AUS Tamil TV Community Awards 2024 Award Winner

For over 60 years, Mr. Mavai (Nithi) Nithianandan has made a profound impact on the Tamil community in Sri Lanka and Australia as a writer, poet, playwright, educationist, and community advocate. He is the founder and Director/Principal of Bharathi Academy, a prestigious Tamil school in Victoria celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Almost 28 years ago, he played an active role in introducing Tamil as a VCE subject. Internationally recognized for his contributions to Tamil drama, particularly for children, his plays are staged across the world. In 1995, he produced Paapa Bharathi, the first Tamil video series for children, preceding the rise of digital platforms. His recent work includes adapting the Tamil epic Silapathikaram into traditional theatre, to be staged in Melbourne. His work as a volunteer in Sri Lanka after the end of the civil war involved mental health initiatives and the establishment of an Organic Model Farm.

Mr. Mavai (Nithi) Nithianandan – Lifetime Achievement Award

For over 60 years, Mr. Mavai (Nithi) Nithianandan has made a profound impact on the Tamil community in Sri Lanka and Australia as a writer, poet, playwright, educationist, and community advocate.

In Australia, Mr. Nithianandan founded and serves as the Director/Principal of Bharathi Academy, a Tamil school in Victoria, now celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024. Under his leadership, the academy has developed a dynamic learning environment, enriched by innovative curricula and teaching methodologies. Nearly 28 years ago, he was instrumental along with others in establishing Tamil as a subject in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), a milestone for the Tamil community.

Internationally recognized for his contributions to Tamil drama, particularly children’s theatre, Mr. Nithianandan has written numerous plays since 1972, many of which continue to be staged across the globe. Over the past three decades, he has organized annual drama festivals at Bharathi Academy, providing children with opportunities for creative expression through theatre.

In 1995, he produced Paapaa Bharathi, the first video for children ever made in Tamil. Released in three volumes by Bharathi Academy, this production became a treasured resource for Tamil communities worldwide, preceding the rise of digital platforms.

Upon migrating to Australia in 1989, Mr. Nithianandan established Melbourne Kalai Vattam, collaborating with like-minded individuals passionate about Tamil arts and literature. This organization laid the foundation for many of his plays produced in Australia. With the founding of Bharathi Academy in 1994, his focus shifted towards children, leading to a prolific period of writing and directing plays specifically for young audiences.

Recently, Mr. Nithianandan completed the monumental task of adapting Silapathikaram into a Tamil traditional theatre format, faithfully following the original Tamil epic. This ambitious work will be staged in Melbourne in early December 2024.

Mr. Nithianandan’s contributions extend to vital initiatives in Sri Lanka, where he has volunteered since the end of the civil war in 2009. He has contributed significantly to mental health support, establishing the first and only suicide prevention centre in Northern Sri Lanka. Additionally, he founded a pioneering Organic Model Farm in his birth village, which has evolved into a valuable training centre for the local community.

Mr. Nithianandan’s unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and transformative contributions to Tamil arts, education and community welfare make him a most deserving recipient of this prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

For further insights into his remarkable journey, please watch the video below: https://youtu.be/7-S4qsG3Tzw?si=V86M7TdQJlloDSyG

Mr. RajNarayanan (Raj) exemplifies versatility through his remarkable leadership, volunteerism, and community impact in both Victoria and Sri Lanka. As a former President of the Engineers Charity Fund – Victorian Chapter, Past President of the Hartley College Past Pupils’ Association – Victoria, and Secretary of the Victorian Tamil Association, he has led numerous humanitarian initiatives in Sri Lanka with dedication and expertise. In Victoria, Raj is a passionate advocate for Tamil language preservation and cultural activities. His efforts have been pivotal in organizing community events, supporting Tamil schools, and fostering cultural pride within both Tamil and broader communities.

Jaganaath Jayakumar has undertaken leadership responsibilities dedicated to education, community welfare, and environmental improvement. As the Secretary of the Australia Tamilargal Welfare Association and an active CSR member, he has initiated impactful projects across both Australia and India. With a deep commitment to education, Jaganaath has supported underprivileged students since 2013, viewing it as a transformative way to uplift communities. He has led over 20 child abuse awareness programs and organized coaching sessions in Delhi and Noida schools, and he led the Clean India Drive in Noida and Gurgaon, transforming public spaces and converting junkyards into playgrounds for children through the Right to Playgrounds initiative. Additionally, he collects used laptops and computer accessories to provide underprivileged students with resources for learning computer skills and advancing educationally.

