Maniratnam Sethupathi Film Bagged By Netflix

Netflix has acquired the digital streaming rights for Mani Ratnam’s next untitled romantic drama for a reported Rs 20 crore deal. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi in lead roles, marking their first collaboration together. Music maestro A.R. Rahman is on board to compose the soundtrack, reuniting with Mani Ratnam after Thug Life. Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions are co-producing this project, which will be Madras Talkies’ 23rd production.

The film marks Vijay Sethupathi’s second outing with Mani Ratnam after the 2018 multi-starrer Chekka Chivantha Vaanam. For Sai Pallavi, this is her debut collaboration with the legendary director. Shoot is scheduled to begin on July 5, 2026, in Chennai and parts of Europe. Industry buzz suggests the story is a mature romantic drama exploring modern relationships, a genre Mani Ratnam mastered with Alaipayuthey and O Kadhal Kanmani.

Vijay Sethupathi was last seen in the silent film Gandhi Talks and the JioHotstar series Kaattaan. His upcoming lineup includes Thiagarajan Kumararaja’s Pocket Novel and Mysskin’s Train. Sai Pallavi, last seen in Sivakarthikeyan’s Amaran, will next appear as Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana with Ranbir Kapoor. This Mani Ratnam project adds a major Tamil film to her 2026 slate.

Mani Ratnam’s last directorial was Thug Life with Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR. With A.R. Rahman’s music, top-tier OTT backing from Netflix, and a fresh lead pair, expectations are high. The film is eyeing a mid 2027 theatrical release before streaming on Netflix. Official title and first look are expected once filming begins in July.