Malavika Manoj, known for her performance in Tamil films like Joe and Aan Paavam Pollathathu, is gearing up for the release of one of her earliest films, Habeebi. She started shooting for the film even before the release of her first film, Prakashan Parakkatte.
Habeebi, helmed by Meera Kathiravan, stars Kasthuri Raja in a lead role. The film is set in a Muslim neighbourhood and tells the story of traditional weavers from the community. Malavika Manoj plays Nilofer Nisha in the film which is set in Kadayanallur.
In an exclusive interview with CE, when she was asked how she managed with the dialect of Tamil spoken by characters in the film, Malavika Manoj revealed, "I don't have dialogues in the film." Further, director Meera Kathiravan explained that the actor has just one dialogue in the entire film and was tasked with expressing everything with her eyes and body language all throughout.
Meera said, "When she finally says her line in the film, it will be so worth it. Until then, the audience will not even realise that the actor has not spoken a word, because her expressions and eyes will make up for the lack of dialogues."
The previously unveiled trailer of the film established that it revolves around a Muslim neighbourhood in southern Tamil Nadu that gets divided over the romance between a boy and a girl in the area. Envisioned to showcase Tamil Muslim culture, the makers say the film would carry an "emotionally enriching narrative, culturally rooted backdrop and sincere storytelling".
The film, along with Malavika Manoj and veteran filmmaker Kasturi Raja in pivotal roles, also stars Esha, Dhanashree Sudhakaran, Arulkumar, and Anusreya Rajan. Backed by Raahul of Romeo Pictures, Nesam Entertainment, and GKS Bros Production, Habeebi's technical crew comprises music composer Sam CS, editor Mathi VS, cinematographer Mahesh Muthuswami, and art director Appunni Sajan.
Habeebi will open in theatres on June 12.
