Kollywood
Mani Ratnam's Production No. 23: Netflix Bags Digital Rights for Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi Starrer
BY SACNILK
Mani Ratnam's next project, officially titled Production No. 23, is moving forward with significant momentum. This film is a milestone for Madras Talkies, marking their 23rd feature production. Interestingly, the script for this romantic drama was reportedly written specifically with Vijay Sethupathi's grounded and realistic acting style in mind. When approached with the script, Sethupathi is said to have accepted the role immediately, expressing his excitement to collaborate with the director for a second time following their work together in the 2018 film, Chekka Chivantha Vaanam. One of the most anticipated aspects of the film is the fresh onscreen pairing of Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi. This marks the first time these two actors will share the screen, a combination that the production team has reportedly guarded very carefully. The team was so committed to this specific dynamic that they bypassed other casting suggestions entirely to ensure Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi remained the definitive leads for the story. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The project is being described as a mature romantic drama, drawing comparisons to the classic style of Alaipayuthey. On the business front, the film has reportedly already secured a solid pre-release business of approximately 43 crores before even hitting the floors. This total includes 20 crores for digital rights acquired by Netflix, 15 crores for audio rights, and 8 crores for overseas distribution. While the 20-crore OTT valuation reflects a more cautious trend in the 2026 market compared to massive spectacles like Thug Life, locking in these deals early is a savvy move that puts the project in the green before production begins. Filming is set to go on floors this week with a compact 40-day schedule planned across Pondicherry and Chennai, alongside segments in Europe. This also marks a major milestone as Sai Pallavi’s very first collaboration with the director. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film's reach will extend internationally through Home Screen Entertainment, which has acquired the overseas theatrical distribution rights. The music department is also making rapid progress. Despite early rumors suggesting a change in the technical team, A.R. Rahman is firmly on board as the composer and has reportedly already finished composing two songs for the soundtrack, ensuring that his long-standing collaboration with the director continues. Production No. 23 is being mounted as a major collaborative effort between Madras Talkies, Lyca Productions, and India Talkies. By bringing together a strong production team and securing key digital and distribution partners early, the film is well-positioned as it heads into its primary shooting schedule. The combination of a tailor-made script and a never-before-seen lead pair makes it one of the most interesting projects to watch as it heads toward a release.