Jaganaath has also transformed several family and friend groups—including the HCL CSR team, CyberFreaks, SRGDS, Chithiraisamy Education and Welfare Trust, Mad House—into networks for raising funds to support students’ education. From 2015 to 2024, he aided around 400-450 students through these initiatives. In collaborating with several organizations like the Australia Tamilargal Welfare Association, they supported 71 students in 2024 alone. His work extends to fundraising for canal restoration, supporting farmers, and helping communities during natural disasters. An ardent advocate for Tamil language, Jaganaath has been a driving force behind an online Tamil academy (TheOnlineMaster.com) to teach the language to students abroad, creating employment for over 35 homemakers in Tamil Nadu, many earning for the first time. Through this initiative, they are teaching Tamil language to kids in over 18 countries and providing internships and part-time roles for underprivileged college students, broadening their career prospects. Through these efforts, Jaganaath has made a lasting impact on social welfare and educational advancement.

Melbourne Muthamizh Mandram is proud and honored to nominate Mr. Gopalakrishnan Muthusamy for the esteemed Voluntary Contribution for Multicultural Society Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the Melbourne Tamil community and his relentless commitment to preserving and promoting Tamil culture and heritage

Gopalakrishnan has been actively involved in various community service organisations such as Melbourne Muthamizh Mandram, Tamil Consortium of Victoria, Tamil Festival Australia, and Wyndham Tamil Palli. Whether it is organizing events for Pongal, contributing to Tamil community events or Tamil schools, or driving and participating in the Blood Campaign for Melbourne Muthamizh Mandram, his dedication is unwavering. His contributions to the Chennai Flood Relief Campaign, Cuddalore Flood Relief Work, Melbourne Walkathon fundraising campaign, Cricket Communities fundraising campaign, and his continuous support for Blood and Plasma Donation, Moi Virunthu, and the Campaign with AIFI to construct toilets for girls’ schools in Tamil Nadu are truly commendable.

Gopalakrishnan Muthusamy is not just respected; everyone in the Tamil community genuinely loves him. He serves as an influential figure, inspiring others to offer their services to the wider community, thereby benefiting us all.

Recognizing Gopalakrishnan Muthusamy with this award would not only honor his incredible work but also encourage others to contribute to our community. In light of his remarkable contributions, Melbourne Muthamizh Mandram wholeheartedly nominates Gopalakrishnan Muthusamy for the Voluntary Contribution for Multicultural Society Award. His unwavering passion and commitment make him a true icon and a source of inspiration for us all.

Thiru Dharmaraj and Thirumathi Geetha Dharmaraj came to Melbourne in 2010. For about five years, they visited Melbourne on tourist visas. In 2016, they began conversing with grandparents visiting their grandchildren in Melbourne, noticing that some grandparents felt lonely. This led Thiru Dharmaraj and Geetha Dharamaraj to initiate a senior citizen get-together at Federation Square with just four people.

Their journey continued as they sought out Tamil grandparents and visited their homes, engaging them in conversations to make them feel comfortable. Over the years, their group, known as Urchaga Pravaigal (Exciting Birds), grew from four to twenty members. With the support of Tamilar Inc, they organized their first senior citizen meetup. Since then, Thiru Dharamaraj and Geetha Dharamaraj have actively brought more senior citizens into Urchaga Pravaigal, expanding the group to 167 members.

Thiru Dharamaraj and Geetha Dharmaraj have done an incredible job (and continue to do so) in revitalizing the lives of senior citizens by providing them with opportunities to stay engaged, motivated, and serve as an example for the community.

They have established mandatory monthly gatherings and organize two day trips annually. Urchaga Paravaigal has now expanded into subgroups: 1. Pesum Pravaigal, 2. Sirgadical Vanga, 3. Muthamil Paravaigal, 4. Vanga Sollunga, and 5. Urchaga Paravaigal Social Media. Geetha Dharmaraj has taken on the role of public relations and communication for all these activities.

This is a lite summary of their achievements. Thiru Dharamaraj and Geetha Dharmaraj have done an incredible job (and continue to do so) in revitalizing the lives of senior citizens by providing them with opportunities to stay engaged, motivated, and serve as an example for the community.

They started monthly gatherings at members’ homes, fostering a family-like atmosphere. These gatherings soon included birthday celebrations, milestone events, and day tours. Unknown members began forming close relationships, referring to each other as Akka (Sister), Anni (Sister-in-law), Illayavar (Younger Brother), and Annan (Big Brother). This helped create a real family bond and brought a positive vibe to everyone involved.

