(This article is authored by Alar)

After delivering a blockbuster hit with ‘Maamannan’, the dynamic duo of Vadivelu and Mari Selvaraj are all set to join hands again for a new project. The project is none other than the Tamil remake of the Oscar-winning 1997 film ‘Life is Beautiful’, directed by Roberto Benigni, who also played the lead role along with his wife Nicoletta Braschi.

‘Life is Beautiful’ is a heartwarming comedy-drama that tells the story of a Jewish father who tries to protect his son from the horrors of the Nazi concentration camp by pretending that everything is a game. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film, Best Actor for Benigni, and Best Original Dramatic Score.

According to reports, Vadivelu was impressed by the film and expressed his interest in remaking it in Tamil. Mari Selvaraj, who is known for his realistic and hard-hitting films like ‘Pariyerum Perumal’ and ‘Karnan’, agreed to take up the challenge and helm the remake. The film will be produced by Red Giant Movies, the same banner that backed ‘Maamannan’.

‘Maamannan’ was Udhayanidhi Stalin’s last film as an actor before he entered politics full-time. The film was a socio-political drama that featured Vadivelu in a serious role for the first time in his career. The film also starred Keerthy Suresh and Fahadh Faasil in pivotal roles. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over Rs 52 crore worldwide in nine days. The film also had music by AR Rahman and was dubbed and released in Telugu as well.

As a token of appreciation for the success of ‘Maamannan’, Udhayanidhi Stalin gifted Mari Selvaraj a Mini Cooper car worth Rs 80 lakh.  Now, fans are eagerly waiting to see how Vadivelu and Mari Selvaraj will bring their own touch to the classic ‘Life is Beautiful and to witness the recreation of the magic of Benigni on screen.