Popular Malaysian musician Mugen Rao became a household name across Tamil Nadu after participating in the third season of the smash hit Tamil reality TV show, Bigg Boss, hosted by Kamal Haasan. Going on to be declared as the winner of Bigg Boss 3 last year, the talented youngster has since then garnered a huge fan following in the state and has since been making the best of the opportunities that have been coming his way. In that light, it was announced last week that Mugen will be making his Tamil cinema debut, which will see him join hands with director Anjana Ali Khan, known for Veppam, starring Nani, Nithya Menen, Karthik Kumar among others.

Being produced by Shirdi Productions, incidentally their first venture in Tamil cinema, the title for Mugen's debut film has now been announced to be as Vettri. The upcoming film set to roll into production in the next few days also includes former Miss India Anukreethy Vas playing the female lead, with Aadukalam Kishore also cast in a major supporting role. Mugen and AnuKreethy's pairing is an interesting one and will serve as a big highlight, especially for Bigg Boss fans, who have taken a massive liking to the Malaysian sensation. Vettri also has a stellar technical team featuring the likes of ace cinematographer R Rathnavelu (of Enthiran and Indian 2 fame), while Anthony has been roped in as the editor, with Nivas K Prasanna on board for the film's music. 

Speaking about the casting of Mugen and Anukreethy in Vettri, director Anjana Ali Khan says, "It’s a dream come true for me to work with a powerhouse team where everyone is passionate and intensely involved in the creative process. Writing the script of Vettri was in equal parts exciting and emotional as it is the story of a boy who battles against all odds to try and fulfil his mother’s dreams for his future. Vettri thus not only is the protagonist’s name, but is also what the entire story is about – whether life’s obstacles manage to overpower the hero or whether ultimately sheer human will triumphs. Casting for Mugen as Vettri was a unanimous decision among the team as he has a raw vulnerability coupled with an easy charm that touches all who come in contact with him, much like the protagonist himself. Mugen has proven that he can handle diverse emotions as well as be convincing in the action sequences. Anukreethy Vas is the only girl from Tamil Nadu to have ever won the Miss India title, in 2018. She has a feisty presence and is a hard worker who I am sure will leave a lasting imprint with her performance in the film. She is not only graceful and beautiful but also speaks impeccable Tamil which is truly a blessing!"