Nungambakkam: The controversy-stricken film on Swathi murder case to get OTT release

The press meet of the controversy-stricken film, Nungambakkam, was held today. The film, which was previously titled as Swathi Kolai Vazhakku, is about the infamous case of Swathi, who was murdered at the Nungambakkam Railway Station in broad daylight in 2016. The film was announced shortly thereafter, and it soon became a topic of controversy.

Multiple cases were filed against the film and its director, and after two years of struggle, the film is all set for release on the OTT platform CineFlix on October 24.

The director of Nungambakkam, Ramesh Selvan, spoke at the event and urged the public to support his film. On what urged him to make the film, he said, "The lack of humanity in the case was really hurting me. Nobody cared about Swathi for over three hours and she was just lying dead on a railway platform. I couldn't bear that."

In addition to the multiple other hurdles over the last two years, Ramesh also struggled to get the censor certificate. "Yes, there is politics within the censor board. Just wait for five more days and I'll open up about all the atrocities within the police system, censor board, and more. If I speak now, they will create more problems," he said.

The director also urged the public to watch his film legally and to avoid piracy. "If piracy continues, creators like me will have no other option but suicide," he added.

During the event, lead actors Ajmal Ameer, Mano, Aayira, producer RK Ravidhevan, lyricist Snehan, and director-actor RNR Manohar also voiced their support for the director and urged the public to support the film.

If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers:

Tamil Nadu:

State health department suicide helpline number - 104

Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in TN

Maharashtra (Mumbai):

Aasra - 022 2754 6669

Andhra Pradesh:

Life Suicide Prevention Helpline No.78930-78930

Karnataka:

Sahai: 24-hour helpline numbers: 080- 65000111, 080-65000222

Kerala:

Maithri helpline - 0484-2540530

Chaithram helpline: 0484-2361161

Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.

Telangana:

Telangana government suicide prevention toll-free no: 104