Mani Ratnam’s Next with Vijay Sethupathi & Sai Pallavi Is One of Tamil Cinema’s Most Exciting Projects — Here’s Everything We Know

Mani Ratnam, the legendary director behind timeless films like Roja, Dil Se, and Ponniyin Selvan, is gearing up for his next feature — and the cast alone is enough to send excitement through the roof. Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi are set to headline the untitled project under Madras Talkies, and fresh details about the shoot timeline have just emerged.

Mani Ratnam’s Next — Key Details

When Does Shooting Begin?

According to online reports, Mani Ratnam is expected to begin shooting the film in June 2026, with a promo shoot anticipated to take place in April. The project is expected to be a quick one, potentially wrapped up within 40 days — though no official confirmation has been made by the makers yet.

For a filmmaker of Mani Ratnam’s calibre, a 40-day shoot is lean and efficient — suggesting a focused, intimate story rather than an epic-scale production.

AR Rahman Is Back in the Frame

Early rumours had suggested Mani Ratnam might bring in a new collaborator for the music. Those reports turned out to be false. The film will once again feature AR Rahman handling both the music and background score — dismissing initial speculation that the filmmaker might work with Sai Abhyankkar instead. Composition work is reportedly already underway, with two songs said to be completed.

The Mani Ratnam–AR Rahman combination is one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated creative partnerships, and its continuation here is great news for fans.

What Are Vijay Sethupathi & Sai Pallavi Up To Otherwise?

Both leads are keeping themselves extremely busy in 2026.

Vijay Sethupathi will next appear in Slum Dog: 33 Temple Road, directed by Puri Jagannadh, alongside Samyuktha and Tabu. He has also announced Pocket Novel with director Thiagarajan Kumararaja, and will make a cameo in the Rajinikanth-starrer Jailer 2. He is also part of Arasan, directed by Vetrimaaran — a spin-off from the Vada Chennai universe where he plays a police officer.

Sai Pallavi, meanwhile, will appear alongside Junaid Khan in the romantic drama Ek Din, releasing May 1, 2026, and also has Ramayana — starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash — in her upcoming lineup. pinkvilla

For more Tamil cinema updates and South Indian film news, check out our Tamil movies section on Technosports and our South Indian entertainment hub for all the latest.

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