Shruti Haasan replaces Samantha Ruth Prabhu in Indian-UK co-production Chennai Story

The film is a coming-of-age drama about a detective in India. Though it is about a Tamil detective, the film is essentially an English movie with many Tamil dialogues. Philip John and Sri Lankan actor-filmmaker Nimmi Harasgama have co-written the film.

Talking about the film, Shruti told Variety that she is all in for this international film which is culturally rooted. “Hailing from Chennai, a story showing the diversity and uniqueness of Chennai is so special to me – collaborating with Phil is something I’m so excited to experience, telling global and rooted stories through international collaboration is what making cinema is all about,” she was quoted as saying.

Chennai Story is produced by India’s Guru Films, UK’s Ripple World Pictures, and Wales Ie Ie Productions. It is also backed by the British Film Institute.

This is not Shruti’s first international project. She acted in the British psychological thriller The Eye (2023), which premiered at London Independent Film Festival and Greek International Film Festival.