Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam suffered a major setback with his previous outing, Thug Life (2025). Starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role, the gangster drama opened to disappointing reviews from both critics and audiences before ending its theatrical run as a box-office failure. The film’s underwhelming performance came as a surprise, considering the iconic collaboration between Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan after several decades.
Determined to make a strong comeback, the acclaimed filmmaker is now gearing up for his next venture, which will reportedly be co-produced by Lyca Productions. The yet-to-be-titled film is said to be a romantic drama featuring Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi in the lead roles. The fresh pairing and Mani Ratnam’s return to the romance genre have already generated considerable curiosity among moviegoers, with the makers targeting a grand theatrical release in mid-2027.
Adding to the excitement, Academy Award-winning composer A. R. Rahman has once again joined hands with Mani Ratnam, continuing one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated collaborations. Netflix has reportedly acquired the film’s post-theatrical streaming rights for ₹20 crore even before production begins. According to the latest reports, the project is scheduled to go on floors on July 5, 2026, with principal photography expected to commence on the same day.