Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Just days after saying he would step away from acting until his divorce with wife Aarti Ravi was finalised, Tamil actor Ravi Mohan has been announced as the latest addition to filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ever-expanding cinematic universe. The filmmaker announced Mohan joined his next, Benz.
Ravi Mohan joins LCU after quitting acting
On Sunday, Lokesh officially welcomed Ravi Mohan to Benz, the next instalment in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), sharing photographs from the film’s shoot, aka BTS. The announcement immediately caught fans’ attention, given Ravi’s recent emotional remarks about taking a break from work amid his ongoing personal struggles.
Sharing the update on X, Lokesh wrote, “Welcome to the universe @iam_RaviMohan Sir (sic),” accompanied by heart and hug emojis. Lead actor Raghava Lawrence also welcomed Ravi to the project, posting, “Happy to welcome you onboard Brother @iam_RaviMohan (sic),” along with a fire emoji and the hashtag Benz.
See the announcement here:
Why are fans confused?
The casting announcement sparked discussion online, with some fans expressing surprise and wondering whether Ravi had reconsidered his earlier decision to pause acting. Others voiced concern about his wellbeing following a difficult few months in his personal life.
Earlier this month, singer and spiritual healer Keneeshaa Francis revealed that she was leaving Chennai and appeared to hint at a separation from Ravi. She said relentless cyberbullying had influenced her decision, adding that she had also been subjected to online attacks after a social media account linked to her was allegedly hacked and used to post an inappropriate comment about Ravi’s estranged wife, Aarti Ravi.
Soon after, Ravi addressed the media in an emotional press conference, where he broke down while discussing the impact of the ongoing controversy.
“Until my divorce comes through, I will not act. Whenever I get my divorce, my life will be normal again. Whenever this cyberbullying stops, I will return,” he had said.
Referring to Keneeshaa, he added, “You have sent Keneeshaa away. I wish her a good life.”
Why is Ravi Mohan’s personal life in the headlines?
Ravi and Aarti married in 2009. The actor announced their separation in 2024 after moving out of their shared home, and divorce proceedings are currently underway before the Chennai Family Court.
Keneeshaa, who had long maintained that she was only Ravi’s friend and healer, was later seen attending public events with the actor. The two were also spotted together at a wedding in matching outfits and frequently appeared in each other’s social media posts.
Earlier this month, Keneeshaa wrote, “I walked into this story with love. I walk out of it with silence,” a message many interpreted as confirmation of a breakup.
All about the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU)
Ravi Mohan’s latest professional move places him in one of Tamil cinema’s most successful franchises. The LCU currently comprises Kaithi (2019), Vikram (2022) and Leo (2023), all connected through a larger narrative centred on a drug cartel network.
While Lokesh directed the previous films in the franchise, Benz is being helmed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan. The film stars Raghava Lawrence in the lead role, with Nivin Pauly playing the antagonist.
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
