- By Ridhi Suri
- Fri, 09 Aug 2024 10:23 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Tanu Weds Manu 3 On Cards: Directed by Aanand L. Rai and produced by Shailesh Singh, Tanu Weds Manu, features R. Madhavan, Kangana Ranaut, Swara Bhaskar and Deepak Dobriyal. Critics gave it mixed-to-positive reviews, highlighting its unique concept, engaging screenplay, soundtrack, and Ranaut's performance. The film was remade in Telugu as Mr. Pellikoduku (2013) and was followed by a successful sequel, Tanu Weds Manu: Returns, released on May 22, 2015, which set a record for the highest opening weekend collections for a female-led film in India until 2019. This success generated excitement among fans for a potential third installment. The film, set in rural India, portrayed a romantic story between two unexpected individuals.
Although Aanand L. Rai initially stated that a third installment of Tanu Weds Manu was unlikely, as he felt he was "done with the characters," it appears the story might continue. He hinted at plans for a sequel, saying that the franchise 'definitely' warrants a third part. He told News18, "Tanu Weds Manu is a kind of franchise that demands a part three. The reason being, those characters are so beautiful, and they were played so beautifully by Madhavan and Kangana. Those characters became a little bigger than the story itself."
The director revealed that Tanu Weds Manu was never intended to be a franchise initially; the sequel was only conceived after the film's success. "Tanu Weds Manu was wrapped very well. The story was complete. But the characters were eager to come back. That’s why we were able to create another story. With Tanu Weds Manu Returns, we introduced a new character, Datto. These characters are all asking for a third part. The minute we have a great story—the story that Tanu, Manu, and Datto deserve—we’ll go for it," he further shared.
Talking about the storyline and plot, Aanand L. Rai added, "What I really search for is a unique man-woman relationship. The dynamics in Tanu Weds Manu were different from Raanjhanaa, just as Raanjhanaa was different from Atrangi Re, and Atrangi Re is very different from Haseen Dillruba. As a director and producer, I feel the need to explore a new love story each time. I search for a certain kind of edginess. In Tanu Weds Manu, I showed a girl who drinks and smokes, and as a director, I didn’t judge her—and that’s why my audience didn’t judge her."
"The idea is to bring a new story and a new relationship to celluloid, something that hasn’t been captured yet. That search is always on. When people say ‘Aanand L Rai film,’ I really don’t know what that means. The only thing I know is to be real and honest with my films. That honesty and pulse are the texture of my films. I’m not trying to impress myself; I want to be happy with my stories. That happiness is how I would describe the texture of my cinema," the director concluded.