Nayanthara-Kavin starrer 'Hi' gets U/A certificate, releases August 14
Synopsis
Nayanthara and Kavin are sharing a screen for the first time in 'Hi', a villain-free family romance set across three Tamil cities — and it's landing on the Independence Day weekend. Debutant director Vishnu Edavan, who cut his teeth under Lokesh Kanagaraj on 'Kaithi', 'Master', and 'Vikram', is making a striking tonal shift with a film built entirely around true love.
Key Takeaways
'Hi' starring Nayanthara and Kavin has received a U/A certificate from the CBFC .
The film is set for theatrical release on 14 August 2026 , the Independence Day holiday weekend.
The story is set across Chennai , Coimbatore , and Pollachi and is described as a villain-free family entertainer.
Debutant director Vishnu Edavan previously worked as associate director to Lokesh Kanagaraj on 'Kaithi' , 'Master' , and 'Vikram' .
The film is jointly produced by Zee Studios South , The Rowdy Pictures , and Seven Screen Studios , with music by Jen Martin .
Director Vishnu Edavan's debut feature 'Hi', starring Nayanthara and Kavin in the lead roles, has received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and is set to release in theatres on 14 August 2026. The announcement was made by production house Seven Screen Studios on its social media channels, confirming the film's censorship clearance.
Official Announcement
Seven Screen Studios shared the news, writing: 'A tale that will steal your heart now has its date locked. Censored with a UA and on the way to theatres — Aug 14, 2026! A @jenmartinmusic Musical.' The film is jointly produced by Zee Studios South, The Rowdy Pictures, and Seven Screen Studios.
Story and Setting
According to sources close to the production, the narrative of 'Hi' unfolds across three Tamil cities — Chennai, Coimbatore, and Pollachi. The film is described as a wholesome family entertainer with no villains, centred on the theme of true love. Director Vishnu Edavan had earlier stated that the film would be 'a wholesome family entertainer that would speak about true love.'
Star Cast and Technical Crew
Beyond the lead pair, the film features a strong ensemble cast including K Bhagyaraj, Prabhu, Radhika, Sathyan, Adithya Kathir, and Kureishi. On the technical front, music is composed by Jen Martin, cinematography is handled by Rajesh Shukla, editing by Philomin Raj, and art direction by Shekhar B. Choreography duties are split between Brinda for dance and Dinesh Kasi for stunts.
Why This Film Is Being Watched Closely
Expectations around 'Hi' are notably high for two reasons. First, this marks the first on-screen pairing of Nayanthara and Kavin, a combination that has generated considerable audience curiosity. Second, Vishnu Edavan brings considerable pedigree as a debutant director — he previously served as associate director to Lokesh Kanagaraj on acclaimed projects including 'Kaithi', 'Master', and 'Vikram', films that redefined mainstream Tamil cinema's action-thriller space. His pivot to a villain-free family romance signals a deliberate creative contrast.
What to Expect Next
With the censor certificate secured and a confirmed release date of 14 August 2026 — coinciding with the Independence Day holiday weekend — the makers are expected to ramp up promotional activity in the coming weeks. A holiday release slot traditionally benefits family entertainers, and the film's positioning squarely targets that audience.
Point of View
Still one of the industry's biggest draws, pairing with Kavin for the first time gives the film built-in curiosity value — but the real gamble is Vishnu Edavan's directorial debut. Having trained under Lokesh Kanagaraj, whose films are defined by layered antagonists and kinetic action, Edavan is deliberately doing the opposite: a villain-free, three-city love story. If it works, it signals that Kanagaraj's school produces versatile filmmakers, not just action specialists. The Independence Day slot is a smart call for family content, but it also means the film will face scrutiny proportional to its hype.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is 'Hi' releasing in theatres?
'Hi', starring Nayanthara and Kavin, is set to release in theatres on 14 August 2026, coinciding with the Independence Day holiday weekend. The release date was confirmed after the film received its CBFC U/A certificate.
What is the 'Hi' Tamil movie about?
'Hi' is a family romantic entertainer directed by Vishnu Edavan. According to sources close to the production, the story unfolds across Chennai, Coimbatore, and Pollachi and focuses on true love, with no villains featured in the narrative.
Who is director Vishnu Edavan?
Vishnu Edavan is making his directorial debut with 'Hi'. He previously worked as an associate director to acclaimed Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj on 'Kaithi', 'Master', and 'Vikram'.
Who are the other actors in 'Hi' besides Nayanthara and Kavin?
The supporting cast of 'Hi' includes K Bhagyaraj, Prabhu, Radhika, Sathyan, Adithya Kathir, and Kureishi, among others.
Who has produced the film 'Hi'?
'Hi' is jointly produced by Zee Studios South, The Rowdy Pictures, and Seven Screen Studios. Music is by Jen Martin, cinematography by Rajesh Shukla, and editing by Philomin Raj.
