As reported earlier, Mani Ratnam has joined hands with Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi for his next directorial. While it was previously reported that the film would go on floors in June, fresh reports suggest a July commencement of the film's production. Meanwhile, the film is back on the news, this time for its OTT rights.
Madras Talkies is backing the yet-to-be-titled film with Lyca Productions and India Talkies. AR Rahman, a frequent collaborator of Mani Ratnam, is set to compose music for the upcoming film. The film has been tentatively titled Production No. 23. Details about the genre, plot, extended cast and crew of the upcoming Mani Ratnam directorial remain unconfirmed.
As per several reports, even before beginning the shoot, Mani Ratnam has sold the digital rights of the film to Netflix for Rs 20 crore. On social media, many have mentioned that the price for the OTT rights of the film is modest. However, of Mani Ratnam's last three directorials, Thug Life was a star film, while the two-part Ponniyin Selvan films were a magnum opus. Therefore, the OTT rights of those films may have been more than this upcoming film.
While both Ponniyin Selvan films premiered on Prime Video following the theatrical release of the films, Thug Life had a Netflix premiere. It looks like Mani Ratnam, who is co-producing the film, is continuing his relationship for this next film.
Vijay Sethupathi has previously worked with Mani Ratnam in the auteur's Chekka Chivantha Vanam. Their reunion was confirmed by the actor in a recent interview, following which the makers made the official announcement. The film marks Sai Pallavi's first collaboration with both Mani Ratnam and Vijay Sethupathi.
Meanwhile, Vijay Sethupathi was last seen in Gandhi Talks, a silent film co-starring Aditi Rao Hydari and Arvind Swami. He has Pocket Novel, Train, Arasan, Jailer 2, and Slum Dog: 33 Temple Road in various stages of production. Last seen in Ek Din with Junaid Khan, Sai Pallavi is filming for Dhanush's D55, helmed by Rajkumar Periasamy. She is also set to be seen as Sita in the magnum opus two-part Ramayana opposite Ranbir Kapoor's Rama, for which AR Rahman is the composer.