Anirudh and Kavya Maran land in Chennai, masked and married

Anirudh Ravichander and Kavya Maran are back in Chennai. The newlyweds landed at Chennai airport on Saturday afternoon, three days after their wedding in Greece, with Kavya’s father, Sun Group chairman Kalanithi Maran, walking out alongside them. They flew in via Dubai.

It was about as far from the wedding photos as a couple could get. In Greece it was ivory and blush, layered pearls and an altar built of white flowers. At the arrivals gate it was all black, face masks on, a bag slung over Anirudh’s shoulder. They did not stop for photographers. Anirudh, spotting the fans who had gathered at the exit, gave them a wave before the couple got into the car and left for home.

The wedding itself, on Wednesday, November 11, was a self-respect ceremony: no religious rituals, just an exchange of garlands and chains, after an engagement the day before. Rajinikanth, Anirudh’s uncle by marriage, and MK Stalin were in the front row, and Anirudh shared the first photos himself that night. The families had flown out of the same airport on Monday, when Rajinikanth’s departure drew its own crowd of cameras.

What comes next is the bigger Chennai event. The reception is set for November 21, and Kalanithi Maran has been doing the invitation rounds in person; he and his wife Kavery Maran called on Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad to invite him. With cinema, politics, cricket and business all on the guest list, a quiet airport exit is likely the last low-key appearance the couple will make this month.