Is AR Rahman officially replaced in Mani Ratnam’s new film with Vijay Sethupathi?
No official confirmation has been made. The report suggesting Sai Abhyankkar may compose the music is unverified and remains a rumour at this stage.
Q2. Who are the lead actors in Mani Ratnam’s upcoming film?
Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi are confirmed as the lead pair, with Sai Pallavi making her first collaboration with the legendary director.
