Director Mani Ratnam’s Kaatru Veliyidai, starring Karthi and Aditi Rao Hydari, received a lukewarm response from critics and the audiences alike. Post its release, there has been talk about the ace director’s next film. It was also reported that he might cast Telugu actor Ram Charan Teja in a Tamil-Telugu bilingual movie. Also, the director was supposed to work with Mahesh Babu and Fahadh Faasil in a film. But, the film didn’t materialise.
According to sources close to the team, the director has begun pre-production work of his next film. “It is true that Mani Ratnam was in talks with several stars, including Ram Charan and Fahadh Faasil. But, he will not be casting the actors in his upcoming film. However, he might collaborate with Fahadh in another project. His upcoming film will be bankrolled by his home banner Madras Talkies, and shooting will begin in September,” the source reveals.
Reports also suggested that Mani Ratnam might work with Aditi yet again. An official announcement from the production house will hopefully clear things up. As of now, cinematographer Santhosh Sivan has been brought on board. The duo has earlier worked in Thalapathy, Roja, Iruvar, Uyire and Raavanan. This film will mark their sixth collaboration.
It was also reported that Mani Ratnam will work on a straight Hindi film, featuring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. Looks like the film has been put on the back burner.
