Vijay Sethupathi confirms reunion with Mani Ratnam as Sai Pallavi joins cast
Tamil cinema audiences are buzzing after acclaimed actor Vijay Sethupathi confirmed plans to collaborate once more with legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam on a brand-new project, in which Sai Pallavi has been named as the female lead.
The announcement puts to rest speculation that has circulated for several days about a fresh partnership between the actor and director, following their earlier work together in the multi-starrer Chekka Chivantha Vaanam back in 2018. In a recent interview with Variety India, Sethupathi affirmed the reunion and hinted that the upcoming film will be unlike anything they have created before.
Sethupathi, who has carved out a reputation for choosing varied and challenging roles, was candid about his creative approach. He stated that he wants to avoid repeating familiar territory and has no desire to take on sequels or remakes, underscoring his preference for original narratives that push his craft forward.
While details about the story remain under wraps, the casting of Sai Pallavi marks a notable first for both her and Ratnam. Although Pallavi has been part of many celebrated films and is regarded for her compelling screen presence, this will be her inaugural collaboration with the veteran director.
The pairing of Sethupathi and Pallavi, guided by Ratnam’s vision, has already sparked wide interest among cinephiles across India. Industry insiders suggest the project may lean towards a romantic theme, though official confirmation on the genre, title, or supporting cast has yet to be provided.
Both Sethupathi and Pallavi are currently in demand with multiple commitments. Sethupathi most recently appeared in Gandhi Talks and has several films in various stages of production, including Pocket Novel and Slum Dog: 33 Temple Road. Meanwhile, Pallavi is set to appear in Ek Din and will portray Sita in a high-profile adaptation of the Ramayana, alongside Ranbir Kapoor.
Reports further indicate that shooting for the Ratnam project could begin later this year, potentially with music by frequent collaborator A R Rahman and production under Ratnam’s Madras Talkies banner.
The confirmation of this collaboration has already triggered excitement across social media and entertainment circles, with many describing it as a significant moment in contemporary South Indian cinema. With Sethupathi’s versatile talent, Pallavi’s rising star power and Ratnam’s directorial mastery, expectations for the film are running high even before a formal announcement is made.
