'Sandakkari' With Shriya Saran, Vemal May Release in September

Just how long "long-awaited" actually is: This isn't a recently wrapped project sitting on a shelf for a few months. "Sandakkari" (also referenced as "Sandakari" in earlier reports) was first announced back in 2019, with roughly 70 per cent of the filming reportedly completed in London. The film was originally scheduled for release in November 2021 — meaning that if it does arrive this September, it will be hitting screens nearly four years after its first announced release date and roughly six years after the project began. That kind of delay is unusual even by Tamil cinema's standards for shelved projects, and explains why industry "sources" rather than an official confirmed date are driving this latest release buzz.

The film, based on a story by "Drishyam" director Jeethu Joseph, has been directed by R. Madhesh and produced by Punnagai Poo Gheetha.

Sources say the film will be a fun-filled family entertainer. Set against the backdrop of a leading software company in London, the film features Shriya as a senior executive and Vemal as an employee working under her. Their contrasting personalities lead to a series of clashes involving love, ego, humour and unexpected twists, forming the heart of the story.

Adding to the fun will be actor Sathyan, who gets hilariously caught between Vemal and Shriya during their constant confrontations. The trio's combination is expected to be one of the film's biggest comedy highlights.

About the people behind the project: Director R. Madhesh began his career as an assistant director under S. Shankar, working on "Gentleman," "Kaadhalan," "Indian" and "Mudhalvan" through the 1990s, before financing "Mudhalvan" himself and later making his directorial debut with actor Vijay in "Madhurey" (2004). He went on to direct Vijayakanth's 150th film, "Arasangam" (2008), the action comedy "Mirattal" (2012), and the Trisha-starrer horror thriller "Mohini" (2018). Producer Punnagai Poo Gheetha, meanwhile, is a Malaysian radio personality who has worked at the THR Raaga station since the 1990s and is recognised as the first female film producer from Malaysia to enter Tamil cinema, having produced around a dozen films to date. Lead actor Vemal (credited alternately as Vimal) built his career on the back of Pandiraj's acclaimed "Pasanga" (2009), followed by successful outings in "Kalavani," "Vaagai Sooda Vaa," "Kalakalappu" and "Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga."

Apart from Shriya Saran, Vemal and Sathyan, the film will also feature Prabhu, K.R. Vijaya, Punnagai Poo Gheetha, Rekha, Dev Gill, Uma Padmanabhan, Mahanadi Shankar and Crane Manohar in prominent roles.

The film boasts a strong technical team as well: music director Amrish has scored the soundtrack, cinematographer Gurudev has handled camerawork, editing is by Dinesh Ponraj, and art direction is headed by Ayyappan. Action sequences have been choreographed by Kanal Kannan, while dance sequences have been choreographed by Habeeb.

Sources claim the film will be packed with elements of romance, comedy, family emotions and conflicts, positioning it as a lively family entertainer whenever it finally reaches audiences.