Shruti Haasan stars in BFI-backed British Indian film 'Chennai Story'

Indian actress Shruti Haasan will headline the co-production of the Indian-British film 'Chennai Story'.

Haasan, who is also a popular musician, has acting credits in various language film industries in India, the US and the UK. In 2023, she was one of the leads in “Salaar”, one of India's biggest hits of the year, and led the British film. Thriller film “The Eye”. In 2019, she had a major role in the American series “Treadstone.”

“The Chennai Story” is based on the novel by Timiri N. Murari's 2004 bestseller Love Arrangements is a romantic comedy set against the backdrop of Wales and India where Haasan plays the pivotal role of Anu, the spunky character. Detective. The role was previously supposed to be played by Samantha Ruth Prabhu who is now taking a year off due to health reasons. The cast also includes Viveik Kalra, who starred in “Blinded by the Light” and is currently in the heist thriller “Lift” on Netflix.

The film is written and directed by BAFTA award-winner Philip John (“Downton Abbey”) and co-written by British-Sri Lankan actor Nimmi Harasgama, who starred in “Funny Boy.” 'Chennai Story' is an English language film interspersed with Tamil and Welsh languages. Cinematography will be by Graham Fricke (“Downton Abbey”), while Ciaran Thompson (“Willow”) is the production designer.

India's Guru Films (“Oh! Baby”), Britain's Ripple World Pictures (“The Last Rifleman”) and Welsh Ie Ie Productions (“Queerama”) are co-producing the film, which aims to be produced in a bilateral partnership between the UK and the UK. And Britain. India Co-Production Treaty The film is supported by the UK's Global Screen Fund of the British Film Institute (BFI). Metro International handles global sales.

“Shruti's ability to effortlessly navigate her Tamil heritage to global appeal, positions her as a versatile actress and world-class musician. She represents every aspect of Chennai Story – a true reflection of today's young Indian generation,” said Sunitha Tati, Founder and CEO, Guru Films. “.

“A story that showcases the diversity and uniqueness of Chennai, a story that hails from Chennai, is very special to me – collaborating with Phil is something I'm very excited to experience, and telling universal, grounded stories through international collaboration is what making cinema means,” Haasan added. on. I support Sunitha Tati's vision of taking a culturally rooted story to a global audience through 'The Chennai Story'.

John said: “I am delighted to be collaborating with the incredibly talented Shruti, on an emotional journey of a story set in Chennai and Cardiff – two vibrant, multicultural cities. With the support of the British Film Institute, this film brings a whole new collaboration to world film production, while also bringing Wales A new and unexplored India to the big screen.

Dominic Wright, Producer and Founder of Ripple World Pictures, added: “We are delighted to have the multi-talented Shruti Haasan joining the cast of this prestigious UK-Indian BFI-backed film. Shruti brings an exciting, authentic and contemporary touch to the role, playing opposite rising British star Vivek. Kalra is sensational in this original, cross-cultural romantic comedy that we think audiences around the world will delight in.”