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Manzar Studios ropes in Surya Balkrishnan to direct upcoming Tamil film
MUMBAI: Manzar Studios has signed filmmaker Surya Balkrishnan and writer Rajiv Rajaram for its upcoming project. A light-hearted comedy-drama, the film showcases the story of a single woman in her late 30s who after walking out of a long-term relationship brazenly decides to do whatever it takes to have a baby and become a single parent.
With a remarkable journey in commercials and short films, Surya Balkrishnan has been brought on board to direct the movie helmed by Manzar Studio. Balkrishnan also leads an advertising production house and has worked on significant projects in her career. Her documentary Right Forward, based on 12 young girls voyaging on a journey to San Francisco from Dharavi, Mumbai to show their prowess in a soccer camp won much appreciation from the critics while Train Station, a collaborative feature film directed by 40 directors from different parts of the world, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Notable Madurai playwright and writer, Rajiv Rajaram will be seen writing the yet-to-be-titled project. Rajiv Rajaram has in the past worked on films such as Aaha Kalyanam – Yash Raj Film’s first Tamil movie and a remake of Band Baaja Baraat, and Moone Moonu Varthai (Just Three Words) produced by SPB Charan. Rajiv was also the founder of popular digital media brands like Put Chutney and Rascalas.
Manzar Studios director Sunil Doshi said, “We are excited to announce our next project and are particularly looking forward to working with some of the most promising creative talents in the industry such as Surya Balkrishnan and Rajiv Rajaram. The goal of Manzar Studios is to change the storytelling process by focusing on comfort viewing experiences while making culturally and contextually resonating movies for Indian audiences.”
Manzar Studios content executive Annapoorna Virdi shared, “At Manzar, we are committed to telling stories which are universal, heartfelt and reflect the times that we are in. This story and this character, in particular, is a product of our current times, and will prod us to initiate discussions with our loved ones about topics which are important and yet more often than not brushed under the carpet.”
Filmmaker Surya Balkrishnan said, "It’s been such a joy creating this character on paper. We can’t wait to get down to actual filming and crafting her for real. Beginning this journey with Manzar Studios is an honour and I am looking forward to telling this real, heart-warming yet fun story."
Writer Rajiv Rajaram added, “One of the most fascinating things about this movie that interested me was its take on growing up or adulting as the millennial generation calls it. The sheer universality of the idea is something that makes it ripe for the ever-inquisitive Tamil audience to savour and enjoy. Collaborating with Manzar Studios on this spectacular project is a great opportunity to showcase this amazing story."
The film is inspired by the Argentine movie El Padre De Mis Hijos (Father of my Child) and will be trans-created in Tamil.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
