Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, May 14: Director Meera Kathiravan’s much-anticipated romantic drama Habeebi has reportedly been cleared for release by the Central Board of Film Certification with a clean ‘U’ certificate.
According to industry sources, members of the censor board appreciated the film for its emotionally rich storytelling and family-friendly narrative, describing it as a wholesome entertainer rooted in meaningful human values.
The film stars Kasthuri Raja, father of actor Dhanush, alongside actress Malavika Manoj in the lead roles.
Malavika essays the role of Nilofer Nisha in the film, a character affectionately referred to as “Nilavu Pulla” — meaning “Moon Child” — by those around her in the story.
Speaking earlier about the casting process, director Meera Kathiravan revealed that the team auditioned more than 200 artistes before finalising Malavika for the role. The filmmaker explained that the character required an actress capable of convincingly portraying a young woman from the 1990s across different phases of life, with expressive performances taking precedence over dialogue delivery.
Kathiravan also praised the actress for her dedication and natural screen presence, stating that Malavika impressed the entire unit with her performance once filming began. He added that the role relied heavily on facial expressions and body language, and the actress exceeded expectations in bringing emotional depth to the character.
The director further noted that the success of Malavika’s recent films, including Joe and Aan Paavam Polladhadhu, has generated additional attention and momentum for Habeebi.
Sources associated with the project say the film presents an emotional and authentic portrayal of the lives, traditions, and cultural identity of Tamil Muslims. Staying true to the meaning of its title — “My Beloved” — the story is expected to revolve around themes of love, relationships, and shared human experiences.
The film’s music has been composed by Sam C. S., while the worldwide theatrical release will be handled by Romeo Pictures, headed by producer Raahul, known for distributing both mainstream commercial films and content-driven cinema.