British Indian Actor Viveik Kalra to Star Opposite Samantha Ruth Prabhu in Cross-cultural Rom-com ‘Chennai Story’
- Directed by Philip John, the film, based on the novel "The Arrangements of Love” by Timeri N. Murari, is written by Nimmi Harasgama and Philip John.
British Indian actor Viveik Kalra will be seen along with popular Telugu and Tamil cinema actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu in the cross-cultural rom-com “Chennai Story.” Kalra was the lead actor in Gurinder Chadha’s 2019 musical “Blinded By The Light.” He has also starred in “Three Months,” Voyagers and recently completed shooting Netflix’s “Lift,” directed by F. Gary Gray.
The film, set in the UK and India, will follow Nikhil (Kalra), a working-class South Asian Welshman, who following the death of his mother, travels to his ancestral homeland in Chennai, India, to locate his estranged father, according to a synopsis in Deadline. In Chennai, he encounters Anu (Ruth Prabhu), “a street-smart private detective whom he hires to assist with his quest. “The frantic, colorful 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.”
Directed by Philip John, the film, based on the novel “The Arrangements of Love” by Timeri N. Murari, is written by Nimmi Harasgama and Philip John. It is being sold at the EFM by Metro International and is being produced by Sunitha Tati’s Indian outfit Guru Films. Dominic Wright and Jacqueline Kerrin produce for Ripple World Pictures, while Zak Kilberg is the executive producer. Production is scheduled for summer, 2023.
Often known by just her first name, Samantha was seen in the second season of “The Family Man,” on Amazon. She recently filmed Citadel, the global project for Amazon led by the Russo Brothers. Her credits also include S.S. Rajamouli’s “Eega,” “Super Deluxe,” “Janatha Garage” and “Mersal.”