Maitreyi Ramakrishnan joins ‘Freaky Friday 2,’ directed by Nisha Ganatra

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, renowned for her role in Mindy Kaling’s “Never Have I Ever,” has been confirmed to join the ensemble cast of “Freaky Friday 2,” slated for a nationwide theatrical release in 2025 rather than debuting on Disney+. The specifics of her character remain undisclosed.

Directed by Nisha Ganatra, the sequel brings back original stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan alongside familiar faces such as Mark Harmon, Chad Michael Murray, and others. Jordan Weiss has penned the script, continuing the story that captivated audiences in the 2003 hit, which grossed $160 million worldwide. The film, based on Mary Rodgers’ book, centers on Tess Coleman, a strict psychiatrist, and her rebellious daughter Anna, who swap bodies unexpectedly after a fortune cookie mishap.

In the upcoming sequel, set years after the initial body-swap, Anna now navigates life with a daughter of her own and a stepdaughter, exploring the challenges of blending families. The narrative promises a fresh twist on multigenerational dynamics and the enduring complexities of family life.

Ramakrishnan, born in Canada to Tamil parents who fled Sri Lanka’s civil war, has swiftly risen in Hollywood, echoing the trajectory of stars like Rachel McAdams. Her breakout role in “Never Have I Ever” depicts Devi Vishwakumar, a young Indian American grappling with loss and identity in California. Ramakrishnan’s talent has also been showcased in Netflix’s “The Netherfield Girls,” a modern take on Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” where she plays the spirited Lizzie Bennet.

With her inclusion in “Freaky Friday 2,” Ramakrishnan continues to carve a path as one of Hollywood’s promising young talents, celebrated for her versatility and depth on screen.