Inji Vellam: Mani Ratnam returns to romance with Vijay Sethupathi, Sai Pallavi

Mani Ratnam’s upcoming romantic drama starring Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi has been titled Inji Vellam. The filmmaker’s production banner Madras Talkies unveiled the title on Monday, September 7, along with a first-look motion poster featuring the lead pair in a warm embrace.

The title Inji Vellam translates to “ginger water” in Malayalam, with “inji” meaning ginger and “vellam” meaning water. The announcement comes after months of anticipation around the project, which was officially announced in March. While details about the plot and characters remain under wraps, the first look offers a glimpse of Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi’s pairing. A major portion of the film was shot in Kolkata, with the actors also spotted filming at the iconic Howrah Bridge.

The Kolkata schedule had already generated buzz after behind-the-scenes pictures of the lead pair surfaced online. Vijay Sethupathi's clean-shaven look alongside Sai Pallavi had fans drawing comparisons to some of Tamil cinema's most memorable romances, while many saw echoes of his acclaimed 96. However, the makers have not revealed whether Inji Vellam follows a similar emotional or romantic template.

The film marks Mani Ratnam’s return to the romance genre, which he has explored through films such as Mouna Ragam, Alaipayuthey and OK Kanmani. His distinctive approach to relationships, often centred on quiet emotions, layered characters and everyday conflicts, has added to the curiosity surrounding the new project.

The film also reunites Mani Ratnam with his frequent collaborator AR Rahman, who is composing the music. Produced by Madras Talkies, Lyca Productions and India Talkies, the project is yet to reveal its complete cast, plot details or release date.

Inji Vellam is Mani Ratnam’s first directorial after Thug Life. The film’s combination of Mani Ratnam, AR Rahman, Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi has made it one of the more anticipated upcoming Tamil projects.