Renowned filmmaker Mani Ratnam, celebrated for his cinematic masterpieces like Nayakan and Ponniyin Selvan, is swiftly moving on from the underwhelming response to his recent release, Thug Life. The director is now channeling his creative energy into a new project featuring Dhruv Vikram and Rukmini Vasanth, signaling a return to his signature storytelling style. This upcoming romantic action drama promises to blend heartfelt emotions with high-energy sequences, aiming to recapture the magic that has defined Ratnam’s illustrious career.

A Shift to Romance and Action

After the high-octane gangster drama Thug Life, which struggled to resonate with audiences and critics, Mani Ratnam is pivoting to a genre he’s long mastered: romantic action. The new film, set to begin shooting in November 2025, will star Dhruv Vikram, son of actor Vikram, and Rukmini Vasanth, a rising talent in Tamil cinema. According to sources, the story revolves around a Chennai-based cop and a city girl, weaving a love story with action-packed elements. This project marks a return to Ratnam’s roots, focusing on intimate human emotions intertwined with dynamic visuals, a hallmark of films like OK Kanmani and Alai Payuthey.

Dhruv Vikram: A Rising Star

Dhruv Vikram, who debuted with Adithya Varma and later starred in Mahaan, is poised to take on a lead role under Ratnam’s direction. His casting has sparked both excitement and debate, with some praising his potential to carry a Mani Ratnam film, while others have raised concerns about nepotism, especially after rumors that Telugu actor Naveen Polishetty was initially considered for the role. Nevertheless, Dhruv’s recent work in the upcoming sports drama Bison, directed by Mari Selvaraj, showcases his versatility, making him a fitting choice for Ratnam’s vision.

Rukmini Vasanth and AR Rahman’s Musical Magic

Joining Dhruv is Rukmini Vasanth, who has impressed audiences with her performances and is set to bring depth to the female lead. The film’s technical crew is equally stellar, with AR Rahman composing the music, promising a soulful soundtrack that complements Ratnam’s storytelling. Cinematographer Ravi K. Chand Thug Life’s lukewarm reception, marked by criticism for its predictable second half and a Karnataka ban that led to significant financial losses, has not deterred Ratnam. Instead, it seems to have fueled his determination to craft a more intimate, character-driven narrative.

A Modest Yet Ambitious Project

Unlike the grand scale of Thug Life, this film is rumored to be Ratnam’s most modestly budgeted project, with filming expected to wrap in just 60 days by February 2026. While primarily a Tamil film, plans to dub it in Telugu and Hindi suggest Ratnam’s intent to reach a broader audience. This strategic shift could help the film recover from the commercial and critical setbacks of Thug Life, which grossed only ₹97.25 crore worldwide against a ₹200 crore budget.

Looking Ahead

Mani Ratnam’s collaboration with Dhruv Vikram and Rukmini Vasanth is generating buzz as fans eagerly await a return to his storytelling brilliance. With a focus on romance, action, and emotional depth, this project could be the perfect comeback for the legendary director, proving once again why he remains a towering figure in Indian cinema.

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