Nayanthara-Kavin film 'Hi' reveals Bhagyaraj's role; releases Aug 28
Synopsis
The makers of 'Hi' have revealed that the late legend K. Bhagyaraj plays a character called Vaathiyar — adding an emotional dimension to what is already Tamil cinema's most-watched new pairing. With Nayanthara and Kavin together on screen for the first time, a no-villain family format, and a debut director trained under Lokesh Kanagaraj, 'Hi' arrives in theatres on 28 August carrying unusually high expectations.
Key Takeaways
Bhagyaraj plays the character Vaathiyar in 'Hi' — one of his final screen appearances.
The film stars Nayanthara and Kavin together for the first time , directed by debutant Vishnu Edavan .
Release date shifted from 14 August to 28 August ; the CBFC has cleared it with a U/A certificate .
The story is set across Chennai , Coimbatore , and Pollachi , with no villains in the narrative.
Produced jointly by Zee Studios South , The Rowdy Pictures , and Seven Screen Studios ; music by Jen Martin .
Tamil cinema's most-anticipated romantic entertainer 'Hi', starring Nayanthara and Kavin, has unveiled the character played by the late, legendary actor-director K. Bhagyaraj in the film. The makers confirmed that Bhagyaraj portrays a character named Vaathiyar — a revelation that has stirred significant emotion among fans of the icon. The film is directed by debutant Vishnu Edavan and is now set to arrive in theatres on 28 August.
Bhagyaraj's Final Role Unveiled
Zee Studios South, one of the film's production partners, shared the character reveal on its social media timelines. The post read: 'One more unforgettable character from an unforgettable legend. K. Bhagyaraj as Vaathiyar. #HiMovie.' The announcement has added a layer of poignancy to the film's release, with Bhagyaraj's appearance now among its most-talked-about elements.
Release Date Shift and Censor Clearance
'Hi' was originally scheduled to release on 14 August, coinciding with the Independence Day holiday window. The makers subsequently pushed the date to 28 August. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has cleared the film with a U/A certificate, making it suitable for family audiences. The film is jointly produced by Zee Studios South, The Rowdy Pictures, and Seven Screen Studios.
Story, Cast and Setting
According to sources close to the production, the story of 'Hi' unfolds across three cities — Chennai, Coimbatore, and Pollachi. Notably, the film will not feature any villains, positioning it firmly as a wholesome family entertainer. Director Vishnu Edavan has previously described the film as one that 'speaks about true love.' The ensemble cast includes Prabhu, Radhika, Sathyan, Adithya Kathir, and Kureishi, among others.
Director's Background and Technical Team
Vishnu Edavan makes his directorial debut with 'Hi', having previously served as associate director to acclaimed filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj on 'Kaithi', 'Master', and 'Vikram' — a pedigree that has raised audience expectations considerably. The technical team is equally strong: music is by Jen Martin, cinematography by Rajesh Shukla, editing by Philomin Raj, art direction by Shekhar B., dance choreography by Brinda, and stunt choreography by Dinesh Kasi.
Why This Film Stands Out
This marks the first on-screen pairing of Nayanthara and Kavin, a combination that has generated considerable buzz ahead of release. Set against the backdrop of three distinct Tamil cities, the no-villain family drama format is a deliberate departure from mainstream commercial templates. With K. Bhagyaraj's final appearance now confirmed, 'Hi' carries an added emotional weight as it heads to cinemas on 28 August.
Point of View
Violent thrillers — translates into the gentler register this film demands. If it does, 'Hi' could carve out a durable audience beyond the opening weekend.
NationPress
17 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does K. Bhagyaraj play in the film 'Hi'?
K. Bhagyaraj plays a character named Vaathiyar in 'Hi'. The makers revealed this via social media, describing it as 'one more unforgettable character from an unforgettable legend.'
When is the Tamil film 'Hi' releasing in theatres?
'Hi' is now scheduled to release on 28 August. It was originally set for a 14 August Independence Day release before the makers pushed the date.
Who are the lead actors in 'Hi' and who directed the film?
Nayanthara and Kavin play the lead roles in 'Hi', marking their first on-screen pairing. The film is directed by Vishnu Edavan, who makes his directorial debut with this project.
What is the story and tone of 'Hi'?
According to sources close to the production, 'Hi' is a family entertainer set across Chennai, Coimbatore, and Pollachi. The film has no villains and is described by the director as a story about true love.
Who produced 'Hi' and what is its censor certificate?
'Hi' is jointly produced by Zee Studios South, The Rowdy Pictures, and Seven Screen Studios. The Central Board of Film Certification has cleared the film with a U/A certificate.
