Director Mari Selvaraj has announced his sixth film, titled Manjanathi, marking his long-dreamed-of first collaboration with legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja. The announcement video captures the director visiting Ilaiyaraaja at his residence and the maestro composing a piece for the film live, a moment that clearly carries immense personal significance for the filmmaker.

An old interview clip in the video shows Mari saying he had not yet met Ilaiyaraaja at the time and considered him a kind of divinity intertwined with his childhood. He had waited to become more mature and to find a script worthy of the collaboration. Manjanathi, it appears, is that script. Mari signed off the announcement with a note that reads: "I begin to sketch my life with Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja. The symphony of my heart."

Rumours suggest Manjanathi is a sequel to his 2024 film Vaazhai, following Sivanainthan's story into his teens and youth, though the makers are yet to confirm the same. Extended cast, crew, and release date details remain unannounced. The film is backed by Navvi Studios and Fortune Entertainment.

Mari also has a Dhanush collaboration, previously titled D56 with AR Rahman on music and backed by Vels Film International, in the pipeline, with reports suggesting Manjanathi will take precedence.