Dr. Rethika Ravi works as a Lecturer at one of the reputed Universities in Melbourne and is also the Founder, Artistic, and Creative Director of Shakthiswaraa School of Dance which is based out of Wyndham Vale and Ballarat. She has been featured in the “Faces of Wyndham” Project in Feb 2020 and as one of the faces in “Blink”, in December 2020.

Shakthiswaraa was invited by the Wyndham Cultural Centre to showcase Bharatanatyam (The only Indian Classical Dance School in Melbourne) and explain some important aspects of this dance form (Five elements of Nature through Dance) as part of their Ghost Light Series – May 2020.

The dance school has also been featured in the Star Weekly – Wyndham where Dr. Ravi mentioned the benefits of Bharatanatyam – June 2020 and in the Pakenham Gazette newspaper 2024

She is one of the models and regular participants for the Sakhi magazine and BWB committee. Has been featured in their magazine in 2020-21 for her contribution to the arts form.

Shakthiswaraa regularly conducts workshops for children at Early Learning Centres and Top Victorian Schools on Bharatanatyam and the positive impact of the dance form.

She is one of the most sought after resident artist of the Woods Street Arts Space (Hobson’s Bay Council) since its inauguration in 2023. Shakthiswaraa has been part of the prestigious Wyndham Learning Festival in 2023 and had conducted workshops. She was recently awarded by SCAFF in 2023 for her contribution to Arts. In 2024 she was the proud recipient of the La Trobe Australia Day Award by Jason Wood MP for her contribution to arts. She was the finalist in the Women in Leadership Role for 2024 by AMWA for her outstanding contribution to the arts and community.

Shakthiswaraa aims to promote cultural awareness with a down-to-earth holistic approach and preserve cultural awareness by teaching this beautiful art form to anyone who aspires to learn it!

Sri Yogaraja Kandasamy is a renowned Mridangist and a pillar of the Tamil arts community in Australia. With over 40 years of experience, he is celebrated for his artistry, unique style, and dedication to advancing classical Indian percussion. As the founder of the Indian Arts Academy (IAA), he has enriched Melbourne’s cultural landscape by nurturing and promoting Tamil music among youth, guiding students through significant artistic milestones, including arangetrams. To date, he has presented 53 arangetram students across Australia and internationally, creating a lasting impact on the Tamil arts scene.

Sri Yogaraja’s exceptional contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including “Muzhavisai Mani” from the Government of Tamil Nadu, “Laya Thilaham,” and “Mutisal Arasu.” He has performed on stages worldwide, collaborating with distinguished artists and supporting various cultural and humanitarian initiatives. His influence and legacy in Tamil arts continue to inspire and empower future generations, strengthening the cultural heritage of Tamil music and percussion.

Kuganthiny and Raj Thayaparan, founders of S&S Event Specialists, proudly stand as award-winning wedding stylists within Australia’s Tamil community. Recently awarded the 2024 ABIA ‘Best Wedding Stylists’ title in Victoria, they achieved a remarkable 99.95% rating, marking a historic milestone as the first Tamil business in Australia’s wedding industry to receive such an honor.

With over 17 years of experience, S&S Event Specialists bring unparalleled passion, artistic flair, and dedication to creating unforgettable events. Their innovative designs and unique collection of over 200 props make each wedding a masterpiece. Kuga, renowned for her floral artistry, and Raj, who transitioned from a successful senior software engineering career to full-time wedding styling, ensure every detail is meticulously crafted, turning their clients’ dreams into reality.

Kuganthiny and Raj’s achievement not only celebrates their exceptional talent but also serves as a source of pride and inspiration within the Tamil community in Australia.

Tushan Chalil is a dynamic young leader whose dedication to preserving South Indian music, promoting inclusivity in sports, and leading community initiatives has made a remarkable impact. He is an exceptional all-rounder and role model whose achievements in education, music, sports, and community service have made a profound impact.

Jayaraman Thatchanamurthy, affectionately known as JRT within the community, has been devoted to supporting the Tamil community through his social media community Help4People for the past few years. An IT Architect hailing from Pondicherry he runs the Help4People community to help 4 people at a time with the hope that those 4 go on and help another 4 to create a community full of love and people who help each other ! His advice has helped lot of our community to save significant money on our day to day expenses and his jobs group continue to help lot of new migrants to land their first jobs in Australia !

