Mani Ratnam's next project, featuring Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi, is set to begin filming in June 2026. The film, currently referred to as "Production No. 23," is being produced by Madras Talkies, with music composed by A.R. Rahman. Rahman has already composed two songs for the movie and is working on the rest of the soundtrack, dispelling earlier rumors about musician Sai Abhyankar being involved.
A short promotional video for the film will be shot this month, giving fans a first look at the project. The movie is expected to be a romantic drama, marking a departure from Ratnam's previous action-heavy film, Thug Life. Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi will make their on-screen debut together in this film, which is anticipated to be one of the most talked-about projects in Kollywood and Tollywood.
Vijay Sethupathi is currently busy with several projects, including Slum Dog: 33 Temple Road, directed by Puri Jagannadh, Jailer 2 with Rajinikanth, and Arasan, directed by Vetrimaaran. Sai Pallavi has Ek Din with Junaid Khan releasing on May 1 and will also star as Sita opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana this Diwali.
Mani Ratnam's last film, Thug Life, received mixed reviews in 2025. The film starred Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR in lead roles, along with Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and Abhirami. The film's shooting schedule is expected to be relatively short, spanning around 40 days. With A.R. Rahman on board as music composer, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of this highly anticipated project.