Navarasa: Netflix announces new Tamil anthology film

Netflix has associated with Mani Ratnam and Jayendra Panchapakesan for its upcoming Tamil anthology film, Navarasa.

The nine-film anthology will narrate stories across nine ‘rasas’ (emotions). In Indian art, the Sanskrit term ‘rasa’ indicates the aesthetic flavour of any visual, literary, or musical work that evokes an emotion or feeling in the reader or audience but cannot be described.

In the anthology titled ‘Navarasa’, nine talented directors from the Tamil film industry will put forward their unique perspective on each of the ‘rasas’. These directors are Arvind Swami, Bejoy Nambiar, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Karthik Subbaraj, Karthick Naren, KV Anand, Ponram, Rathindran Prasad, and Halitha Shameem.

Navarasa: Netflix announces new Tamil anthology film 1

The eight ‘rasas’ were established by the ancient Indian musicologist and doyen of the theatrical arts, Bharata Muni, with the ninth one being added later on. Together, these came to be known as the navarasa, namely Sringara (Love), Hasya (Laughter), Raudra (Anger), Karuna (Compassion), Bibhatsa (Disgust), Bhayanak (Fear), Veer (Courage), Adbhut (Wonder), and Santa (Peace).

The nine short-films will feature over 40 cast members as well as several hundred creative and film technicians. The Tamil film community has come together for this anthology by agreeing to offer their services free of charge.

The earnings from the screening of Navarasa will go towards the well-being of those film workers who are a part of the Tamil film industry and have been severely impacted by the pandemic. It was with this express idea that Ratnam and Panchapakesan conceived this film.

Speaking on this collaboration, Ratnam and Panchapakesan said:

“We have always loved to brainstorm and come up with unique ideas to raise money for deserving causes. This time the brainstorming was for the cause of our own industry, to soothe and try and alleviate to some extent the agony of our people who had no work for months. The idea of making short films and raising money through them for this cause was born on one such brainstorming evening.”

“We were thrilled when the idea resonated well instantly with leading directors, actors and technicians of the industry that we approached. The idea of Navarasa was a spark when we discussed it and the industry has come together to make it glow, give it soul and make it count for its people. We are happy that Netflix has come forward to take this confluence of emotion, talent, people and the cause to the world.”

Srishti Arya, Director of International Original Film in Netflix India, said:

“We’re thrilled to be the home to these nine extraordinary films. We admire how this wonderful ensemble of filmmakers and talent have joined hands to support the creative community. Navarasa is a celebration of the craft of filmmaking and the magic of Tamil cinema that we can’t wait to take to the world.”

While this is not an initiative of Netflix, the streaming giant is pleased to be associating with such legendary filmmakers, and that too for a great cause. The film will be launched exclusively on the streaming platform across 190 countries.

The film is being produced by Justickets, in association with AP International and Wide Angle Creations who will act as executive producers.


Also read: Paava Kadhaigal: Netflix announces first Tamil film

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