Award-winning director Mari Selvaraj’s next film, Manjanathi, with music by maestro Ilaiyaraaja, is not centred on a single woman character but on women portrayed by three actors. The story’s title was originally part of a series published in the Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan.

“Whenever the name Manjanathi came to my mind, I thought of adapting it into a film. Even then, I had decided that maestro Ilaiyaraaja should compose the music. When I met him and narrated the story, he agreed to score it,” said Mari, who participated in the programme to mark 50 years of Ilayaraaja’s entry into film a few days ago and spoke about the film and how the long-cherished dream had come true. Ilayaraaja invited him to the dais and asked him to share his experience.

Asked whether the story revolves around Manjanathi, the titular character, Mari told The Hindu the film features many women characters.

“It is a film about women, their feelings, emotions and aspirations. The core of the story is about women. The narrative begins in the southern districts, where the name Manjanathi is more common. But I have treated the subject in a fresh manner, and the audience will find it surprising,” he said.

Talking about his experience of working with Ilaiyaraaja, he said they had only just begun. “He keeps me happy. I went to meet him with a little fear, but he has given me confidence. I wrote the script completely with Ilaiyaraaja in mind. The way I have approached the subject and integrated him into the film will be new to cinema. The audience will understand why I chose Ilaiyaraaja when the film is released. It is not just about the songs; he is part and parcel of the film,” he added.

Though Mari aims to release the film by December this year, the release may spill over to January 2027.

The film stars Kathir in the lead role. He had earlier played the eponymous role in Mari’s acclaimed film Pariyerum Perumal. The director has also elevated Ponvel, who played Sivananainjan in Vaazhai, to the status of a second hero in the film.

The female leads include Kayadu Lohar, Priyanka Arul Mohan and a newcomer, who has not been finalised.