Mari Selvaraj is known for telling stories that explore social realities through deeply personal characters and emotionally charged narratives. His next directorial venture, Manjanathi, appears to continue that tradition, with Priyanka Mohan, Kayadu Lohar and Kathir leading an ensemble cast. On Wednesday, the three actors opened up about what drew them to the project and why being part of the film has been particularly meaningful.

For Priyanka Mohan, the attraction seems to have begun even before she stepped onto the sets. Sharing her thoughts on X, the actor spoke about the experience of reading the script and discovering the world that Selvaraj had created.

“Some films come with a feeling that stays with you, even before you begin. Turning every page of Manjanathi felt like getting closer to a world filled with so much soul and emotion.”

She went on to express her excitement about collaborating with the director, while also highlighting another major reason the film holds a special place for her. “I’m incredibly grateful and excited to be a part of this beautiful journey with Mari Selvaraj sir. I’m truly looking forward to stepping into your world and joining you on this journey. And to have the legendary Ilaiyaraaja sir’s music breathe life into our story makes this journey even more special. Can’t wait to begin this magical journey and bring Manjanathi to you all.”

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A landmark collaboration with Ilaiyaraaja

One of the biggest talking points surrounding Manjanathi is the coming together of Mari Selvaraj and Ilaiyaraaja. The film marks the first time the acclaimed filmmaker and the legendary composer are collaborating, making their association one of the project’s most anticipated aspects.

Kathir, meanwhile, revealed that the film’s take on love was what immediately caught his attention. The actor, who previously worked with Selvaraj in the acclaimed Pariyerum Perumal, said the narration made him reconsider the way love is perceived.

“Love doesn’t look or feel the same to everyone. And Manjanathi made me think about that in a way I hadn’t before. The first narration gave me a completely different perspective on love. I walked out with so many thoughts & all I wanted to know was how this story would turn out.”

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Kayadu Lohar also described the film as an opportunity to engage with ideas that are deeply embedded in society. “To be a part of a film that makes you confront something so deeply woven into the way we see, judge and control is an honour beyond words. And to experience this journey alongside some of the finest minds in our industry Mari Selvaraj sir and the greatest talents Ilaiyaraaja sir makes this phase all the more exciting and, honestly, feels like a blessing. Grateful. Excited. And deeply honoured to be a part of this one.”

The film brings together Poornima Ravi, Vidhu and J Vignesh, best known for his work in Kaaka Muttai, alongside its principal cast. Manjanathi also reunites Kathir with Selvaraj following Pariyerum Perumal. Kathir will also share screen space with Poornima Ravi again after their collaboration in Lingam.

Love doesn’t look or feel the same to everyone. And #Manjanathi made me think about that in a way I hadn’t before.

The first narration gave me a completely different perspective on love. I walked out with so many thoughts & all I wanted to know was how this story would turn out pic.twitter.com/zj08jZa011

— Kathir (@am_kathir) September 9, 2026

Behind the camera, Selvaraj has assembled a notable technical team comprising cinematographer Ezhil Arasu K, editor Selva RK, art director Ramu Thangaraj and stunt choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan.

Manjanathi is being produced by Mari Selvaraj and his wife Divya under their Navvi Studios banner, in association with Sushant Prasad of Skanda Pictures. Fortune Entertainment is also backing the project. With an acclaimed filmmaker, a celebrated composer and a cast that has already expressed a strong emotional connection with the material, Manjanathi is shaping up as one of the more intriguing Tamil films to watch out for.

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Jaideep Ahlawat has opened up about comparisons with Akshaye Khanna ahead of the release of Drishyam: The Conclusion, making it clear that he does not see his role as a replacement for the actor’s character in the franchise.

At the film’s trailer launch in Goa on September 9, Jaideep was asked whether he was stepping into Akshaye Khanna’s shoes. Addressing the comparison, he said, “No, not at all. When I heard the story, it wasn’t framed as if I was stepping into Akshaye Sir’s shoes or anything like that.”

The actor explained that what attracted him to the project was the opportunity to explore the person behind the police uniform. Director Abhishek Pathak’s narration introduced him to Rajveer Tomar as a character with his own backstory, relationships and motivations.

“One character’s journey concludes and another is introduced,” Jaideep said. He added that he did not feel the need to carry the weight of the previous character’s legacy, as Rajveer’s journey was “completely different”. His character also develops new relationships, including those with Meera and the families central to the story.

Jaideep credited Abhishek Pathak for presenting Rajveer Tomar as a fresh character rather than as an extension of Akshaye Khanna’s role. For him, the focus was on understanding Tomar’s individual journey and motivations.

The makers unveiled the trailer of Drishyam: The Conclusion on Thursday. The film takes the story forward from the events of Drishyam 2 while introducing a new mystery. This time, Jaideep’s Rajveer Tomar leads the investigation and remains determined to uncover the truth behind Vijay’s carefully constructed story.

Drishyam: The Conclusion marks the third and final chapter in the Hindi Drishyam franchise. The film features an ensemble cast including Tabu, Shriya Saran, Jaideep Ahlawat, Prakash Raj, Rajat Kapoor, Ishita Dutta and Mrunal Jadhav. It is slated to hit theatres on October 2.The Gripping Trailer of Drishyam 3 Ft. Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Jaideep Ahlawat Is Out Now

​The warnings come as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind and other major AI companies compete to develop more powerful models and increasingly autonomous AI agents.