Kenatha Kaanom, the upcoming comedy-drama starring Yogi Babu, carries a weight that extends beyond what’s on screen. It is the final film written and directed by Suresh Sangaiah, who passed away before it could reach theatres. Sangaiah made his name with Oru Kidaiyin Karunai Manu, a film that travelled to international festivals but never found the wide Tamil audience it deserved. He followed it with Sathya Sodhanai, and Kenatha Kaanom was shaping up to be his most ambitious project.
Yogi Babu, who plays the lead, has his own history with the director. “I was the first choice for Kidaiyin Karuppu,” he recalled, “but I was deeply involved in comedy roles and lacked the confidence to take it up then. Today, I feel grateful to have done a meaningful film for him.” It’s a full-circle moment for an actor who has steadily evolved from comedian to someone directors trust with the lead.
The film explores political territory, according to the cast. Actress Rachael Rebecca described it as having “strong political and psychological dimensions,” while actor Ramakrishnan called its political relevance substantial. The title itself carries weight. Director Karu Pazhaniappan pointed out that it’s drawn from a famous Vadivelu dialogue, and having Yogi Babu front a film with that loaded phrase adds a layer of intent.
Sangaiah’s commitment to authenticity shaped the production. Producer Ramesh Babu recalled that the director specifically needed a location with a house that had no terrace. After a long search, when they finally found one, flooding threw the schedule into question, but the team pressed forward. Cinematographer Thiyagu described an unusually thorough pre-production phase, with rehearsals that matched big-budget standards despite many first-time actors in the cast.
Music composer Nivas K Prasanna signed on before hearing the script, purely on trust in Sangaiah. Director Nelson Venkatesan, speaking ahead of the film’s release, reflected on the lasting impact of Sangaiah’s debut. “Although it received international acclaim, it did not get the regional recognition it deserved,” he said. “He was a beautiful and dedicated soul who worked tirelessly until his last breath.”
Director Vasantha Balan said the trailer convinced him the film carries a powerful political statement. Director Susienthiran praised Yogi Babu as one of the most dependable actors for small and mid-budget films, and lauded co-star Lovelyn Chandrashekhar for acting “purely out of passion.”
The most affecting moment came from Sangaiah’s wife, Thansi Fathima, who attended with their children. “Suresh often told me that the entire cast and crew were like his family,” she said. “During moments of grief, many of them called me, but I didn’t know how to respond at the time.”
Yogi Babu said the experience has left him wanting to write a script himself and give an assistant director the chance to direct. Kenatha Kaanom, which also stars Lovelyn Chandrashekhar, will stream on Jio Hotstar.