The film “Neelira”, directed by Somasundaram and produced by Karthikeyan Santhanam under the Stone Bench Studio banner, stars Naveen Chandra in the lead role. The film is set to release worldwide in theatres on April 3. A press meet was held in Chennai to introduce the film’s team.
The film stars Naveen Chandra, Sananth, Rupa Koduvayur, Kapila Venu, ‘Kayal’ Vincent, Vidhu, Rohit Koganti, Navayuga, Sidhu Kumaresan, Swathi Krishna, and many others. Cinematography is by Selvaratnam Pradeepan, music is composed by K, art direction is handled by Martin, and editing is done by Radha Sridhar.
The film is a survival thriller set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war, focusing on the challenges faced by a bride, groom, their families, relatives, and friends during a wedding. It is jointly produced by Karthikeyan Santhanam and Karthik Subbaraj. The film will be distributed by AGS in Tamil Nadu and Ahimsa Entertainment overseas.
Director Somasundaram said:
“During my childhood, while war was ongoing, Tamil films were released in Tamil Nadu. Watching them, I had a longing—not just me, but many Eelam artists like me—whether one day we could hear our language on the big screen, or see even a small part of our home or village portrayed.
Today, that dream has come true. Many artists from Eelam, starting from Balu Mahendra, have tried for this over the years. This film is a continuation of those efforts. I thank Karthik Subbaraj for initiating this journey.
Eelam Tamils always wished to see something as simple as our traditional food like ‘puttu’ on the big screen—today, that has happened.
When I narrated this story, producer Karthikeyan Santhanam, who had some awareness of the war, made the important decision to turn it into a film. This story contains a unique way of life, something new to Tamil cinema, and I believed audiences would celebrate it.
This is not just an art film or a serious film—it tells life within war, similar to how war films have been portrayed over time.
We’ve seen many war films from Hollywood, focusing on gunfire and combat. But behind every bomb is a place where people live. They may be celebrating a birthday, arranging a wedding, or mourning a death. What happens when a bomb falls there? How does life change? That is what this film explores.
War is not just about two sides shooting at each other—people live in between.
For us, war was life. From childhood to youth, everything—education, play, love, marriage—happened within war.
This film shows how life existed within that war.
Cinema creates tension—the fear that something might happen. Films like Life Is Beautiful showed life within war, not just suffering. This film does the same.
To me, the fear of death is worse than death itself. This film is about life lived in that fear—a long night filled with tension.
I also wanted to visually show Tamil audiences how homes in Eelam look, how kitchens are, and how people live—something not fully shown before.
Even during war, we made films with VHS cameras. Actors would sometimes die suddenly, yet filming continued. That is where this inspiration began.
This film speaks about life, tension, and a wedding happening within war.
I thank Karthik Subbaraj, who once came from Bangalore to Chennai to participate in protests supporting Eelam Tamils, and who later became my friend and made this film possible.
Balu Mahendra once told me to at least make one film about our story. This film fulfills that wish.”
Actress Rupa Koduvayur said:
“This is my second Tamil film after ‘Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya’. Like my first film, this one is special—not just for me, but for all Tamil audiences.
We usually think war means weapons and fighting. But people live inside it, facing emotional struggles. This film talks about that.
It takes place over one long night during a war. I believe it will deeply impact audiences.
I am a fan of Karthik Subbaraj. He supports meaningful films like this. I believe director Somasundaram will receive great appreciation for this film.”
Music Composer K said:
“I’m happy to be part of this meaningful film. I believe ‘Neelira’ will be memorable. Thank you for your support.”
Actor Sananth said:
“I was born and raised in Chennai, so this lifestyle was completely new to me. The director showed documentaries and explained the lives of people there.
I spoke to many people and heard their stories. There are many such untold stories from Eelam, and I hope more films will come.”
Actor Naveen Chandra said:
“I’ve acted in many films, but this one is very special—not just for me, but for everyone involved.
Working with theatre artists, short film actors, and newcomers from places like London and Canada was a unique experience.
I play a captain in this film. Beyond that, I can’t reveal much—but I’m confident audiences will like it.
Stone Bench Studio feels like home to me. It values equality and meaningful storytelling.”
Producer Karthikeyan Santhanam said:
“This is our 18th film. ‘Neelira’ is very special—we are proud to have made it.
I once saw a short film shown by Karthik Subbaraj that deeply impacted me. Later, I understood its meaning.
Cinema allows us to tell important stories. That’s why we created Stone Bench.
Director Somasundaram’s story made us proud to produce this film.
The film has been made with high technical quality, especially the music.
Today’s Gen Z audience is hard to bring to theatres, but this film is important for them and for Tamils worldwide. Please support it in theatres.”
Director Karthik Subbaraj said:
“My dream was first to direct films, then to produce meaningful ones. That’s why we started Stone Bench.
Usually, I present films, while Karthikeyan produces them. But for this film, I personally wanted to be credited as a producer—this is a film I truly wished for.
Director Somasundaram is a documentary filmmaker who has worked during the Sri Lankan war. He has many stories.
I have an emotional connection to Eelam. My first short film ‘Kaatchi Pizhai’ reflected that.
War films like 1917, Life Is Beautiful, and The Pianist inspired me—they show human emotions within war.
Cinema is more powerful than weapons—it expresses emotions and tells real stories beyond box office.
When Somasundaram narrated this story—a wedding happening during war—it felt emotional and thrilling. It is a survival thriller.
Even if you don’t think about war, this film will feel like a gripping thriller.
For example, a war in Iran can affect gas supply in Tamil Nadu and stop a wedding here. That shows how interconnected the world is.
Similarly, this film shows how a wedding happens in a war zone, with tension and unexpected twists.
Everyone in the team has worked hard. We are releasing the film on April 3, and I strongly believe Tamil audiences will love it.”
