Nani, Prem Kumar Romance Reported by Pinkvilla, Unannounced; Rukmini Vasanth Linked
Pinkvilla and Hollywood Reporter India say Nani is reportedly set to make a romance with the director of 96; neither Nani nor Prem Kumar has announced it.
Nani is reportedly set to make his next film with C. Prem Kumar, the director of 96 and Meiyazhagan. The reports describe a romantic drama, with Rukmini Vasanth reportedly finalised as the female lead. Neither Nani nor Prem Kumar has announced the project, and the reports date from 13 and 14 October 2026.
Pinkvilla reported the link on 13 October and credited Telugu360 and Movies Singapore for the Prem Kumar report. Hollywood Reporter India and News Today carried the account on 14 October. Each treats the project as unconfirmed.
What the Reports Say About the Film
Nani is a Telugu actor, News Today says, and Prem Kumar is a Tamil filmmaker known for 96 (2018) and Meiyazhagan (2024), Hollywood Reporter India says. Gulte adds that both films connected with Telugu audiences. The reports describe an emotional love story with a strong female lead, and News Today expects it to be a feel-good romantic drama about human relationships.
Rukmini Vasanth is reportedly finalised as the lead, and Hollywood Reporter India describes the role as a strong one. The reports give no title, producer or shoot schedule. Hollywood Reporter India says the shoot timeline has not been disclosed, and News Today says the casting is unconfirmed.
Pinkvilla describes Bloody Romeo as a stylish action comedy directed by Sujeeth, and says the romance is expected after it. Nani headlined The Paradise, a period action drama directed by Srikanth Odela, shortly before these reports, Hollywood Reporter India says. The reports place the romance after Bloody Romeo.
A Link That Predates the October Reports
The pairing has been reported before. Gulte published a piece on 2 December 2025 saying Nani had reportedly agreed to work with Prem Kumar, whom it called one of his favourite directors. The piece cited unnamed sources and reports circulating in Tamil film circles. It was published more than ten months before the October reports.
According to Gulte, Prem Kumar had recently pitched a script that impressed Nani, who promised to work with him in the near future. Gulte gives no details of the script itself. It also noted that Nani had started The Paradise after Saripodhaa Saanivaram and had signed Sujeeth for his next stylish action film.
Gulte said the project could take considerable time because both have current commitments. Pinkvilla and Hollywood Reporter India credit Telugu360 and Movies Singapore instead. Gulte also reported that Nani said during promotions for Hit 3 that he liked Meiyazhagan. Neither that piece nor the October reports carries a confirmation of the project from Nani or Prem Kumar. Both rest on unnamed or secondary sourcing.
A separate Telugu360 report dated 11 June 2026 said Nani's banner, Wall Poster Cinema, would produce a film directed by Muralikanth Devasoth, with Rukmini Vasanth as the heroine. That report does not mention Prem Kumar, and it does not say Nani would star in the film.
Nani's Own Remarks on a Romantic Film
Nani has said in interviews that a romance is next on his slate after Bloody Romeo, according to Pinkvilla and Hollywood Reporter India. Pinkvilla reports that he described the planned romance as a subtle, sweet love story aimed at all ages, and that he was happy to make a film children could enjoy.
News Today notes that Nani has praised Meiyazhagan in interviews. Hollywood Reporter India says the reports followed his confirmation that a romance is next, which Pinkvilla also describes as a recent interview remark.
The one point the reports present as confirmed is Nani's own statement that a romantic film follows Bloody Romeo.
Confirmation Status as of 14 October
Neither Nani nor C. Prem Kumar has announced the project. Pinkvilla, Hollywood Reporter India and News Today each report that it has not been confirmed, and none reports a denial from Nani, Prem Kumar or their teams.
News Today says an official announcement is expected in the coming days. Until one is made, the title, producers and timing remain unconfirmed.
News Today also mentions Rukmini Vasanth's film NP 51 with Nivin Pauly. The reports do not say how that schedule fits with the Nani project.
The one point the reports present as confirmed is Nani's own statement that a romantic film follows Bloody Romeo. The director, the lead and the timing remain unconfirmed.
