16/02/2023
Berlin – February 16th 2023 – Viveik Kalra, the star of Gurinder Chadha’s “Blinded by the Light”, has boarded cross-cultural romantic comedy CHENNAI STORY, which is being sold by Metro International at EFM 2023. Kalra will star alongside previously announced Indian superstar Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The film will be directed by BAFTA winner Philip John (Moon Dogs, Downton Abbey, The Good Karma Hospital), written by Nimmi Harasgama and Philip John and based on bestselling novel “The Arrangements of Love” by Timeri N. Murari (“The Taliban Cricket Club”).
Viveik Kalra is a British-Indian actor whose first starring role came in "Blinded by the Light", Gurinder Chadha’s 2019 film featuring the music of Bruce Springsteen which was acquired by New Line at Sundance and released on over 2,300 US screens. Featured as an Evening Standard Rising Star, Kalra has also starred in "Beecham House", "Voyagers" and is currently shooting Netflix's "Lift", an action movie directed by F. Gary Gray ("Straight Outta Compton", "The Italian Job" and "The Fate of the Furious").Known by just her first name and followed by 30m+ people on social media, Samantha recently won acclaim for her role in the second season of Amazon series “The Family Man” and recently filmed “Citadel”, a global project for Amazon led by the Russo Brothers. One of the leading actresses in both Telugu and Tamil cinema, Samantha’s credits include S.S. Rajamouli’s “Eega,” “Super Deluxe,” “Janatha Garage” and “Mersal”.
CHENNAI STORY is a cross-cultural romantic comedy about love, self-expression and acceptance, set between modern Britain and India.
Following his mother’s unexpected death, Nikhil, a working-class South Asian Welshman, travels to his ancestral homeland in Chennai, India, to locate his estranged father. In Chennai he encounters Anu, a street-smart private detective whom he hires to assist with his quest. More accustomed to fish and chips than authentic Masala Dosa, this frantic, colourful new world sweeps Nikhil off his feet, as does his undeniable chemistry with Anu which drives them closer together and on a collision course with her conservative parents.
With the help of Anu and her countercultural friends, Nikhil finally begins to find his feet amidst the bustling city of Chennai. After locating his father, falling in love and unearthing his heritage, Nikhil realises that this is the adventure of a lifetime. The film is produced by Sunitha Tati’s Indian outfit Guru Films, whose award-winning “Oh! Baby” also starred Samantha. Dominic Wright and Jacqueline Kerrin produce for Ripple World Pictures (The Last Rifleman, Never Grow Old, Zoo). Zak Kilberg (The Mauritanian, Buena Vista Social Club: Adios) is Executive Producer. Production is scheduled for Summer 2023.
