Filming has begun for Mani Ratnam’s next film in Manapad, a fishery coast between Tuticorin and Tiruchendur! The film has been titled “Kadal” (meaning “sea” or “ocean”) and the story is said to revolve around the lives of fishermen. The film marks the debut of yesteryear-actor Karthik’s son, Gautham. The heroine of the film is rising-star, Samantha Prabhu. Although we’ve previously only seen her in films like “Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya” and “Baana Kaathadi”, she has acted in many Telugu films, most of them going on to become blockbusters. Other actors in the film include Arjun, Aravind Swamy, and Lakshmi Manchu. Adding to the list of things to look forward to, music for the film will be composed by A. R. Rahman.

Mani Ratnam has given us many unforgettable classics, from “Geethanjali” (Telugu), “Anjali”, “Roja”, “Alaipayuthey” and “Aaytha Ezhuthu” to films like “Nayagan”, “Bombay”, “Iruvar”, “Thalapathi” and “Kannathil Muthamittal”. He has managed to explore everything from romance, to marital life, unbreakable friendships, Hindu mythology, ethnic warfare, politics and so much more.

His style is very unique; amidst all of the other very flashy, commercial films, Mani Ratnam’s creations exude a certain simplicity and realism that lack elsewhere. While his most recent film, “Raavanan/Raavan”, didn’t do so well in spite of excellent cinematography and performances, his track-record suggests that we can have high hopes for “Kadal”.

—Shiromi Raveend
—Image courtesy of One India Entertainment