Mani Ratnam’s Next Big Romance Finally Rolls Cameras This Week

Fans of Tamil cinema have been waiting for this pairing for a while, and the wait is almost over. Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi’s romantic drama, directed by veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam, is reportedly set to go on floors from July 23, 2026 — and the shoot schedule already sounds ambitious.

Kolkata first, then Puducherry

According to a report by Movies Singapore, the team will kick things off with a 10-day schedule in Kolkata before relocating to Puducherry for the next leg of filming. Interestingly, a portion of the story is set overseas, but rather than an actual international shoot, Mani Ratnam is reportedly planning to recreate those locations using a virtual set. If these reports hold true, the entire shoot is expected to wrap up in around 40 days — though the makers haven’t officially confirmed the timeline yet.

From Production No. 23 to a big-ticket romance

The film was first announced by Madras Talkies under the tentative title Production No. 23, and it marks a reunion of sorts for fans hoping to see Mani Ratnam’s signature style of romantic storytelling. Adding serious weight to the project is composer AR Rahman, who returns to score both the songs and background music — a pairing that has historically delivered some of Indian cinema’s most memorable soundtracks.

Big money already on the table

Even before the cameras start rolling, the film has generated major buzz on the business front. Reports suggest its digital streaming rights have been acquired for approximately Rs. 20 crore, while overseas distribution rights have also reportedly been sold. The audio rights are said to have fetched a substantial amount as well, signalling strong industry confidence in the project.

Vijay Sethupathi–Sai Pallavi–Mani Ratnam Film

What’s next for the lead stars

Vijay Sethupathi has a packed slate ahead, including the action film Slum Dog: 33 Temple Road directed by Puri Jagannadh, alongside Samyuktha and Tabu. He’s also part of Thiagarajan Kumararaja’s Pocket Novel and Vetrimaaran’s Arasan, a spin-off set in the Vada Chennai universe. Meanwhile, Sai Pallavi is set to portray Sita in the much-anticipated Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash.

For more on Mani Ratnam’s celebrated filmography and storytelling legacy, check out his profile on Wikipedia.

Craving more South cinema updates? Explore our related coverage on technosports.co.in.

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