Netflix India announced on Monday that it will soon release a lineup of original Tamil films on its platform, starting with the first title, Stephen. The film marks the directorial debut of Mithun Balaji, who is joining hands with actor and writer Gomathi Shankar. The latter has played small roles in Gargi, Lover and Dharala Prabhu.
As per Netflix, the official description of the film reads, "A psychiatrist evaluating a self-confessed serial killer unravels a twisted web of trauma, deceit, and psychological manipulation—only to question if the killer is truly guilty or just another victim in a larger, darker game."
As per a press note unveiled by the streamer, director Mithun said, "Stephen is about a calm, calculated serial killer who carries secrets which are unsettlingly personal. Gomathi Shankar plays the title role with a quiet intensity, making the character feel both reel and real. As a debutant, this film means a lot to me. We tried to approach the subject with utmost care and honesty. I'm grateful to Netflix for giving us the opportunity and space to tell stories in such a distinct genre. The fact that our film will be available for the world to see across over 190 countries feels unreal, and I hope people enjoy this humble attempt at the craft.”
Further, actor and writer Gomathi Shankar said, "Stephen is a film that looks beyond the crime to the man behind it. Portraying him meant finding the nuances that make him vulnerable, even endearing, while his darkness always remained intact. For me, the challenge was to bring out the shades of a serial killer without turning them into absolutes. The real reward is having this journey land on Netflix, whose instincts and reach give the film its truest stage.”
Michael Thangadurai and Smruthi Venkat are also set to be seen in Stephen, which is produced by Jayakumar and Mohan under the JM Production House. Gomathi Shankar has also written the film with Mithun Balaji. A release date for the film is yet to be announced.
