Nimisha Sajayan praises 'Enna Vilai' director Sajeev Pazhoor ahead of release
Synopsis
Nine years after giving Nimisha Sajayan her debut character, director Sajeev Pazhoor handed her Kanchana in 'Enna Vilai' — a role that moved the actress to tears at the casting reveal. As the socially charged film releases, Nimisha's deeply personal Instagram tribute signals that this collaboration carries weight far beyond a typical actor-director pairing.
Key Takeaways
Nimisha Sajayan shared a gratitude post for director Sajeev Pazhoor on Instagram ahead of 'Enna Vilai' 's release on 18 September 2026 .
Their first collaboration was in 2017 , when Pazhoor gave Nimisha her debut character, Sreeja .
In 'Enna Vilai', Nimisha plays Kanchana — a role she said made her 'almost in tears' when offered.
The film follows a man whose livelihood depends on devotional coins offered near Rameswaram , escalating into a legal battle over dignity and justice.
Karunaas plays the lead; the film is produced by Githesh V under Kalamaya Films with music by Sam C.S.
Actress Nimisha Sajayan has shared a heartfelt message of gratitude for director Sajeev Pazhoor ahead of the release of their social drama 'Enna Vilai', saying she was 'incredibly proud' of him as he marks his directorial debut. The post, shared on 17 September 2026, comes as the film receives warm notices from industry insiders and critics ahead of its theatrical opening.
Nine Years, Two Collaborations
Taking to Instagram, Nimisha reflected on a working relationship that stretches back nearly a decade. 'Dear Sajeev Chettan, nine years later we are collaborating again and it feels so special. In 2017 you gave me Sreeja, my debut character and in many ways that's where this beautiful journey began for me. And after nine years, you have once again given me a character that is so special and close to my heart...Kanchana,' she wrote.
She added, 'Thank you for trusting me with Kanchana. Thank you for believing in me...for supporting me & for being there throughout this journey. Tomorrow is a very special day as Enna Vilai releases… your debut as a director. I've seen your dedication, passion and all the love you've poured into this film. We've all witnessed the writer in you and tomorrow the world gets to witness the director. I'm so excited and incredibly proud of you.'
The Character That Moved Her to Tears
Nimisha had earlier disclosed an unusual casting process — Pazhoor narrated the script to her without revealing which role he intended for her, instead asking her to choose. 'When Sajeev narrated the story to me, he didn't tell me which character he had in mind for me. He simply said, 'Okay, now, you pick,'' she recalled. The film features two central female characters — Kanchana and Vijayalakshmi — both of which she found equally compelling.
When Pazhoor finally revealed it was Kanchana, the moment became deeply emotional. 'I was overwhelmed. I was almost in tears. I just hugged him and asked him, 'Why did you do this?' The beauty of 'Enna Vilai' is that every character has a deep emotional arc,' she said.
About the Film
Rooted in a socially relevant premise, 'Enna Vilai' follows a man whose livelihood is tied to coins that devotees offer to the sea near Rameswaram. What begins as a struggle for dignity gradually escalates into a larger legal battle, placing questions of justice, survival, and human dignity at its centre. Karunaas plays the lead, and Nimisha noted that despite limited shared scenes with him, his performance was extraordinary.
The film is written and directed by Sajeev Pazhoor and produced by Githesh V under the banner of Kalamaya Films. The technical crew includes music by Sam C.S., cinematography by Alby Antony, and editing by Sreejith Sarang.
Critical Reception and What's Next
Nimisha credited Pazhoor entirely for the film's emotional resonance. 'Director Sajeev deserves all the credit for bringing these characters to life. I am sure Enna Vilai will remain a memorable film for cinema lovers,' she said. With the film releasing on 18 September 2026, all eyes will be on its opening day box office performance and audience response to its social-drama premise.
Point of View
Dignity, and legal struggle rather than spectacle. Nimisha Sajayan's public tribute to a first-time director is itself a signal of unusual conviction in the project. The unconventional casting process Pazhoor employed — asking his lead actor to choose her own role — suggests a collaborative creative model that, if the film connects, could earn him a distinct auteur identity. The real test is whether the film's social premise translates to audience curiosity beyond the festival circuit and critical praise.
NationPress
17 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Enna Vilai' about?
'Enna Vilai' is a social drama following a man whose livelihood depends on coins offered by devotees near Rameswaram, which evolves into a larger legal fight centred on dignity and survival. It is written and directed by Sajeev Pazhoor and marks his feature directorial debut.
Who are the lead actors in 'Enna Vilai'?
Karunaas plays the central lead, while Nimisha Sajayan portrays Kanchana, a character she has described as 'special and close to my heart'. The film also features a character named Vijayalakshmi, another key female role.
What is the connection between Nimisha Sajayan and director Sajeev Pazhoor?
Sajeev Pazhoor gave Nimisha Sajayan her acting debut in 2017 with the character Sreeja. 'Enna Vilai' marks their second collaboration, nine years later, making it a significant reunion for both.
When does 'Enna Vilai' release in theatres?
'Enna Vilai' releases in theatres on 18 September 2026. The film has already received praise from industry insiders and critics ahead of its opening.
Who produced 'Enna Vilai' and who composed its music?
'Enna Vilai' is produced by Githesh V under the banner of Kalamaya Films. Music is by Sam C.S., with cinematography by Alby Antony and editing by Sreejith Sarang.
