Sai Pallavi, Vijay Sethupathi Team Up For Mani Ratnam's Next

Actors Sai Pallavi and Vijay Sethupathi are currently filming director Mani Ratnam's upcoming untitled project in Kolkata, with pictures from the shoot on the iconic Howrah Bridge going viral on social media. The images, shared widely by fans on Sunday, offer a glimpse of the lead pair preparing for scenes under the director's guidance. The project, tentatively titled Production No. 23, marks Sai Pallavi's first collaboration with the acclaimed filmmaker.

The viral photographs show Vijay Sethupathi in a clean-shaven look, while Sai Pallavi is seen wearing a flowy dress. In several images, the actors are seen sharing a laugh between takes, holding hands and walking across the historic Howrah Bridge as the crew prepares for filming. The behind-the-scenes visuals have generated excitement among cinema enthusiasts eagerly awaiting Mani Ratnam's next directorial venture.

Fans quickly reacted to the leaked images across social media platforms. Many expressed anticipation for the film, with several praising the fresh pairing of Sai Pallavi and Vijay Sethupathi. Some users highlighted the significance of the Kolkata shoot, while others shared their hopes that the film would offer a compelling story. The pictures have further fuelled curiosity about the project, whose title and plot remain under wraps.

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The film reunites Vijay Sethupathi with Mani Ratnam after their 2018 collaboration, Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, while introducing Sai Pallavi to the veteran filmmaker's cinematic universe for the first time. The makers have also confirmed that Sony Music South will serve as the film's audio partner. The announcement described the project as "A Mani Ratnam Film" featuring "An AR Rahman Musical," continuing the celebrated collaboration between the director and the Oscar-winning composer.

On the professional front, Vijay Sethupathi has maintained a busy schedule with recent releases including Ace, Thalaivan Thalaivii, and Gandhi Talks, while he also has upcoming films such as Train and Slum Dog: 33 Temple Road. Sai Pallavi, who was last seen in Thandel, is simultaneously working on several major projects, including portraying Sita in Ramayana: Part 1 and Ramayana: Part 2.

Mani Ratnam's previous directorial venture, Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR, was released in June 2025. Although the film generated significant pre-release buzz, it did not meet box office expectations and is now available for streaming on Netflix. With filming underway in Kolkata and the return of the Mani Ratnam–A.R. Rahman partnership, anticipation continues to build for the director's latest cinematic offering.

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