Enna Vilai trailer brings Karunaas full circle

Twenty-five years after Nandha began his screen journey, the actor returns to Rameswaram for a ₹7 crore story about ordinary lives and dignity.

The Enna Vilai trailer brings Karunaas back to Rameswaram, where his screen career began 25 years ago as Lodukku Pandi in Bala’s Nandha. The return means more than geography to him. Sajeev Pazhoor’s film has also fulfilled a long-held wish to work with writers, directors and technicians from Malayalam cinema.

“I have watched a lot of Malayalam films, and for years I wanted to work on at least one film with a Malayalam writer, director and technicians. That has happened now,” Karunaas said. “This is a film about ordinary people. That is why the director has chosen actors who feel natural.”

He was unusually candid about what the production had asked of its backers. “I do not have much of a market today. Even so, the producers trusted me and invested ₹7 crore in this film. That is how strongly they believe in the story,” he said. He added that Pazhoor raises a question he believes Indian cinema has not asked before, without giving away what that question is.

Three members of the Enna Vilai team pose together before the film's blue trailer-launch backdrop

Nimisha Sajayan plays an advocate, and Karunaas singled out her performance for praise. His most personal endorsement came closer to home: after Nandha, he said, Enna Vilai is the film closest to his heart, and the first performance of his that his wife has openly praised. He also recalled Sajayan embracing him and kissing his cheek after watching his work. According to Karunaas, the film has already been acquired by Netflix ahead of its theatrical release.

The film arrives with a festival trail behind it. Enna Vilai won Best Screenplay at the Dada Saheb Phalke International Film Festival earlier this year, while the team also cites further selections and awards abroad. Sasha, who plays the hero’s sister Manimegalai, said the film had won at 13 festivals. For her, shooting the village story in Rameswaram also fulfilled a personal ambition.

Six members of the Enna Vilai team stand together in front of the film's trailer artwork

Pazhoor, the National Award-winning screenwriter of Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, pointed to Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, Soodhu Kavvum and Pannaiyarum Padminiyum as films that grew from small ideas. His affection for Tamil, he said, was what made him want to direct Enna Vilai in the language. His request to audiences was simple: watch the film first, then tell him what they thought.

The ensemble spoke with the relief of people who have been waiting a long time to share the film. Pandi said he had entered every new project hoping to build an identity beyond Pasanga and Goli Soda, and believed this role could finally do that. Darshan plays a writer and spoke proudly of the film’s festival reception. Nirosha credited Pazhoor with pushing her towards a performance so natural that it would not register as acting.

An Enna Vilai cast member poses before the film's trailer-launch backdrop

An Enna Vilai cast member in a white shirt stands before the film's trailer artwork

Kavi said the cast had been waiting to experience the film with audiences at home after its screenings abroad. Constable Sundaram, who had previously worked as a junior artiste, thanked Pazhoor for giving him the opportunity and remembered Karunaas as an established actor who carried none of that status into his dealings with the rest of the cast. Pradeep voiced the same gratitude for the chance to be part of the film.

Producer Githesh Viswambharan credited both the unit and the people of Rameswaram for the work they put into the production. He produces with Anugopal Venugopalan under Kalamaya Cineverse. Sam C.S. has composed the music. Enna Vilai opens in theatres on September 17.