Mani Ratnam's protégés have always done well in Tamil cinema. The likes of Azhagam Perumal, Susi Ganesan and V Priya are some examples.

Joining the list is Milind Rao, who will be directing a movie ‘Kadhal to Kalyanam’ soon.

Mirchi Movies, which co-produced ‘Vellithirai’ would produce the debut movie of the budding director. It is said that the film would feature new faces in all lead roles.

Interestingly, it is said that Mani Ratnam, who had a look at Milind Rao's script was very much impressed and expressed his happiness that his student was able to conceive a convincing screenplay.