Mari Selvaraj Announces Manjanathi

Mari Selvaraj Announces Manjanathi: Priyanka Mohan, Kayadu Lohar and Kathir Lead Ilaiyaraaja Musical

Mari Selvaraj’s much-awaited next film, Manjanathi, has officially gone on floors, bringing together an intriguing ensemble cast and, for the first time, the celebrated filmmaker with legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja. The film is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched Tamil projects currently in production.

After making a mark with films such as Pariyerum Perumal, Karnan, Maamannan, Vaazhai and Bison Kaalamaadan, Mari Selvaraj is now entering a new phase with Manjanathi. The filmmaker has written and directed the project, which is his sixth feature film.

Manjanathi marks Mari Selvaraj’s first collaboration with Ilaiyaraaja

The biggest talking point surrounding Manjanathi is undoubtedly the combination of Mari Selvaraj and Ilaiyaraaja.

The film marks the first collaboration between the director and the legendary composer. Manjanathi was formally announced in June 2026 through an announcement video featuring Mari Selvaraj and Ilaiyaraaja, signalling a creative partnership that had generated considerable anticipation among Tamil cinema audiences.

For a filmmaker whose movies have traditionally placed considerable emphasis on rooted storytelling, regional identity, emotion and atmosphere, Ilaiyaraaja's musical sensibilities are expected to add another important layer to the world of Manjanathi.

The official announcement credits Ilaiyaraaja as the music composer and Mari Selvaraj as director.

Priyanka Mohan and Kayadu Lohar headline the film

The film has brought together an interesting combination of actors, with Priyanka Mohan and Kayadu Lohar initially announced as the leading names.

Both actresses are stepping into a Mari Selvaraj directorial for the first time. Their casting has already attracted attention because their previous screen images are quite different from the raw, intensely rooted worlds usually associated with the filmmaker. Mari Selvaraj has indicated that there are specific reasons behind choosing the two actresses for the film.

The cast has subsequently expanded with Kathir, Poornima Ravi, Vidhu and J. Vignesh joining the project. Reports have also identified Sandy Master, Rahul R and newcomer Raghavi as part of the film's wider ensemble.

Kathir's presence is particularly significant. The actor previously collaborated with Mari Selvaraj in Pariyerum Perumal, the director's acclaimed 2018 debut. Manjanathi therefore brings the director and actor together again after several years.

A story centred on women and their lives

While the complete plot of Manjanathi has not been revealed, Mari Selvaraj has offered an important insight into the film's core.

According to the director, the film is centred around female emotions, perspectives and the lives of four women, with the narrative drawing from the experiences and stories of women, particularly from southern Tamil Nadu. Rather than simply positioning the film as a conventional female-centric drama, Mari has described it as a work that seeks to speak through the experiences of many women.

This focus opens up an intriguing new dimension in Mari Selvaraj's filmography. His earlier works have often explored caste, social inequality, identity, dignity, oppression and communities that are rarely given mainstream cinematic space. Manjanathi appears set to continue that interest in grounded human stories, while shifting the emotional centre towards women's experiences.

A strong technical team

Behind the camera, Manjanathi features several technicians who have previously worked in Tamil cinema.

Ezhil Arasu K is handling the cinematography, while Selva RK is editing the film. Ramu Thangaraj serves as the art director and Dhilip Subbarayan is the stunt choreographer.

The combination of Mari Selvaraj's visual storytelling with Ezhil Arasu K's cinematography could be particularly important for a film rooted in the landscapes and culture of southern Tamil Nadu.

Production details

Manjanathi is being produced under Navvi Studios, associated with Mari Selvaraj and his wife Divya Mari Selvaraj, along with Sushant Prasad's Skanda Pictures and the Fortune Entertainment banner. Sushant Prasad and Divya Mari Selvaraj are credited as producers, with Harsh Lalwani serving as co-producer.

The film officially began shooting in Theni on September 7, 2026, with Ilaiyaraaja present for the launch and performing the first clap. Mari Selvaraj subsequently expressed his gratitude to the composer for inaugurating the film's shoot.

Why Manjanathi is already generating buzz

There are several reasons why the announcement has caught the attention of Tamil cinema fans.

First is the Mari Selvaraj–Ilaiyaraaja combination, which brings together one of contemporary Tamil cinema's distinctive storytellers with one of the industry's most influential composers. Second is the unusual ensemble led by Priyanka Mohan, Kayadu Lohar and Kathir. Third is Mari Selvaraj's decision to build the narrative around the lives and perspectives of four women from southern Tamil Nadu.

The project also represents another interesting reunion for Mari Selvaraj and Kathir, whose Pariyerum Perumal remains one of the most important films of the director's career.

With filming now underway, more details regarding the characters, story, songs and release plans are expected to emerge in the coming months. At present, the makers have not announced an official release date.

Manjanathi — At a Glance Category Details Film Manjanathi Director Mari Selvaraj Writer Mari Selvaraj Music Ilaiyaraaja Lead Cast Priyanka Mohan, Kayadu Lohar, Kathir Additional Cast Poornima Ravi, Vidhu, J. Vignesh, Sandy Master, Rahul R, Raghavi Cinematography Ezhil Arasu K Editing Selva RK Art Direction Ramu Thangaraj Stunts Dhilip Subbarayan Production Navvi Studios, Skanda Pictures, Fortune Entertainment Status Shooting in progress Release Date Yet to be announced