Tamil film 'Haiku' gets CBFC U/A certificate, releases October 23
Synopsis
'Haiku' getting CBFC clearance this close to its 23 October release is the least surprising part of this story — the real headline is that director Yuvaraj Chinnasamy's ₹11 crore Tamil romantic film had already recovered 80 per cent of its investment before a single ticket was sold, with Netflix snapping up streaming rights before the cameras even stopped rolling.
Key Takeaways
'Haiku' , directed by Yuvaraj Chinnasamy , has received a U/A certificate from the CBFC .
The film stars Aegan , Sridevi , and Femina George , and is set to release worldwide on 23 October 2025 .
Producer Dr D Arulanandhu says the film has recovered approximately 80 per cent of its ₹11 crore budget before release.
Netflix India acquired the film's post-theatrical OTT streaming rights even before shooting was completed.
Tamil Nadu theatrical distribution is being handled by Sakthi Film Factory .
Music is composed by Siddhu Kumar ; cinematography by Priyesh Guruswamy .
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has cleared the upcoming Tamil romantic entertainer 'Haiku', directed by Yuvaraj Chinnasamy, for release with a U/A certificate. The film, starring Aegan, Sridevi, and Femina George in lead roles, is set for a worldwide theatrical release on 23 October 2025, with the certification announcement made on 15 October 2025.
Certification Confirmed
The film's publicists shared a poster on social media confirming the CBFC clearance. The post read: 'Certified U/A! A wholesome world filled with love, friendship, romance, and beautiful moments awaits you! #Haiku Releasing worldwide on October 23rd!' The Tamil Nadu theatrical release is being handled by Sakthi Film Factory, while Netflix India holds the OTT streaming rights.
Financial Recovery Before Release
In a notable pre-release development, producer Dr D Arulanandhu has disclosed that the film has already recovered approximately 80 per cent of its total investment ahead of its theatrical debut. Made on a budget of around ₹11 crore, the film had its rights — particularly OTT rights — sell swiftly. 'I have got sixty per cent by way of OTT rights. We have recovered almost 80 per cent of the total money invested in the project even before its release,' Dr Arulanandhu said. Notably, Netflix had acquired the film's post-theatrical digital streaming rights even before production was completed — an unusual vote of confidence for a mid-budget Tamil project.
What the Story Is About
'Haiku' reportedly follows the journey of a young man from the age of 19 to 26, with his experiences forming the emotional core of the narrative. A significant portion of the story is believed to revolve around the protagonist being admitted to a women's college under extraordinary circumstances — his life as the lone male student in that environment reportedly drives much of the film's drama and comedy. Producer Arulanandhu has said the film will resonate with a broad audience: 'Even a 45-year-old man would be able to connect with what happens in this film. Everyone who watches it will be able to relate to at least a couple of incidents that happen in it.'
Cast and Technical Crew
'Haiku' has been produced by Dr D Arulanandhu and Mathewo Arulanandhu under the banner Vision Cinema House. The film features additional screenplay by Hari Haran Ram, with cinematography by Priyesh Guruswamy and editing by Sakthi Pranesh. Music has been composed by Siddhu Kumar, while Prem has led the art direction team.
What to Expect Next
With the CBFC certification now in hand and theatrical distribution locked through Sakthi Film Factory, 'Haiku' appears on track for its 23 October release. The film has generated considerable buzz among younger Tamil audiences, and its pre-release financial performance suggests strong commercial confidence in the project's reach beyond Tamil Nadu.
Point of View
With Netflix buying streaming rights sight unseen, points to a maturing secondary-rights ecosystem that is steadily de-risking mid-budget regional cinema. What is less clear is whether this model — where OTT cash flow cushions theatrical risk — reduces the incentive to invest in theatrical quality, or simply gives more filmmakers the runway to take creative swings. The film's premise of a lone male student in a women's college will draw comparisons to well-worn Tamil comedy templates; whether Chinnasamy has found a fresher emotional register is the question its opening weekend will answer.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is 'Haiku' releasing in cinemas?
'Haiku' is set for a worldwide theatrical release on 23 October 2025. Tamil Nadu distribution is being handled by Sakthi Film Factory.
What is the CBFC certificate given to 'Haiku'?
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has granted 'Haiku' a U/A certificate, meaning it is suitable for unrestricted public exhibition with parental guidance advised for children under 12.
Who are the lead actors in 'Haiku'?
'Haiku' stars Aegan, Sridevi, and Femina George in the lead roles. The film is directed by Yuvaraj Chinnasamy and produced by Dr D Arulanandhu and Mathewo Arulanandhu under Vision Cinema House.
Where can 'Haiku' be watched on OTT?
Netflix India has acquired the post-theatrical digital streaming rights for 'Haiku'. The platform had reportedly bought the rights even before the film's production was completed.
What is 'Haiku' about?
'Haiku' reportedly follows a young man's life from age 19 to 26, with a significant portion of the story set in a women's college where he is the only male student. Producer Dr D Arulanandhu has described it as a story that will resonate with audiences across age groups.