Bharathi Academy, founded and directed by Mr. Nithianandan, has been instrumental in promoting Tamil education within the Victorian community since its establishment in 1994. The academy has successfully coached students for VCE exams for decades, achieving outstanding results while providing a nurturing environment that supports both academic and personal growth.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bharathi Academy transformed its curriculum to integrate technology-based learning, leading to the creation of Tamil Online Worldwide. As it celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024, the academy is proud of its many innovative initiatives, including the release of the video series “Paapaa Bharathi” in 1995, which addressed the need for Tamil children’s entertainment.

Bharathi Academy also hosts an annual drama festival that encourages artistic expression among students. Through these dedicated efforts, the academy has ensured that the Tamil language and culture continue to thrive in Victoria, leaving a lasting impact on future generations. An active and fast-growing alumni network serves as a testament to the academy’s long-term aspirations.

Contribution of Bharathi Academy to the Victorian Community

Under the leadership of its founder and director, Mr. Nithianandan, Bharathi Academy has played a pivotal role in advancing Tamil education within the Victorian community. Since its inception in 1994, the academy has significantly expanded, growing from just 15 students to five campuses across Victoria. Bharathi Academy has successfully coached students for VCE exams for decades, achieving outstanding results while providing a nurturing environment that supports their academic and personal growth.

In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bharathi Academy, guided by Mr. Nithianandan, transformed its curriculum to integrate technology-based learning, leading to the creation of Tamil Online Worldwide. This initiative has broadened access to Tamil education globally, ensuring that cultural heritage continues to thrive across borders. As Bharathi Academy celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024, its innovative approach to curriculum development and dedication to creating a vibrant learning environment have significantly enriched the educational experience for Tamil families in Victoria.

The academy has consistently demonstrated energy, resourcefulness, and commitment by introducing fresh initiatives and innovative programs. In 1995, within two years of its inception, Bharathi Academy released three volumes of a video series, “Paapaa Bharathi,” addressing the need for Tamil children’s entertainment at a time there was an absolute vacuum in this area.

Bharathi Academy places a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and the preservation of cultural identity. Notably, the academy contributes to the arts by organizing an annual drama festival, offering children opportunities to express themselves through theatrical performance.

Through various programs, events, and initiatives, Bharathi Academy actively encourages students and their families to engage with their Tamil heritage, fostering a deep sense of community and belonging. The academy’s dedicated efforts have ensured that the Tamil language and culture continue to thrive in Victoria, leaving a lasting impact on future generations. An active and fast-growing Bharathi Academy alumni network serves as a testament to the academy’s long-term aspirations.

Sivanthi Gurumurothy is a distinguished leader and advocate whose exceptional contributions to multiculturalism in Victoria span over two decades. Her impactful work as an interpreter, community leader, and advocate for CALD groups has fostered inclusivity, cultural understanding, and empowerment, making a lasting difference in diverse communities across Victoria. As a powerful champion for women empowerment, she catalyses positive change within multicultural groups across Victoria.

Mr. S.Srikantharajah, a Lawyer by profession has made significant contributions to Tamil language and literature. As a renowned writer, actor, director, and social activist,  Mr. Srikantharajah has made a lasting impact on the preservation and promotion of Tamil heritage through his literary work.

Mr. Srikantharajah has written and published numerous books that explore the richness of Tamil literature and culture. His recent publications, “Innum Kanniyagha” (இன்னும் கன்னியாக) and “Sangha Illakkiya Kaadchigal” (சங்க இலக்கியக் காட்சிகள்), have been particularly well-received in Tamil circles, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the Tamil literary world. These works not only explore the depth of Tamil fiction and cultural history but also make important contributions to the ongoing dialogue around Tamil linguistic heritage.

He also introduced and conducted the speech and music competitions for students and Muth Tamil Vizha (முத்தமிழ் விழா) for the first time in the state of Victoria in 1993 and continued for 10 years. Those competitions and the Muth Tamil Vizha which have been conducted continuously for the past 32 years till date by the Victoria Tamil Sangam are the best examples of Srikandarajah’s work for the Promotion of the Tamil Language in Australian Tamils.

He is also serving as a radio broadcaster and producer of Vaanamutham Tamil Radio in Victoria since 2006

Beyond his literary achievements, Mr. Srikantharajah is a dedicated community leader and social activist. He served as President of several associations in Australia such as Victorian Tamil Association (formerly Ceylon Tamil Association)( 1999-200), Australian Tamil Refugees Council(1993-1995), Whittlesea Tamil Association (2005-2010), Melbourne Tamil  Sangam (2010), Australian Tamil Literary and Arts Society (2012-2013) And presently he is the General Secretary of Australian Council for International Tamil research.

