Santosh Sivan’s Mumbaikar stars Vijay Sethupathi, Vikrant Massey and Sachin Khedekar

On New Year's Day, Karan Johar and SS Rajamouli announced Santosh Sivan’s directorial venture Mumbaikar. The film has an ensemble cast of Vikrant Massey, Vijay Sethupathi, Tanya Maniktala, Sanjay Mishra, Ranvir Shorey, Sachin Khedekar and Hridhu Haroon. 

A statement from the makers said, 'After Slumdog Millionaire (2008) and Gully Boy (2019), Mumbaikar seeks to look at the metroscape of Mumbai through the lives of interwoven characters who form its rich, albeit at times bright and other times dark, lifescape.'

The makers also shared the first poster of the film. It has the word ‘Mumbaikar’ written in big typeface with different artistes and visuals from the city in each letter of the alphabet. The famous and picturesque Marine Drive sea face forms the background.

Explaining why he decided to make a film on the city, Santosh Sivan said, “Every city has its own spirit and so does Mumbai that is synonymous with the spirit of resilience. Mumbai is a magnet. It draws aspirants from all over India, both in terms of region and religion. It is the city of dreams, the city of hope, the city of magic to many. A stranger can change your life here. And in the midst of the concrete jungle, there is a heartbeat that heals!”

About the title, the cinematographer-filmmaker said, “Mumbai may be a metro, but Mumbaikar is an emotion! Hence the title. In terms of cast, we have an intriguing and interesting mix of national talents. And that adds to the magic.”