The team behind Sathish Selvakumar’s upcoming romantic drama 18 Miles is on cloud nine after receiving words of praise from legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam. The ace director recently watched the 14-minute prologue of the film at his Madras Talkies office and offered warm encouragement to the cast and crew.

Sharing the experience, director Sathish Selvakumar said, “It was a truly remarkable experience for all of us in the 18 Miles team. We had the privilege of screening the prologue at the Madras Talkies office. Following a contemplative pause after the screening, Mani Ratnam sir expressed his appreciation, observing that it had been crafted with both elegance and detail. He graciously devoted time to acknowledge every individual, from heroine Mirnaa to my assistant Ashok, our editor Nash, and the wider team. For us, it was an immensely gratifying moment. Executive Producer Shivanand sir also shared his words of encouragement. Mani Ratnam sir further commended the effort that had gone into the prologue, remarking that the dedication of the team was evident in the final work.”

For Sathish, the compliment held special meaning: “Mani Ratnam sir's Kannathil Muthammittal was one of my greatest inspirations to evolve as a filmmaker. The emotions crossing beyond oceans and boundaries were aesthetically captured by him. Today, to get warm appreciation from the versatile creator himself makes me so elated.”

18 Miles stars Ashok Selvan and Mirnaa in the lead. The story centres on Tharana (Mirnaa), a Sri Lankan Tamil grappling with the scars of the ethnic genocide, and an Indian naval officer (Selvan) who offers her empathy and comfort. The film aims to deliver a poignant tale of love, healing, and emotional resilience.

The romantic drama has music by Siddhu Kumar, cinematography by Ezhil Arasu K, editing by Nash, and art direction by M Devendran. Amarnath Rajaram serves as co-director, while choreography is handled by Azar.