'Enna Vilai' wins Best Screenplay at Dadasaheb Phalke Festival, Karunas-Nimisha film builds pre-release buzz
Synopsis
Sajeev Pazhoor's 'Enna Vilai' has secured the Best Screenplay prize at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival, a pre-release milestone for the Karunas-Nimisha Sajayan socio-political thriller. Filmed across 56 locations and backed by an ensemble cast, the film is positioned as a big-screen experience designed to cut across regional and demographic lines — a strategic play in an increasingly fragmented cinema market.
Key Takeaways
'Enna Vilai' wins Best Screenplay Award at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival .
Film stars Karunas and Nimisha Sajayan in lead roles, with an ensemble cast including Y Gee Mahendran and Poornima Bhagyaraj .
Directed by Sajeev Pazhoor ; produced by Githesh V under Kalamaya Films .
Shot across 56 locations including Rameswaram , Chennai , Pondicherry , and Kochi .
Positioned as a socio-political family thriller designed for theatrical release; release date to be announced.
Director Sajeev Pazhoor's socio-political family thriller 'Enna Vilai', headlined by Karunas and Nimisha Sajayan, has claimed the Best Screenplay Award at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival, signalling strong critical backing ahead of its theatrical debut. The recognition, presented by Kalamaya Films and producer Githesh V, marks a significant validation for a film that blends emotional depth with political undertones and grounded storytelling.
Film's narrative scope and production scale
'Enna Vilai' is positioned as a rooted cinematic experience designed for the big screen, combining family drama with thriller elements. The production has been mounted across 56 locations including Rameswaram, Chennai, Pondicherry, and Kochi, reflecting an ambitious scope. The ensemble cast extends beyond the leads to include Y Gee Mahendran, Poornima Bhagyaraj, Mohan Ram, Lollu Sabha Swaminathan, Kavithayala Krishna, Deepa Shankar, Mottai Rajendran, and Nakkalites Kavi.
Producer and director on the award and theatrical vision
Producer Githesh V emphasised that the award validates the screenplay's strength and team effort, while stressing that 'Enna Vilai' is crafted as an immersive theatrical experience with broad audience appeal. Director Sajeev Pazhoor described the story as emerging from a rooted and real space, noting that the film unfolds with intensity and emotion designed to resonate on the big screen. Both acknowledged the recognition while anchoring expectations on theatrical reception rather than festival laurels alone.
Casting and ensemble dynamics
The pairing of Karunas, known for his work in Tamil and Malayalam cinema, with Nimisha Sajayan, a Kerala-based actor with a growing pan-Indian profile, signals an attempt to bridge regional audiences. The supporting cast draws from established Tamil and Malayalam theatre and comedy circuits, suggesting a cross-regional production sensibility.
What's next
Release details are expected to be announced soon, with the festival award likely to feature in promotional materials. The film's multi-location shoot and thematic grounding in socio-political terrain position it as a mid-to-premium segment offering in a crowded release calendar.
Point of View
Suggesting a film anchored in writing rather than star power or scale. That's a rarer positioning in Tamil-Malayalam crossover cinema, where ensemble dramas often lean on comedy or action beats. If Pazhoor delivers on the promise of rooted storytelling, this could be a sleeper hit; if the screenplay doesn't translate to screen, the award becomes mere marketing noise.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Enna Vilai' and who directed it?
'Enna Vilai' is a socio-political family thriller directed by Sajeev Pazhoor , featuring Karunas and Nimisha Sajayan in lead roles. The film blends emotional storytelling with gripping moments and is designed as a big-screen theatrical experience.
What award did 'Enna Vilai' win at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival?
The film won the Best Screenplay Award at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival , recognising the strength of its story and narrative structure.
Where was 'Enna Vilai' shot?
The film was shot across 56 locations including Rameswaram , Chennai , Pondicherry , and Kochi over multiple production schedules.
When will 'Enna Vilai' release in theatres?
Release details for 'Enna Vilai' are expected to be announced soon by the producers. The film is yet to be released theatrically.
Who is in the cast of 'Enna Vilai'?
The film stars Karunas and Nimisha Sajayan in lead roles, supported by Y Gee Mahendran , Poornima Bhagyaraj , Mohan Ram , Lollu Sabha Swaminathan , Kavithayala Krishna , Deepa Shankar , Mottai Rajendran , and Nakkalites Kavi .
