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Nesippaya
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Vishnuvardhan
Written by	Vishnuvardhan Neelan Sekar
Produced by	S. Xavier Britto Sneha Britto
Starring	Akash Murali Aditi Shankar
Cinematography	Cameron Eric Bryson
Edited by	A. Sreekar Prasad
Music by	Yuvan Shankar Raja
Production company	XB Film Creators
Distributed by	Romeo Pictures
Release date	14 January 2025 (2025-01-14)
Running time	146 minutes
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Nesippaya (transl. Will you love me?) is a 2025 Indian Tamil-language romantic action thriller film directed by Vishnuvardhan and produced by XB Film Creators. The film stars Akash Murali in his acting debut, alongside Aditi Shankar, R. Sarathkumar, Prabhu and Khushbu. The film has music composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, cinematography handled by Cameron Eric Bryson and editing by A. Sreekar Prasad. Nesippaya was released in theatres on 14 January 2025.

Plot

In 2016, during his college days, Arjun fell in love with Diya. Their relationship was soon disrupted when Diya received a job offer in Portugal and prepared to relocate. When Arjun asked Diya to accompany her to Portugal, she advised him to focus on his career and expressed her need for space in their relationship. Arjun informed both their families about their relationship, hoping to arrange their marriage before Diya's departure. Diya resisted the idea of immediate marriage, leading to a heated argument. A misunderstanding about a delayed visa application further escalated the situation, culminating in a public breakup.

Seven years later, Arjun, now running a software startup with his friend Subramaniaraju, was shocked to learn that Diya had been arrested in Portugal for murdering Karthik Adhinarayanan, the son of a wealthy and influential businessman, Adhinarayanan. Despite their breakup, Arjun immediately rushes to Portugal to help Diya. There, he meets Diya's mother, Geeta, and consults with Diya's lawyer, Indirani "Indira" Jahan, to understand the case. Arjun attempts to meet Adhinarayanan to plead on Diya's behalf but is dismissed by Adhinarayanan's business associate, Varadharajan. Diya, overwhelmed by guilt for avoiding Arjun in the past, refuses to meet him.

In prison, Diya is attacked by a fellow inmate, Jenni, resulting in hospitalization. Determined to uncover the truth, Arjun sought out Monty, Jenni's lover, to gather information. Arjun had previously rescued Monty's sister from drug peddlers, but Monty refused to provide any information, hinting instead that Vasundhra, Karthik's mother might be involved in orchestrating the attack on Diya. Arjun confronts Adhinarayanan prompting him to warn Vasundhra against further involvement and vow to seek justice for Diya through legal means. Indira visits Diya in prison, where Diya recounts the events leading up to the murder. After joining Adhinarayanan's company in Portugal, Diya befriended Karthik Adhinarayanan and his partner, Avik, who kept their relationship a secret from Karthik's father. When Avik began distancing himself from Karthik, Karthik turned to drugs, and Diya became his sole supporter. Varadharajan misinterpreted her friendship with Karthik as a romantic relationship and warned her to stay away. Diya returned to India, unaware that Adhinarayanan had arranged Karthik's marriage to Rakhi. Upon her return to Portugal, Karthik reached out to Diya, confessing his suicidal thoughts. Diya rushed to rescue him but was beaten by an unknown assailant. When she regained consciousness, she was arrested for Karthik's murder, with Rakhi as the key witness. Diya confides in Indira that she withheld the truth to protect Karthik's secret.

Indira and Arjun meet Rakhi, but she provides no information. That night, goons ambush them, but Arjun fights them off. With Monty's help, Arjun locates Avik, who reveals that Varadharajan forced Avik into hiding. Arjun deduces that Varadharajan orchestrated the events to secure his son Akash's control over Adhinarayanan's vast properties and suspects Varadharajan's involvement in Karthik's murder. Varadharajan's men shoot Avik, and Arjun narrowly escapes. Diya learns of Arjun's efforts to prove her innocence and apologizes for her past actions. Their emotional reunion inspires Indirani to reconcile with her estranged husband. Arjun attempts to expose Varadharajan's actions to Adhinarayanan but is caught and beaten by Varadharajan's men. He escapes with Monty's help and obtains a gun and car to negotiate with the government. Arjun hijacks a bus and demands that Special Officer Gautham bring Diya and Varadharajan to the scene. Varadharajan hires an assassin, Martin, to kill Arjun. However, Martin follows Adhinarayanan's instructions and shoots both Varadharajan and Arjun.

