Mani Ratnam locks Inji Vellam release for January 29, 2027

Mani Ratnam is returning to the romance genre, and fans now have a date to save. Inji Vellam, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi, will arrive in cinemas worldwide on January 29, 2027. The announcement landed with a new poster: the two leads and two children framed against the street life of Kolkata.

The Kolkata setting gives the announcement a distinct texture: a romance placed in real streets, with children in the frame, rather than a glossy fantasy. It also marks the first time Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi share a screen. For the filmmaker, it is a return to a mode that has defined much of his career. Ratnam’s previous directorial was Thug Life in 2025, and his filmography includes romances such as Mouna Ragam, Alaipayuthey and O Kadhal Kanmani.

Why the pairing is already a talking point

For Sai Pallavi, this is her first collaboration with Mani Ratnam. Vijay Sethupathi, meanwhile, returns to the director’s world after 2018’s Chekka Chivantha Vaanam. The title adds another layer: Inji Vellam translates to “ginger and jaggery”, a traditional combination of sweet and heat, and it points to a relationship story built on contrasting personalities.

The talent around them raises the stakes. A.R. Rahman is on board as composer, marking his 19th project with Mani Ratnam. That partnership has shaped some of Indian cinema’s most loved romantic scores, so the first single will be closely watched.

• Fresh pairing: Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi share the screen for the first time.
• Director’s return: Mani Ratnam steps back into romance after Thug Life.
• Rahman milestone: The score is A.R. Rahman’s 19th with Mani Ratnam.
• Deals locked: Netflix has post-theatrical streaming rights, while Sony Music has audio rights.

The crew and what comes next

Subaskaran, Mani Ratnam and Siva Ananth produce the film under Lyca Productions and Madras Talkies, with Chaithra J Achar in a pivotal role. Cinematographer Avik Mukhopadhyay, editor Sreekar Prasad, production designer Sharmishta Roy and action choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan complete the core team.

With the release date now public, the promotional rhythm should pick up: the first single and theatrical trailer are expected in the coming weeks. For fans of Mani Ratnam’s love stories, this is the clearest sign yet that his next chapter is on the calendar.

Source: bollywoodHungama.com

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#A.R. Rahman#Inji Vellam#Mani Ratnam#Movie Release#Netflix#Sai Pallavi#Tamil cinema#Vijay Sethupathi