Produced by Karthikeyan Santhanam under the Stone Bench Films banner and directed by Somitharan, the film Neelira, starring Naveen Chandra, is set to release worldwide in theatres on April 3. In this context, a press meet introducing the film team was held in Chennai.
The film features Naveen Chandra, Sananth, Roopa Koduvayur, Kapila Venu, ‘Kayal’ Vincent, Vidhu, Rohit Kokate, Navayuga, Sidhu Kumaresan, Swathi Krishna, and others. Cinematography is by Selvarathinam Pradeepan, music is composed by K, art direction by Martin, and editing by Radha Sridhar. Set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war, the film is a survival thriller that revolves around the challenges faced by a wedding party—including the bride, groom, families, relatives, and friends. The film is jointly produced by Karthikeyan Santhanam and Karthik Subbaraj under Stone Bench Films. It will be distributed across Tamil Nadu by AGS and overseas by Ahimsa Entertainment.
Speaking at the event, director Somitharan said:
“When I was young, during the war, Tamil films used to release in Tamil Nadu. Watching those films, I had a desire—not just me, but many Eelam artists like me. We wondered if one day we could hear our language on the big screen… see our village, our home, even in a single frame. That longing has now come true.
From Balu Mahendra to many others, several artists from Eelam have tried in Tamil cinema. This film is a continuation of that effort. I thank director and my friend Karthik Subbaraj for initiating this journey.
Eelam Tamils around the world had a desire to see even something as simple as the food we cook at home—like puttu—on the big screen. That has now become possible.
When I narrated this story, our producer Karthikeyan Santhanam, who had only heard about the war, decided to make it into a film. This story contains a way of life that is new to Tamil cinema, and I believe audiences will celebrate it.
This is not an art film or a serious film alone—it tells life as it existed within war.
We have seen many war films, especially from Hollywood. They show two sides shooting at each other. But behind every bomb, there are people—someone celebrating a birthday, arranging a wedding, or dealing with loss. What happens when a bomb falls there? That life, that tension—that is what Neelira shows.
War is not just about guns. For us, war was life itself. We studied, played, loved, and got married within war. It became part of our existence.
This film shows that life—how we lived within war and the events that unfolded.
Cinema creates tension—the fear that something might happen. There are films like ‘Life is Beautiful’ that show life within war. Similarly, this film portrays that kind of life.
More than death, the fear of death is worse. This film captures that fear-filled life.
I wanted to visually show how homes in Eelam look, how kitchens are, and how people live—something Tamil audiences haven’t fully seen before.
Even during the war, we made films with VHS cameras. Sometimes actors would die during shooting, yet we continued filming. That experience inspired this story.
This film is about a wedding happening within a tense night during war.
I thank Karthik Subbaraj, who once joined human chain protests supporting Eelam Tamils and later became a filmmaker and helped make this film possible.
When I worked with Balu Mahendra, he once told me: ‘At least in your first film, tell our story.’ I’m grateful to Stone Bench Films for making that possible.”
Actress Roopa Koduvayur said:
“This is my second Tamil film after ‘Emagathagi.’ This film is special not just for me, but for all Tamil people. We usually think of war as weapons and violence, but this film shows the emotional struggles of people within it. The story unfolds over one long night during war. I believe it will deeply impact audiences.”
Actor Sananth said:
“I was born and brought up in Chennai. This lifestyle was completely new to me. The director showed me documentaries and explained the lives of people there. I spoke to many people and heard their stories. I feel more such films about Eelam should be made.”
Actor Naveen Chandra said:
“This film is very special for all of us. I play a captain in the film. Working with actors from different regions like Assam, Mumbai, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu was a new experience. Everyone has worked with dedication.”
Producer Karthikeyan Santhanam said
“This is our 18th production and a film we are proud of. We can proudly hold our heads high for making this film.
Cinema allows us to tell meaningful stories, and that’s why we started Stone Bench Films. When Somitharan narrated this story, we felt proud to produce it.
Every actor has performed brilliantly. Technically, the film has turned out very well, especially the music.
This film is important for today’s generation and for Tamils worldwide. We hope audiences will support it in theatres.”
Director Karthik Subbaraj said:
“My dream was to direct films, and later to produce films like this. This is the first time I insisted on including my name as a producer—because this is a film I truly desired to make.
Somitharan is a documentary filmmaker who has captured war realities. When he narrated the story—a wedding happening during war—it felt emotional and thrilling at the same time.
War films often focus on action, but this film focuses on human life within war. Even if you don’t think about war, this will feel like a gripping thriller.
We want to tell unheard stories. Cinema is a powerful medium to express emotions beyond just box office success.
The film will release in theatres on April 3, and we are confident Tamil audiences will like it.”
