Maniratnam has created a unique genre in cinema with his exceptional touch. This sensitive director has carved a niche for himself and put Indian cinema in an international panorama. His movies appeal to wide segments of the audience due to the treatment of the plot, crisp dialogues, and great music set in exotic locales.

Whenever Maniratnam starts a venture, entire Kollywood would crane up to watch his moves and artistes would eagerly await his call. This time round, there is more mystery to his project. Mani was said to be in discussion with Universal pictures for an UK based English movie, which is to be shot in Los Angeles and our Chennai. Sources said that the film would hit the floors by April. Don’t rush out or start SMSing your friend there’s lot more for you to know. The versatile director was then rumored to come up with another mega project, called Aalayam. The story it seems is set in India, Pakistan, and China. Who would be the hero, was the million dollar question.

Then comes the announcement about a movie with Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai in the lead. Although formal confirmation is yet to be made by the director or the stars, reports from media contemplate that the movie would be based on a romantic story. The latest information being that Junior Bachchan would have two leading ladies - Ash and Vidya Balan, while the search for the adversary is on. It is speculated that the hunky John Abraham, the hottest model would play the bad guy. While the music is tuned by A.R.Rahman with Gulzar’s lyrics, Rajeev Menon will be teaming up with Mani after Bombay (almost 10 years). Dialogues are said to be penned by Anurag Kashyap and the film will be shot in Mumbai. Guru is the title given as of now. Aishwarya Rai, with her dazzling green eyes who started her career under the tutelage of Mani, has been declining offers of late presumably to work in his upcoming film. Ditto with Bachan Jr., who refused Ram Gopal Varma’s Sholay with the hopes of recreating the Yuva magic.