Mani Ratnam's Madras Talkies had a great 2018 with their 'Chekka Chivantha Vaanam' directed by the master himself has gone on to become a blockbuster hit. The A.R. Rahman musical had the dream cast of Vijay Sethupathi, Simbu, Arun Vijay, Arvind Swamy, Jyothika, Aishwarya Rajesh and Aditi Rao Hydari among others.

Madras Talkies is ready to start their next venture to be directed by Mani Ratnam's former associate Dhana who helmed 'Padai Veeran' starring Vijay Yesudas and Bharathiraja. The film though not a commercial success was critically acclaimed for the sharp story telling of caste politics. Talks are on with a young music director turned hero to play the lead while Govind Vasantha of '96' fame will score the music. Official announcement is expected pretty soon.