Mani Ratnam’s Inji Vellam Sets Jan 29 Release, Adds Chaithra

Mani Ratnam’s next romantic drama has a big-screen date. Inji Vellam, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi, is set to open in theatres on January 29. The announcement also brings a fresh face into the fold: Chaithra J Achar, recently seen in Meesaya Murukku 2 and 418, has joined the cast. The makers have not yet revealed what role she plays.

A growing ensemble backed by familiar banners

Written and directed by Mani Ratnam, the film is produced by Mani Ratnam and Siva Ananth under the Madras Talkies banner, with Subaskaran backing it through Lyca Productions. That continues Lyca’s collaboration with Mani Ratnam after Thug Life (2025), which starred Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR.

The technical team is equally stacked: Avik Mukhopadhyay handles cinematography, Sreekar Prasad edits, Sharmishta Roy is the art director, and Dhilip Subbarayan choreographs the action.

AR Rahman and Mani Ratnam, take 19

For music fans, this project carries extra weight. Inji Vellam marks the 19th collaboration between Mani Ratnam and composer AR Rahman. Their partnership started with Roja in 1992 and has produced landmark soundtracks over three decades, including Bombay, Dil Se.., Alaipayuthey, Guru, Raavanan and the Ponniyin Selvan films.

• Netflix has acquired the post-theatrical streaming rights.
• Sony Music has secured the audio rights.
• The theatrical run begins January 29.

Why this date matters

The January 29 arrival sits between two other Vijay Sethupathi outings: Mysskin’s Train on December 4 and Thiagarajan Kumararaja’s Pocket Novel on January 14, 2027, for Pongal. That gives audiences back-to-back reasons to catch him on the big screen. For Mani Ratnam loyalists, the date is also the next chance to see his signature blend of romance, craft and AR Rahman’s music in a single theatrical outing.

What the leads have lined up

Vijay Sethupathi stays busy after Inji Vellam. He has Train arriving in theatres on December 4, followed by Pocket Novel on January 14, 2027, for Pongal.

Sai Pallavi’s next is Om – Chapter 1: Udhiram – The Blood Wood, opening on November 20. The film reunites her with director Rajkumar Periyasamy after Amaran (2024) and with Dhanush after Maari 2 (2018).

For fans of Tamil cinema, the release calendar just got a major marker. Inji Vellam promises the sweep of a Mani Ratnam romance, the star pull of two of the industry’s most loved actors, and another Rahman soundtrack to live with.

Source: Filmfare