Overview
Four women, who reside in North Chennai, take on a few prominent political figures while dealing with a major issue in their locality. While the protest initially fetches them recognition, it eventually spells trouble for them.
Kannitheevu: A rare female friendship film in Tamil cinema
Kannitheevu (transl. Virgo Island) is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language female buddy drama film directed and produced by Sundar Balu. The film stars Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Subiksha Krishnan, Aishwarya Dutta and Ashna Zaveri in the lead roles, with Rajendran, Super Subbarayan and Livingston in supporting roles. The film was released on 8 March 2023, coinciding with International Women’s Day, in a direct television premiere via Colors Tamil.
The film tells the story of four long-time friends, Madhi (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar), Aishwarya (Aishwarya Dutta), Subhiksha (Subiksha Krishnan) and Kani (Ashna Zaveri), who live in a housing board residence in North Chennai. The four friends are fiercely independent and outspoken, and they often clash with the corrupt politicians and officials in their area.
When the friends decide to stand up against a major social issue in their neighborhood, they soon find themselves in the crosshairs of powerful people. They are threatened, harassed and intimidated, but they refuse to back down.
Kannitheevu is a refreshing and inspiring film that celebrates the power of female friendship and solidarity. It is a rare film in Tamil cinema that focuses on the stories of ordinary women, and it does so in a way that is both realistic and empowering.
The film has been praised for its strong performances, its realistic portrayal of North Chennai, and its timely message. It has also been described as a “rare female friendship film” in Tamil cinema.
If you are looking for a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, I highly recommend Kannitheevu. It is a film that will stay with you long after you have watched it.