Director Mitakshara Kumar is developing a new instalment in the ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ franchise, with a fresh cast and an independent storyline. The upcoming romantic comedy will reportedly not continue the story of the characters played by Kangana Ranaut and R. Madhavan. Instead, the makers intend to introduce new characters while preserving the humour and unconventional energy associated with the earlier films.

Mitakshara Kumar confirms a fresh chapter

The upcoming film will return to the world established by ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ without directly extending the original couple’s story. According to Mid-Day, the team wants to retain the franchise’s distinctive comic tone while creating a narrative around a different set of characters.The report says, “The idea is to retain the irreverence and madness of Tanu Weds Manu, while introducing a new set of characters. The new film will give the makers the opportunity to build a different story in the established world. The team has been writing for the past one year.”

Kangana Ranaut and R. Madhavan not returning

Kangana Ranaut and R. Madhavan, who led the first two films, are not expected to reprise their roles in the upcoming instalment. The new production will feature a younger ensemble, with casting announcements still awaited.Mitakshara Kumar has indicated that the film will retain the spirit of the franchise despite the change in characters. Speaking to Mid-Day, the director said, “We are going with a fresh, young cast but the same madness of the Tanu Weds Manu world.”

Revisiting the original ‘Tanu Weds Manu’

Released in 2011, ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ was directed by Aanand L. Rai and followed the romance between Manu Sharma, played by R. Madhavan, and Tanuja Trivedi, portrayed by Kangana Ranaut. Their relationship unfolded through misunderstandings, clashing temperaments and family complications.The film also featured Jimmy Sheirgill, Eijaz Khan, Swara Bhaskar and Deepak Dobriyal. Written by Himanshu Sharma, the romantic comedy connected with audiences through its mix of humour, romance and family dynamics.The franchise expanded with ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’ in 2015, which revisited the couple’s relationship after marriage. The sequel continued to explore their personal differences and complicated circumstances while retaining the humour that defined the original.Both films achieved box-office success, helping establish ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ as a popular Hindi romantic comedy franchise.