It is revealed that Adhinarayanan was aware of Karthik's sexual orientation and had threatened Avik to stay away. Adhinarayanan had also manipulated his mistress, Rakhi into marrying Karthik. When Karthik discovered the truth, Adhinarayanan and Varadharajan conspired to murder him and framed Diya. Vasundhra, who had learned of Adhinarayanan's crimes through Akash, exposes him to the police. Humiliated to face public shame, Adhinarayanan takes his own life. Gautham apprehends Martin, and Rakhi is arrested, clearing Diya of all false charges. Arjun, who survived the gunshot and was imprisoned for the hijacking is now released and finally reunites with Diya.

Cast

• Akash Murali as Arjun
• Aditi Shankar as Diya Ramalingam
• Prabhu as Gautham, Special officer
• R. Sarathkumar as Adhinarayanan
• Khushbu as Vasundhra Adhinarayanan
• Kalki Koechlin as Indirani Jahan "Indira", Portugal-based lawyer
• Shiv Panditt as Monty, Jenni's boyfriend
• Raja as Varadharajan
• George Kora as Karthik Adhinarayanan
• Vikkals Vikram as Subramaniaraju "Subbu"
• Mathew Varghese as Vishwanathan, Arjun's father
• Sriranjani as Vaidehi, Arjun's mother
• Parvathi T as Geeta, Diya's mother
• Prajna Ravi as Arjun's sister

Production

Development

In mid-April 2021, XB Film Creators announced their second project after Master under the tentative title Production No: 2 directed by Vishnuvardhan, introducing Akash Murali, son of actor Murali and the younger brother of Atharvaa. Akash who had married Sneha in August 2020 is the daughter of the film's producer Xavier Britto. Aditi Shankar was announced as the lead actress making her third venture, while she was simultaneously shooting for Maaveeran. In November 2023, Shiv Panditt who was last seen in Leelai (2012) was speculated to make his return to Tamil Cinema after 12 years for a special appearance along with Kalki Koechlin who previously worked together in Shaitan (2011). The official title was revealed in June 2024. In early July 2024 it was confirmed that Kalki Koechlin who was earlier seen in Nerkonda Paarvai (2019) and Paava Kadhaigal (2020) is seen to have portrayed a role of a Portugal based lawyer named Indira.

Music composer Yuvan Shankar Raja, editor A. Sreekar Prasad, cinematographer Cameron Eric Bryson and production designer Saravanan Vasanth were chosen for the technical crew.

Filming

Despite announcing in 2021, the principal photography commenced in March 2023 after a two-year delay. It was shot sporadically in several legs with filming locations including Portugal, Spain, and India, and wrapped by mid-February 2024.

Music

External audio
Nesippaya Full Album Audio Jukebox on YouTube

The music and soundtrack are composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja in his ninth collaboration with Vishnuvardhan. The first single "Tholanja Manasu" released on 11 October 2024. The second single "Solo Violin" is set to be released on 31 October 2024, coinciding with Diwali. The pre-release audio launch event is scheduled on 3 January 2024 at Lady Andal auditorium. The third video single "Nesippaya Nee Ennai" released on 9 January 2025.

Release

Theatrical

Nesippaya released in theatres on 14 January 2025 coinciding with Pongal. The film has been certified U/A by the Central Board of Film Certification.

Distribution

Romeo Pictures acquired the distribution rights of the film in Tamil Nadu.

Reception

Avinash Ramachandran of The Indian Express gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Nesippaya is Vishnu Varadhan’s Roja, and it is the man who goes to the gallows to save his woman from certain death. It is poetic, heartwarming, indulgent, triumphant, and romantic. But it is also all over the place with an almost flat narrative that spends too much time in limbo before getting a life of its own towards the end." Roopa Radhakrishnan of The Times of India gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Nesippaya had so much promise with its cast of proven talents and an intriguing basic premise, but the film never reaches up to its expectations. it tries to stick to a standard and seen-before template, which further works against the film's favour."

Jayabhuvaneshwari B of Cinema Express gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Nesippaya tries to craft an everlasting tale of romance, but its inconsistencies make it feel more like a forgettable affair. For all its noble intentions, Nesippaya struggles to transcend its safe tropes and predictable beats." Anusha Sundar of OTTPlay gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Nesippaya is a racy thriller entwined with romance. A certain revelation and character arc may be found under-utilized, but Nesippaya comes out as a decent entertainer that could have been a lot better."

Raisa Nasreen of Times Now gave 2/5 stars and wrote " Nesippaya, a thrilling suspense drama is powered by the film's highly relatable dialogues, well-sketched characters and actor Kalki Koechlin's incredible performance. Overall, the film could have packed a punch with sharp and short storytelling but it limps into the race." Janani K of India Today gave 2/5 stars and wrote "Nesippaya is director Vishnuvardhan's weakest film yet. The suspense drama suffers because of predictability and lacks any big suspense." Bhuvanesh Chandar of The Hindu wrote "Nesippaya could have become something more than ordinary; it only confuses you about the kind of film it wishes to be. The thriller that follows is trite, predictable and contrived, to put it straight."

