Acclaimed Indian artist Shruti Haasan is set to headline the collaborative Indo-U.K. film project, “Chennai Story,” supported by the British Film Institute (BFI).
Haasan, recognized not only for her acting prowess but also as a prominent musician, boasts an extensive filmography spanning India’s diverse language film industries, as well as work in the U.S. and U.K. In 2023, she played a leading role in “Salaar,” a blockbuster in India, and took the lead in the British thriller “The Eye.” Her notable credits also include a key role in the U.S. series “Treadstone.”
Adapted from Timeri N. Murari’s bestselling 2004 novel “The Arrangements of Love,” “Chennai Story” unfolds as a coming-of-age romantic comedy against the scenic backdrops of Wales and India. Haasan will portray Anu, a spirited private detective, a role initially designated for Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who is currently on a year-long sabbatical for health reasons. The cast includes Viveik Kalra, known for his role in “Blinded by the Light” and currently featuring in the Netflix heist thriller “Lift.”
Directed and written by BAFTA winner Philip John, known for his work on “Downton Abbey,” and co-written by British Sri Lankan actor Nimmi Harasgama, of “Funny Boy” fame, “Chennai Story” will be presented in English with intermittent use of Tamil and Welsh. Graham Frake, recognized for his cinematography in “Downton Abbey,” will serve as the cinematographer, while Ciaran Thompson, credited for “Willow,” is the production designer.
The film is a collaborative effort involving India’s Guru Films (“Oh! Baby”), the U.K.’s Ripple World Pictures (“The Last Rifleman”), and Wales’ Ie Ie Productions (“Queerama”). Operating under the U.K.-India co-production treaty, the film has secured backing from the British Film Institute’s (BFI) U.K. Global Screen Fund, with global sales managed by Metro International.
Sunitha Tati, founder and CEO of Guru Films, praised Haasan’s versatility, stating, “Shruti’s ability to effortlessly traverse between her Tamil origins to global appeal, positions her as a versatile actress and a global musician. She represents every aspect of ‘Chennai Story’ – a true reflection of the current young Indian generation.”
Expressing her excitement, Haasan added, “Hailing from Chennai, a story showing the diversity and uniqueness of Chennai is so special to me – collaborating with Phil is something I’m so excited to experience, telling global and rooted stories through international collaboration is what making cinema is all about.”
Philip John expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “I’m thrilled to be teaming up with the incredibly talented Shruti, on an emotional roller coaster of a story set in Chennai and Cardiff – two vibrant and multicultural cities.”
Dominic Wright, producer and founder of Ripple World Pictures, highlighted Haasan’s contribution, stating, “We are thrilled that the multi-talented Shruti Haasan has joined the cast of this prestigious BFI-backed U.K.-India co-production film. Shruti brings an exciting, authentic, contemporary edge to the role, and playing opposite rising British star Viveik Kalra will be electric in this genuinely original cross-cultural rom-com that we believe audiences worldwide will delight in.”
