In a landmark collaboration set to enrich the Indian film landscape, director Hansal Mehta is producing a new romantic drama directed by Malayalam filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery, with original music and songs by A.R. Rahman. The film is produced under the banners of True Story Films and Amen Movie Monastery.
The film, penned by Karan Vyas and Pellissery, is described as "a lyrical exploration of love, longing, and the fragile complexities of human connection". This project marks Pellissery's first major foray into Hindi cinema. Known for his visually daring and narratively audacious films such as Angamaly Diaries, Jallikkattu, Ee. Ma. Yau, and Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Pellissery is regarded as one of the most inventive voices in Indian cinema. A.R. Rahman's timeless compositions are expected to bring a visceral and lyrical experience to the film, creating a musical ode to romance.
Casting for the film is currently underway. According to reports, Zahaan Kapoor and Vir Hirani, son of Rajkumar Hirani, may be featured in the lead roles.
Sahil Saigal, Partner at True Story Films, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "To bring together Lijo Jose Pellissery and A.R. Rahman for this film feels nothing short of momentous. We look forward to beginning production later this year and sharing the magic that Lijo and ARR, along with a stellar team, will bring to audiences". Rahman also praised Pellissery's vision, calling him "a revelation to cinema" and expressing his eagerness to collaborate with Mehta and Pellissery.
This film reunites Rahman with Hansal Mehta after their collaboration on the series Gandhi. The series, adapted from the books Gandhi Before India and Gandhi: The Years That Changed the World by Ramachandra Guha, features Pratik Gandhi in the titular role, along with Tom Felton as Josiah Oldfield. The first season, which premiered at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, covers Gandhi's early life from 1888 to 1915.
Pellissery's last release was Malaikottai Vaaliban starring Mohanlal. While the film generated significant buzz, it didn't fare well at the box office initially but later found its audience. With this new venture into Bollywood, collaborating with Mehta and Rahman, expectations are high for a memorable cinematic experience.
