Priyanka Mohan and Kathir Open Up About Why Mari Selvaraj’s Manjanathi Is Special

Priyanka Mohan, Kathir and Kayadu Lohar are part of filmmaker Mari Selvaraj’s upcoming Tamil film Manjanathi, a project that has already generated interest because of its ensemble cast and the collaboration between Mari Selvaraj and legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja.

On Wednesday, Priyanka and Kathir took to social media to share what drew them to the project and why the film holds particular significance for them.

Priyanka Mohan Calls Manjanathi a Soulful Journey

Priyanka Mohan shared her excitement about joining Manjanathi, describing the screenplay as an experience that left an emotional impression even before filming began.

She said reading the script felt like entering a world filled with emotion and depth, adding that she was grateful for the opportunity to work with Mari Selvaraj.

The actor also highlighted the presence of Ilaiyaraaja, whose music she believes will add another layer to the story. Priyanka expressed her anticipation about stepping into the filmmaker’s world and eventually bringing the film to audiences.

For Priyanka, Manjanathi therefore represents not just another acting assignment but a project she already feels emotionally connected to.

Kathir Says the Film Changed His Perspective on Love

Kathir also explained what made him want to be part of Manjanathi.

According to the actor, the film’s treatment of love immediately stood out during his first narration. Rather than presenting the emotion from a single viewpoint, the story made him consider how differently people can experience and understand love.

Kathir said the narration left him with several questions about the story and made him eager to discover how the narrative would eventually unfold.

His comments suggest that Manjanathi will explore love through a perspective that is not necessarily conventional, although the film’s full plot details remain under wraps.

Mari Selvaraj and Ilaiyaraaja Collaborate for the First Time

One of the major talking points around Manjanathi is the first collaboration between Mari Selvaraj and Ilaiyaraaja.

Mari Selvaraj has built a distinctive identity through films that combine strong characters with social, emotional and cultural themes. Ilaiyaraaja, meanwhile, remains one of the most influential composers in Indian cinema.

Their first project together has consequently added considerable curiosity around the film’s musical identity and overall tone.

Kathir Reunites With Mari Selvaraj

Manjanathi also brings Kathir back together with Mari Selvaraj after their acclaimed collaboration on Pariyerum Perumal.

The 2018 film, which starred Kathir in the lead, received widespread attention for its examination of caste, social hierarchy and discrimination through an emotionally grounded narrative.

The new project marks another collaboration between the actor and filmmaker, although details about Kathir’s character in Manjanathi have not been extensively revealed.

The film also reunites Kathir with Poornima Ravi following their association with Lingam.

Kayadu Lohar and Other Cast Members

Alongside Priyanka Mohan and Kathir, the film features Kayadu Lohar, Poornima Ravi, Vidhu and J Vignesh, who is known for his work in Kaaka Muttai.

The makers have so far kept substantial details about the characters and storyline closely guarded, leaving the cast and the creative team as some of the key points of interest surrounding the project.

Technical Crew and Production

The technical team includes Ezhil Arasu K as cinematographer, Selva RK as editor and Ramu Thangaraj as art director. Action choreography is being handled by Dhilip Subbarayan.

Manjanathi is being produced by Mari Selvaraj and Divya under their Navvi Studios banner, alongside Sushant Prasad of Skanda Pictures. Fortune Entertainment is also backing the project.

With Mari Selvaraj returning to the director’s chair, Kathir reuniting with the filmmaker and Ilaiyaraaja joining the project for the first time, Manjanathi has several elements that have already made it one of the more anticipated upcoming Tamil films.