Director Meera Kathiravan's romantic drama 'Habeebi', featuring Kasthuri Raja — father of actor Dhanush — and Malavika Manoj in the lead roles, has reportedly been cleared for release by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a clean 'U' certificate, according to sources close to the production. The clearance signals that the film is now ready for a worldwide theatrical run.

CBFC Clearance and What It Means

Sources in the know indicate that 'Habeebi' has successfully completed all censor formalities. According to these sources, CBFC officials appreciated the team for presenting a wholesome family entertainer enriched with meaningful emotions and positive values — a characterisation that aligns with the clean 'U' rating awarded. The certification positions the film for broad, all-audience appeal across Tamil Nadu and beyond.

Malavika Manoj's Role and the Casting Process

In the film, Malavika Manoj plays a character named Nilofer Nisha, affectionately called 'Nilavu Pulla' — meaning Moon Child — by other characters in the narrative. Director Meera Kathiravan has previously spoken at length about the rigorous process behind casting her.

'When I wrote the script and developed this character, I wanted someone who could portray a girl from the 90s with variations in appearance across two different time periods. My team and I auditioned more than 200-250 artistes before we came across Malavika Manoj. I felt she was the right choice, especially since the role demanded expressive eyes,' Kathiravan said in an earlier interview.

The director further noted that the role relied heavily on expressions and body language rather than dialogues. 'She delivered a beautiful performance. Everyone who has watched the film has been appreciating her work,' Kathiravan added.

Malavika Manoj's Rising Profile

Malavika Manoj is currently riding high on the back-to-back success of 'Joe' and 'Aan Paavam Polladhadhu'. Kathiravan has acknowledged that this momentum adds commercial strength and wider reach to 'Habeebi'. Notably, when she was cast, Manoj had only completed her Malayalam debut 'Prakasham Paravatte', which had not yet been released at that point.

Story, Music, and Distribution

According to sources close to the unit, 'Habeebi' — a word of Arabic origin meaning 'My Beloved' — is a heartfelt narrative that portrays the life, culture, and emotional landscape of Tamil Muslims with authenticity and sensitivity. The film explores themes of love, human connection, and lived experience.

Music for the film has been composed by Sam C.S., known for his work across Tamil and Malayalam cinema. The worldwide release is being handled by Romeo Pictures Raahul, a distributor with a track record of backing both commercial entertainers and content-driven films. A formal release date is yet to be announced.