He has received many awards in recognition of his services in Sri Lanka, India and Australia.

He has received many awards in recognition of his services in Sri Lanka, India and Australia including the title and special award of “Shentamil Selvar” (செந்தமிழ்ச் செல்வர்) awarded by the Minister of Multiracial Culture Affairs in Victoria in 2005.

Ms. Nesa has played an instrumental role in promoting and preserving Tamil linguistic and cultural heritage through her writings, aligning perfectly with the essence of the Linguistics Award. Ms. Nesa has been a tireless advocate for the preservation of Tamil heritage, with her works bringing Tamil cultural values and identity to a global audience, particularly the Tamil diaspora.

Her recent publication in 2024, “Kumbakonam – A Sacred Landscape”, is an outstanding example of her dedication. This book sheds light on Tamil culture and the traditions of Saivam and tempkle sthala puranas in Kumbakonam through extensive research and documentation. Ms. Nesa’s previous works, including books “Silk Sarees of Tamil Nadu”,  “Jaffna Tamil Cookery” , “Myths and Legends of The Navagraha” among others, have been widely appreciated for their ability to blend cultural insight with engaging narrative. Notably, she publishes all her books in English, making Tamil culture accessible to the Tamil diaspora and the broader community, particularly Tamil youth living abroad.

Her stage productions like ‘Dream of the Drape’ 9 a pageant of the history of the saree over 3000 years) and “The Eye of India” on the folk themes of India have shown her passion for the wonder of our heritage.

Beyond his literary achievements, Ms.Nesa is a dedicated community leader and social activist.

Mr. Ganeshapillai has been a dynamic force within Victoria’s Tamil community from a young age. As a vibrant, energetic, and inclusive leader with a strategic vision, Varnan has collaborated with numerous Tamil community leaders and organisations to promote and advance Tamil language, culture, and the arts both in Victoria and nationally. He has also been instrumental in advocating for the rights of his fellow brethren in the Tamil Homeland.

In his professional capacity, Varnan has served as a trusted senior adviser to some of the country’s most influential cabinet ministers and politicians, including most recently in the Andrews and Allan governments. His contributions have been vital in addressing pressing national challenges as well as fostering multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusion.

Varnan continues to inspire the next generation of Australian Tamil youth to seek high office in unconventional fields such as politics, government, and the public service. He encourages everyone to engage and give back to the community in meaningful ways and thereby helping to build a thriving, proud, prosperous, and inclusive Tamil community in Victoria.

Mrs. Ranjini Somasundaram has helped to build multi-cultural society through her involvement in numerous initiatives and activities, and actively involved as a committee member of various Tamil community organizations, including Victorian Tamil Association (VTA), Hindu Society of Victoria, Siva Vishnu Temple, Pilliyar Kovil and Senior Citizen Groups and other multicultural organizations. She also connects well with individuals from various cultural and social backgrounds, and the members of the political parties to promote and build inclusive multi-cultural society.

Vijisha is the Founder of VJ Academy, a non-profit organization in Melbourne established in 2017 to inspire young minds in the fields of arts, science, and technology.

Young Scientist competition. – 6yrs – secondary school students showcase a science project that will help the community.

Www.youngmindsofwyndham.com.au

In 2021, she expanded her impact by creating ‘Soul Space,’ which provides the community with low- or no-cost activities such as meditation, yoga, dance fitness, tutoring,, yoga and mental health session for senior citizens, Parenting for Multicultural families, mental health sessions, Music workshops, all aimed at enhancing well-being.

In addition to her work with VJ Academy, Vijisha has been a board member at Quantin Binnah Community Centre, Civilian volunteer in the Australian Defense Force, executive committee member in tamilar etc.

As a dedicated community engagement worker and advocate against domestic violence, she supports women from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds through facilitating workshops and information sessions.

With over 9 years of experience in volunteer roles and leadership in women’s empowerment programs, Vijisha employs an empathetic approach that fosters trust and facilitates effective engagement with local services, ensuring vital support for those in need.

This year’s Young Emerging Entrepreneur Award is proudly presented to Karthikeyan Viswanathan, CEO & Co-Founder of BibVault.

BibVault, a digital health tech startup, is transforming the sedentary lifestyles of Australia’s desk-bound and injury-prone workforce.

In a nutshell, the platform enables employers and employees to co-create physical wellbeing challenges, track their movement, give them points for activities, gamify with different levels and rewards. Coming from an agricultural family in a small village near Erode, Tamil Nadu, Karthik’s journey as an immigrant entrepreneur in healthcare reflects his unwavering persistence, determination, and dedication to serving others.

