Ravi Mohan Joins LCU Film ‘Benz’ Days After Announcing Acting Hiatus Amid Divorce Battle With Aarti Ravi

Actor Ravi Mohan has joined the cast of Benz, the latest film in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), just days after announcing that he would step away from acting until his divorce battle was resolved. On Sunday, filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj officially welcomed Ravi to the LCU by sharing photos from the film’s shoot on social media. He expressed his excitement about having Ravi as part of the franchise, while lead actor Raghava Lawrence also welcomed him to the project.

Lokesh Kanagaraj Welcomes Ravi Mohan To LCU

On Monday, Lokesh Kanagaraj took to X (formerly Twitter) to share several photos with Ravi Mohan, while welcoming him to LCU. “Welcome to the universe @iam_RaviMohan sir,” he wrote. The announcement came as a surprise to many fans because Ravi had recently stated that he would

not continue acting or release films until his personal issues were settled. Social media users reacted with curiosity, with some wondering whether the actor had overcome the challenges that had led him to announce a break from work.

Welcome to the universe @iam_RaviMohan sir 🤗🤗❤️❤️ #Benz @offl_Lawrence @nivinofficial @iamsamyuktha_ @Dir_Lokesh @PassionStudios_ @TheRoute @GSquadOffl @Sudhans2017 @Jagadishbliss @bakkiyaraj_k @SaiAbhyankkar pic.twitter.com/kxF51Vtb9Z

— Lokesh Kanagaraj (@Dir_Lokesh) May 31, 2026

Netizens React

“Is he okay now?” asked one netizen, while another one wrote, “So #RaviMohan is back to form with physically and mentally?” The post also went viral on Reddit, and one netizen wondered, “But JAYAM Ravi told he is stopping projects until his personal life gets back to normal though right?” while another one commented, “Don’t think he can stop already committed projects.”

Earlier this month, singer and spiritual healer Keneeshaa Francis revealed that she was leaving Chennai and hinted that her relationship with Ravi had ended. She cited persistent cyberbullying as a major reason for her decision, following a hacking incident and online controversy involving comments directed at Ravi’s estranged wife, Aarti Ravi.

Ravi Mohan Announces Acting Break

Shortly afterward, Ravi Mohan held a press conference and became emotional while discussing his personal life. He announced a complete hiatus from acting until his divorce was finalized and the online harassment surrounding his personal life came to an end. He also conveyed his best wishes to Keneeshaa and expressed hope that she would have a peaceful and happy future.

Ravi Mohan and Aarti, who married in 2009, separated in 2024 after he moved out of their home. Their divorce proceedings are currently ongoing in the Chennai Family Court. Although Keneeshaa had initially maintained that she was only Ravi’s friend and healer, speculation about a romantic relationship increased after the pair were frequently seen together at public events and weddings.

In a social media post, Keneeshaa suggested that she was leaving the situation quietly despite having entered it with affection, a statement widely interpreted as confirmation of their breakup.

About Benz

Benz is the next installment in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, which includes Kaithi (2019), Vikram (2022), and Leo (2023). While Lokesh Kanagaraj directed the earlier films in the universe, Benz is being directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan. The film stars Raghava Lawrence in the lead role, with Nivin Pauly playing the antagonist.

Lokesh has also announced plans to expand the LCU further through sequels to Kaithi and Vikram, along with standalone films focusing on popular characters such as Rolex and Agent Tina.