Actress Shruti Haasan to lead Indo-British project ‘Chennai Story’
Actress Shruti Haasan is set to lead the Indo-British project Chennai Story, which was initially announced with Samantha Ruth Prabhu in November 2021. Directed by Downton Abbey’s Philip John, this project will be an on-screen adaptation of Timeri N Murari’s best-selling novel “The Arrangements of Love” from 2004. Haasan will share the spotlight with Viveik Kalra in this coming-of-age romantic comedy that unfolds against the cultural amalgamation of Wales and India. Expressing her enthusiasm for the project, Shruti Haasan highlighted the importance of showcasing the diversity and uniqueness of Chennai to an international audience.
In the film, Haasan will be stepping into the pivotal role of Anu, a spirited private detective originally intended for Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The decision for Shruti Haasan to headline the project came after Samantha herself took a sabbatical due to health reasons. The cast of Chennai Story also features Viveik Kalra, known for his lead role in Blinded by the Light and currently part of the Netflix heist thriller Lift. The film has been written and directed by BAFTA winner Philip John in English with Tamil and Welsh languages to offer a unique linguistic blend.
Chennai Story is a collaboration between India’s Guru Films, the UK’s Ripple World Pictures, and Wales’ Ie Ie Productions. The production aims to leverage the bilateral UK-India co-production treaty and is supported by the British Film Institute‘s (BFI) UK Global Screen Fund.
Opinion on the topic:
The announcement of Shruti Haasan leading the project after Samantha’s departure due to health reasons has sparked a mix of excitement and curiosity among fans and industry insiders. While many are eager to see Haasan in a new and challenging role, some are expressing their disappointment at not being able to see Samantha in the project. Nevertheless, the film’s unique cross-cultural premise and strong international collaboration are anticipated to make it a noteworthy addition to both the Indian and British film industries.