Kayadu Lohar confirms 'Manjanathi' schedule wrap for Mari Selvaraj film
Synopsis
Director Mari Selvaraj's 'Manjanathi' has wrapped its ongoing shoot schedule, with actress Kayadu Lohar sharing the update on Instagram. Starring Kathir in the lead with music by Ilaiyaraaja, the film has already generated buzz for its unconventional take on love — and this production milestone signals the project is steadily moving toward completion.
Key Takeaways
Kayadu Lohar confirmed the ongoing schedule wrap for Mari Selvaraj's 'Manjanathi' via Instagram on 22 October 2026 .
The film stars Kathir in the lead, with Priyanka Mohan , Kayadu Lohar , Poornima Ravi , Vidhu , Kaaka Muttai Vignesh , and Rahul of 'Vaazhai' fame in pivotal roles.
Music for the film is composed by legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja .
Cinematography is by Ezhil Arasu ; editing by Selva R K ; stunts by Dhilip Subbarayan ; dances by Sandy Master .
Kathir described the script as a transformative exploration of love that 'left him silent' upon reading the final version.
A release date for Manjanathi has not yet been announced.
Actress Kayadu Lohar on 22 October 2026 confirmed that the ongoing production schedule of director Mari Selvaraj's highly anticipated Tamil film 'Manjanathi' has been completed, sharing the update via her Instagram page. The announcement marks a significant production milestone for one of Tamil cinema's most watched upcoming projects.
What Kayadu Lohar Said
Taking to her Instagram to share the news, Kayadu Lohar wrote: 'A different world. A different school. A different me. And a storyteller who made me see things a little differently. Schedule wrap for Manjanathi. @mariselvaraj84 @navvi_studios.' The post reflects the actor's personal connection to the film's material and her admiration for the director's vision.
Cast and Crew of Manjanathi
The film features Kathir in the lead role, with a supporting cast that includes Priyanka Mohan, Kayadu Lohar, Poornima Ravi, Vidhu, Kaaka Muttai Vignesh, and Rahul of 'Vaazhai' fame. The film has music composed by the legendary Ilaiyaraaja. Cinematography is by Ezhil Arasu, editing by Selva R K, art direction by Ramu Thangaraj, stunts choreographed by Dhilip Subbarayan, and dance choreography by Sandy Master.
Kathir on the Story's Impact
Lead actor Kathir, who previously collaborated with Mari Selvaraj, had earlier shared a detailed post about what drew him to the project. In his words: 'Love doesn't look or feel the same to everyone. And #Manjanathi made me think about that in a way I hadn't before. The first narration gave me a completely different perspective on love. I walked out with so many thoughts, and all I wanted to know was how this story would finally turn out.'
Kathir added that reading the final version of the script left him speechless: 'When I read the final version, it left me silent. It made me question who we are in this story… and how much of ourselves we might see in these characters. It opened up so much to explore, understand and discuss.' He described feeling both nervous and excited, calling it unlike anything he had done before, and thanked Mari Selvaraj for entrusting him with the role.
The Selvaraj-Kathir Reunion
This project marks another collaboration between Mari Selvaraj — known for critically lauded Tamil films — and Kathir, a pairing that has drawn considerable audience anticipation. Notably, the film had only recently commenced shooting before this schedule wrap was announced, suggesting that production is moving at a measured but steady pace. With Ilaiyaraaja's music and an emotionally complex narrative centred on love and identity, Manjanathi is shaping up as one of Tamil cinema's more distinctive upcoming releases. A release timeline has not yet been announced.
Point of View
Earning critical acclaim for unflinching social storytelling — and 'Manjanathi' carries the same expectation. The reunion with Kathir, paired with Ilaiyaraaja's music and a script that reportedly unsettled even its lead actor, points to a film with genuine artistic ambition. What mainstream coverage underplays is the significance of Ilaiyaraaja's involvement: at this stage of his career, the composer's choices signal a project with serious thematic weight. A release timeline remains the missing piece.
NationPress
22 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Manjanathi' and who is directing it?
'Manjanathi' is an upcoming Tamil film directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Mari Selvaraj, known for his socially rooted narratives. The film stars Kathir in the lead and has music by Ilaiyaraaja.
Why is Kayadu Lohar in the news regarding 'Manjanathi'?
Kayadu Lohar, who plays a pivotal role in the film, announced via Instagram on 22 October 2026 that the ongoing production schedule of 'Manjanathi' had been completed. Her post praised Mari Selvaraj's storytelling vision.
Who else is in the cast of 'Manjanathi'?
Besides lead actor Kathir, the film features Priyanka Mohan, Kayadu Lohar, Poornima Ravi, Vidhu, Kaaka Muttai Vignesh, and Rahul of 'Vaazhai' fame in significant roles.
What did Kathir say about the 'Manjanathi' script?
Kathir described the script as a deeply affecting exploration of love, saying it 'left him silent' after reading the final version. He called it unlike anything he had done before and said he was both nervous and excited about the project.
When will 'Manjanathi' release?
A release date for 'Manjanathi' has not yet been announced. The film had recently begun shooting before the current schedule wrap, suggesting post-production work is still ahead.
