As anticipation builds for the July 25 release of the upcoming crime thriller So Long Valley, director Man Singh reflects on how the film was shaped not just by plot or production, but by people and realism. The film stars Tridha Choudhury as Inspector Suman Negi and features a powerful performance by Vikram Kochhar alongside a strong ensemble. But for Man Singh, casting was never just about names—it was about connection.
“When the story is ready, we start thinking about the cast, who fits the character,” Man Singh explains. “When the character of Suman was developed, Tridha’s name came up. We also look at the interest level ,how invested the actor is. When Tridha heard about the role, she herself asked for the narration. That says a lot. You also have to see how naturally an actor can embody the role.”
For Singh, Tridha’s proactive attitude and depth brought Inspector Suman to life in a way that felt both intuitive and grounded. The director also praised co-star Vikram for his dedication and transformation in the film. “Vikram is a very down-to-earth person he’s a good human being and an exceptionally strong performer. In this film, he’s taken it to the next level.”
At its core, So Long Valley isn’t just a story designed to thrill, it’s a mirror to society.“When we write the script, we don’t look outward for inspiration,” says Man Singh.“Our stories are born from within—right from our surroundings. Crime thrillers, especially, come from real incidents in our society. Small events grow into big ones. Our society has both good and bad elements, and that’s where stories like this emerge from.”
With a film that blends authenticity, performance, and pulse-pounding tension, Man Singh's So Long Valley is poised to be more than just a thriller, it’s a cinematic reflection of the world we live in.
Catch So Long Valley in theatres nationwide on July 25, 2025.
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