Bollywood Actress Mannara Chopra to Star in Tamil Film Celebrating Badaga Heritage

In an upcoming Tamil film titled 'Highlights', Bollywood actress Mannara Chopra is set to play the female lead, marking her first major role in a Tamil production. The film, directed by actor Vijay Sathya, who is himself a member of the Badaga community, aims to present the rich history and cultural heritage of this indigenous group from the Nilgiris region.

Vijay Sathya, who will also be portraying the male lead in the film, explains that 'Highlights' will be a fantasy thriller with a historical connect, featuring a flashback portion set in pre-independent India. As a Badaga, Sathya has been passionate about making a film that can showcase the unique identity and traditions of his community to a wider audience.

The decision to cast Mannara Chopra, who is Priyanka Chopra's cousin and was a runner-up on the reality show 'Bigg Boss', was a strategic one. Given the filmmakers' ambition to make 'Highlights' a pan-Indian project, they felt that Mannara's recognizable face would help the film reach beyond the regional market. The actress also managed to convincingly pull off the Badaga costume during the look test, further cementing her selection for the lead role.

The film is expected to go on floors by the end of October 2025 or the first week of November in the picturesque town of Ooty, located in the Nilgiris district. With its unique blend of fantasy, history, and cultural representation, 'Highlights' is poised to offer a fresh and engaging cinematic experience for audiences across India.