A thanksgiving event was held for the film “Habibi”, produced by Nesam Entertainment, GKS Bros Productions, and Romeo Pictures, directed by Meera Kathiravan, and starring Kasthuri Raja, Malavika Manoj, and others.
Lyricist Yugabharathi
“I have known Meera Kathiravan since his days as an assistant director. Personally, he has worked tirelessly for many years to achieve a success like this. Thanks to everyone who made it possible. It is a joy to see Kasthuri Raja as an actor. From now on, he will surely be cast as a father in many successful films. Meera Kathiravan has portrayed Islamic life in such a way that one can say Tamil cinema has never seen a film like this before. Years ago, there was a debate about why Muslims were often portrayed as terrorists in Tamil cinema. At that time, leading filmmakers felt that only someone who truly understood Muslim life could make an authentic film about them. Meera Kathiravan agreed, and the story he carried in his heart became Habibi. Seeing it released and successful after six years is deeply satisfying.”
Lyricist Karthik Netha
“Without forcing any message, Meera Kathiravan has turned real-life experiences into cinema. He wrote this screenplay knowing that such a film is needed for everyone. We live in a time when violence is often celebrated and normalized. Amidst that, Habibi arrives as a comforting film. Only when such films become major box-office successes will more films of this kind be made. Those who haven’t watched it should definitely see it in theaters.”
Editor Mathi
“I am happy that my second film has become such a historically significant project. Thank you for giving me this opportunity, and congratulations to everyone involved.”
Art Director Appunni Sajan
“I am delighted by the film’s huge success. Congratulations to everyone.”
Actress Anusreya Rajan
“The support this film is receiving from audiences is very fulfilling. Thank you all.”
Actress Malavika Manoj
“This is my first film. It feels wonderful that after so many years, it has finally been released and received so much love. Thank you.”
Actor Eesa
“After the film’s release, many people recognize me and congratulate me. They show affection as if I were one of their own family members. Thanks to the director for the opportunity, the media for taking the film to audiences, and my fellow actors.”
Sound Mixing Engineer Udhayakumar
“All credit for the film’s sound mixing belongs to the director. He personally decided how much sound was needed in every scene. Sam C.S.’s background score also played a major role.”
Actress Jayashree
“I never expected to be given such an important role in this film. Thank you for the opportunity.”
Actress Malar
“Thank you to director Meera Kathiravan for selecting me for this role. I am a YouTuber, and many people recognized me from the film and appreciated my performance. Please help take this film to even more audiences.”
Actor Kaushik
“This is my first film. Thanks to Meera Kathiravan and the entire team for their support.”
Actor Sun Sagul
“The media and cinema industries are like family to me. I joined this project because it is rooted in my soil and culture. Beyond being a regional story, it beautifully portrays Islamic life. Since it speaks about relationships, happiness, and sorrow, audiences across the world are celebrating it. Thank you for the opportunity.”
Siddha Doctor Sivaraman
“Director Ram introduced this film to me. After watching it with my family, I was deeply moved. I am from Tirunelveli and know the lifestyle of Kadayanallur well. I have many Muslim friends. This film has relieved the sadness caused by the way Muslims are often portrayed in modern cinema. Films like this deserve great success.”
Director Tamil
“It has taken nearly 100 years for Tamil cinema to produce a full-length film centered on Muslim life. It takes courage to portray real life without fiction. The actors have delivered excellent performances. I wish the film great success.”
Director Raju Murugan
“Meera is a longtime friend. All the films he has directed are important works. He has always struggled between making good cinema and achieving commercial success. Habibi has finally brought him complete success. Muslims have a rich history in Tamil literature and politics, but that representation has been largely absent in Tamil cinema. Showing them as human beings and reflecting their real emotions and lifestyle is, in my view, the essence of true Dalit and Muslim cinema. Just as Madras marked a new beginning, Habibi marks the beginning of Muslim cinema in Tamil. Its success amid all the noise around us gives me great hope. It has opened a major door after a hundred years. May more socially conscious films emerge from this.”
Producer Suresh Kamatchi
“I knew Kasthuri Raja as a director, but seeing him act in this film amazed me. Audiences will always support good films. People have great faith in cinema, and it is our responsibility to make socially responsible films. This should not be seen merely as a Muslim film. It is the story of a community within Tamil society that follows a different faith. Cinema has played a major role in portraying Muslims as terrorists, and we must make this film a huge success to help change that perception.”
Actress Dhanasree
“Thank you to the entire team.”
Director and Actor Kasthuri Raja
“First, thanks to my wife for allowing me the freedom to act in this film. Thank you to all my co-stars for their support. After the release, I watched the film with my children and grandchildren. My daughter Vimala Geetha was moved to tears. Dhanush told me that I had acted in a truly honorable film. Thanks to Meera Kathiravan for giving me this recognition. This film and the character Yousuf feel like a new birth for me. Sometimes I even feel like I have become a Muslim in real life. I am deeply grateful to everyone who stood behind Meera Kathiravan and helped make this film possible. I believe this film will win many awards.”
Producer Karuppasamy
“After the success of Parandhu Po, Habibi has become another successful film for us. Thanks to everyone who worked hard behind it.”
Producer Ibrahim
“Thank you to the media and audiences who helped bring this film to the people and turn it into a success.”
Director Meera Kathiravan
“In the 110-year history of Tamil cinema, I wish this could be considered my first film. The Prasad Lab stage is familiar to me, but this feeling is new because this is my first thanksgiving event. It feels embarrassing when great personalities like Kasthuri Raja call me their guru. Thank you to my family for allowing me to enter cinema and to everyone in the film crew. During a difficult time, producer Suresh Kamatchi supported this film financially. Director Ram carried this film on his shoulders and helped bring it into the spotlight. He did not do it merely because we are friends; he supports all good films. Cinema has played a significant role in portraying Muslims as terrorists. If that perception is to change, we must take the initiative. I consider it a great success that this film has helped change people’s view of Muslims. Thank you all.”