Notes

1. Yuvan Shankar Raja and Vishnuvardhan previously collaborated on Kurumbu (2003), Arinthum Ariyamalum (2005), Pattiyal (2006), Billa (2007), Sarvam (2009), Panjaa (2011), Arrambam (2013) and Yatchan (2015).

References

1. ^ "'Nesippaya': First look of Vishnu Varadhan's film with Aditi Shankar, Akash Murali out". The Hindu. 29 June 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
2. "Akash Murali-Aditi Shankar's Nesippaya teaser to be out on this date". Cinema Express. 23 September 2024. Archived from the original on 24 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
3. ^ "Atharvaa's brother Akash Murali to debut in Vishnuvardhan's direction". Times of India. 14 April 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
4. ^ "Aditi Shankar will be Akash's love interest in his debut film with Vishnuvardhan". Times of India. 20 March 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
5. ^ "Kalki Koechlin joins the cast of Vishnuvardhan's 'Nesippaya'". The Times of India. 2 July 2024. Archived from the original on 26 August 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
6. "Master producers to launch Akash Murali under Vishnuvardhan's direction". Cinema Express. 14 April 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
7. "Vishnu Varadhan to helm debut film of Murali's son Akash; Aditi Shankar to play female lead". The Hindu. 10 February 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
8. "'Shaitan' co-stars Kalki Koechlin and Shiv Panditt reunite for THIS film - EXCLUSIVE!". 14 November 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
9. "அப்பாவின் கடைசி தருணம்... தம்பி ஆகாஷின் முதல் பட விழாவில் எமோஷ்னலாக பேசி கலங்கிய அதர்வா முரளி!". Asianet News (in Tamil). 29 June 2024.
10. M, Narayani (4 January 2025). "Nesippaya Trailer: Akash Murali and Aditi Shankar's love faces the ultimate test". Cinema Express. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
11. "Akash Murali & Aditi Shankar's film Vishnuvardhan to move abroad". Times of India. 1 July 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
12. Features, C. E. (9 October 2024). "Nesippaya first single to be out on this date". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
13. Features, C. E. (11 October 2024). "'Tholanja Manasu' from Vishnu Vardhan's Nesippaya out". Cinema Express. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
14. Kumar, Akshay (29 October 2024). "'Solo Violin' from Nesippaya to be out on this date". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 28 November 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
15. Features, C. E. (2 January 2025). "Vishnu Vardhan's Nesippaya audio and trailer to be launched on this date". Cinema Express. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
16. Kumar, Akshay (9 January 2025). "'Nesippaya Nee Ennai' from Nesippaya out". Cinema Express. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
17. M, Narayani (2 January 2025). "Vishnu Vardhan's Nesippaya gets a release date". Cinema Express. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
18. Features, C. E. (7 January 2025). "Vishnu Varadhan's Nesippaya clears censorship formalities". Cinema Express. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
19. Kumar, Akshay (18 December 2024). "Vishnu Vardhan's Nesippaya gets a release window". Cinema Express. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
20. "Nesippaya movie review: A promising yet meandering romantic drama that has one too many rough edges". The Indian Express. 15 January 2025. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
21. "Nesippaya Movie Review : A subpar film with an intriguing premise". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
22. B, Jayabhuvaneshwari (14 January 2025). "Nesippaya Movie Review: This romance drama starts off with sparks but fizzles out soon after". Cinema Express. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
23. "Nesippaya Movie Review: Aditi Shankar and Akash Murai's film is racy in parts". OTTPlay. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
24. "Nesippaya Movie Review: Vishnuvardhan's Suspense Drama Is Engaging In Parts". Times Now. 14 January 2025. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
25. "Nesippaya review: Aditi Shankar, Akash Murali's suspense drama lacks thrill". India Today. 14 January 2025. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
26. Chandar, Bhuvanesh (14 January 2025). "'Nesippaya' movie review: Contrived writing clouds Vishnu Varadhan's promising premise". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 14 January 2025.

External links

• Nesippaya at IMDb 

• 2025 films
• 2020s Indian films
• 2020s romantic thriller films
• 2020s Tamil-language films
• 2025 action thriller films
• Films directed by Vishnuvardhan (director)
• Films scored by Yuvan Shankar Raja
• Films shot in Portugal
• Films shot in Spain
• Indian action thriller films
• Indian romantic thriller films
• Tamil-language action thriller films
• Tamil-language Indian films
• Tamil-language romantic thriller films