BibVault’s origin story began with a simple idea: Karthik’s wife, Devipriya Selvaraj, motivated him through small rewards as he completed daily rehab exercises for a foot injury. From this experience, they developed BibVault—a platform combining innovation, human-centered design, artificial intelligence, and the timeless Indian principles of “Movement as Medicine” and “Food as Medicine.”

Today, BibVault is celebrated as one of ANZ’s top 100 digital health tech startups, gaining recognition at various business awards and conferences. With partnerships among national brands and supporting more than 40 employers, BibVault is poised to create a lasting impact on the Australian workforce.

BibVault’s commitment to the Tamil community is equally impressive. The team supports numerous Tamil organizations in Australia, including Manor Lakes Tamil, Tamil Pengal Australia, and Shakthiswaraa School of Dance, while promoting community wellness through activities like volleyball, throwball. With his “28-Day Joyful Running Challenge” Karthik has inspired over 300 Tamil families to achieve their first 5KM, 10KM, 21.1KM and even full-marathon milestones and he is open to transforming more.

Karthik’s dedication to his global and Tamil communities makes him a well-deserving recipient of this esteemed award.

Mohanraj VJ is a doctoral graduate and works full-time as a Regulatory Affairs Manager in a pharmaceutical company based in Melbourne, Australia. Originally from Vellore, India, he has settled in Australia with his family for over 20 years. Mohan has a passion for filmmaking and is known in the short film circuit for his works, including Engeyum (2013), Ivaral (2016), Petty Lie (2019), Kidda (2019), and Stay Together (2021). It has been his long-time dream to make a feature film, and Kaazh is his debut Tamil feature.

Kaazh (meaning Seed, Guilt, Hope, or Success) is entirely shot in Australia. The film portrays the life and struggles of a couple trying to build their dream home. The storyline revolves around the various disappointments they endure and the lengths they are willing to go to achieve their dreams, ultimately succeeding. This narrative is intertwined with the struggles of an international student in Australia attempting to settle down. These stories run parallel to each other, connecting at various points to emphasize the fact that life in the Western world is not as easy as it seems.

The film features prominent roles played by legendary late singer and actor Malaysia Vasudevan’s son, Yugendran Vasudevan, along with Koothu Patarai’s student Siddarth Anbarasu, Mimi Leonard, and Nithya Balasubramaniam, alongside other local talents. Kaazh was produced by Mohanraj VJ, Selva Kathiresan, and Kirushika Anantharaj, with associate producer Aashath Kaamil; without them, this film would not have been possible. The film includes three songs rendered by reputed playback singers such as Swetha Mohan, Pradeep Kumar, Sathyaprakash Dharmmar, and Sreekanth Hariharan, composed by the upcoming new music duo, Helvin KS and Sanjai Arrakkal. The cinematography is helmed by local talent Vasanth Gangadharan, while key post-production work-including editing, sound, and grading-was completed by Ignatious Aswin, Harish, and Sreejith Sarang, respectively, who are well-known technicians in the Tamil film industry.

Kaazh is the first film to be shot entirely in Australia. While films like Nala Dhamayanthi, Unnale Unnale, and Thalaivaa were partially shot in Australia, Kaazh was completely filmed in Melbourne. Independent filmmakers of Tamil origin have made films in Australia, but they typically did not feature known artists from the Tamil film industry and instead relied on local talent. Kaazh stands out by following the Tamil film industry’s conventions, featuring songs by reputed singers and employing well-known actors, character artists, and technicians from the Tamil film industry.

Post-COVID, it is a challenge for Tamil filmmakers to secure a spot on a reputable OTT platform unless the film has been released theatrically in Tamil Nadu. The biggest challenge for small-budget films is achieving a theatrical release unless they feature star actors or are produced by well-known production banners. Despite these challenges, Kaazh successfully premiered in theatres in Tamil Nadu on June 7, 2024. The film received positive reviews from critics and had its digital debut on the Aha Tamil OTT streaming platform worldwide on July 23, 2024. It has also garnered nominations at various film festivals globally, winning awards at the Cannes World Film Festival, Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (a qualifying festival for the Canadian Screen Awards), the Toronto International Tamil Film Festival, and New Zealand’s The Vision Film Festival.

If you haven’t watched the film, Kaazh is now streaming on Aha Tamil with English subtitles in stunning 4K and 5.1 Surround Sound. Please check it out!