Renowned playback singer and dubbing artist Mano's son Duruvan Mano is set to make his acting debut as the lead in firsttime director Pithak Pugazhendhi's crime thriller Vattakanal.

The first look poster of the film was recently unveiled by actors Karthi and Sivakarthikeyan.

The makers describe it as a film based on a "shocking real-life incident" in Kodaikanal and it will "focus on a relevant issues" to prevent youngsters from straying into "destructive paths.

Pithak has worked as an assistant director to filmmakers Surya Prakash, who has made films such as Maayi (2000) and Diwan (2003), and Vetri Mahalingam, who has made Vennila Veedu (2014) and Visiri (2018).

Vattakanal stars Meenakshi Govindaraj as the female lead, with an ensemble comprising RK Suresh, Mano, Aadukalam Naren, Vidhya Pradeep, RK Varadharaj and Vinodhini of Vanna Vanna Pookal fame. The cast is rounded by Kabali Vishwanth, Sarath, Muruganandham, and Fathima Babu.

Backed by Dr A Mathiyazhagan and RM Rajesh under the banners MPR Films and Skyline Cinemas, Vattakanal's technical team has cinematography by MA Anand, music by Maris Vijay, edits by Shabu Joseph, stunts by Don Ashok and dance by Sherif.

Vattakanal is in the final stages of post-production with the release scheduled for October.