Fans of Hindi romantic comedies have a new reason to look back at a favourite franchise, as Kangana Ranaut and R Madhavan are reuniting for Tanu Weds Manu: The Next Chapter.
The third film in the series is confirmed, with production planned for 2026, bringing Tanu and Manu back to screens more than ten years after the last instalment.
The new film is part of a wider slate being developed by Eros Innovation under the Eros Universe banner, which aims to revisit several established titles. While a detailed production calendar is not public yet, the makers state that Tanu Weds Manu: The Next Chapter is expected to move into filming stages in 2026, with further announcements anticipated closer to the shoot.
Tanu Weds Manu: The Next Chapter director, producers and creative team
Tanu Weds Manu: The Next Chapter will have a change behind the camera, with Mitakshara Kumar taking over directing duties. Mitakshara Kumar is known for directing The Empire and working on Heeramandi, and now steps into a franchise created on screen by director Aanand L Rai. The film is also being co-produced by Rudraksh Jyoti Soma Limited, joining forces with Eros Innovation on the new chapter.
Tanu Weds Manu: The Next Chapter cast, chemistry and returning characters
Around the new film, the biggest attraction for many viewers remains the pairing of Kangana Ranaut and R Madhavan as Tanu and Manu. Their chemistry in the first two films helped those stories become box office successes and made the couple one of the most recognisable in recent Hindi cinema. Fans also hope other regulars may return, although no supporting cast is confirmed.
Earlier films featured Deepak Dobriyal, Jimmy Shergill, Swara Bhasker and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in important parts that added humour and emotional weight. The makers have not yet revealed whether these actors will appear in Tanu Weds Manu: The Next Chapter, so casting discussions remain a key talking point among followers of the franchise while they wait for official word from the team.
Tanu Weds Manu: The Next Chapter storyline buzz and Kangana Ranaut roles
The production team is still keeping plot details under wraps, which has led to speculation about Kangana Ranaut’s role. In Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Kangana Ranaut played a double role as Tanu and Kusum Sangwan, also called Datto, and that performance drew widespread attention. Industry gossip now suggests a possible triple role, though the makers have not endorsed that claim.
Curiosity about the story of Tanu Weds Manu: The Next Chapter also centres on how the film may show Tanu and Manu many years after the events of the last movie. Viewers wonder if the narrative will again balance romance and humour, and whether Datto will appear. For now, the creative direction, time jump and setting remain unconfirmed by the production.
Tanu Weds Manu: The Next Chapter franchise history and box office journey
The Tanu Weds Manu series began in 2011, when the first film introduced audiences to spirited Tanu and steady Manu. Directed by Aanand L Rai, that film mixed small-town settings, comedy and heartfelt romance, and gradually found strong word-of-mouth. The sequel, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, arrived in 2015 and became an even bigger commercial and critical success.
| Film | Year of release | Director |
|---|---|---|
| Tanu Weds Manu | 2011 | Aanand L Rai |
| Tanu Weds Manu Returns | 2015 | Aanand L Rai |
| Tanu Weds Manu: The Next Chapter | Expected 2026 (production) | Mitakshara Kumar |
Tanu Weds Manu Returns was especially remembered for the arrival of Datto, whose character stayed with audiences well after release. The film also highlighted Kangana Ranaut’s versatility, which has influenced speculation about new roles in Tanu Weds Manu: The Next Chapter. The enduring popularity of these earlier entries explains the strong interest around the franchise’s continuation and any future box office prospects.
Outside this franchise, both leads remain active with other projects while Tanu Weds Manu: The Next Chapter moves towards production. Kangana Ranaut is set to appear in Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata and has recently spoken on topics such as objectification and meaningful roles, with headlines quoting “Line Between Seduction, Vulgarity…”, “It Will Be ‘A Great Message’ If PM Narendra Modi Watches Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata” and “If You Make Choices That…”. R Madhavan, meanwhile, is working on the film G.D.N.
With filming on Tanu Weds Manu: The Next Chapter expected to begin in 2026, audiences can expect more clarity on the script, casting and release window as production nears. Until those details are shared, interest stays focused on the confirmed reunion of Kangana Ranaut and R Madhavan, the franchise’s shift to director Mitakshara Kumar, and the future of one of Bollywood’s best-known on-screen couples.