Actor Dhanush has showered praise on director Meera Kathiravan’s latest film Habeebi after watching it in theatres. Taking to his X handle, the actor shared an emotional note appreciating both the film and the performance of his father, filmmaker and actor Kasthuri Raja, who plays a pivotal role in the drama.
Describing Habeebi as an “exceptional cinematic experience,” Dhanush singled out his father’s portrayal of Yusuf, a character at the heart of the film’s emotional journey. The actor reflected on the dedication required for Kasthuri Raja to inhabit a world that was unfamiliar to him.
“I feel proud thinking of my father, who must have fully immersed himself and lived as the character Yusuf in an entirely new world he had never known before,” Dhanush wrote.
The appreciation carries added significance given the long and celebrated creative journey of the Raja family in Tamil cinema. While Kasthuri Raja is known for directing several notable films and introducing fresh talent to the industry, his recent acting performances have drawn praise for their authenticity and emotional depth. With Habeebi, he appears to have delivered another memorable turn that has resonated with audiences and peers alike.
Dhanush also extended his congratulations to director Meera Kathiravan and the entire cast and crew, commending them for what he described as outstanding work. His endorsement arrives at a time when positive word-of-mouth is steadily building around the film following its theatrical release last week.
தொடர்ச்சியான படப்பிடிப்பு காரணமாக ஹபீபி திரைப்படத்தை தாமதமாகத்தான் இன்று தான் பார்த்தேன். தான் அறிந்திடாத முற்றிலும் புதிய உலகத்திற்குள் நுழைந்து “யூசுப்”கேரக்டராகவே முழுமையாக வாழ்ந்திருக்கும் என்னுடைய அப்பாவை நினைத்து பெருமைப்படுகிறேன். அப்பாவிடமிருந்தும் மற்ற நடிகர்கள்… pic.twitter.com/rFXVqU6NSt
— Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) June 19, 2026
A Love Story Spanning Generations
Set against the backdrop of a Tamil-speaking Muslim community in southern Tamil Nadu, Habeebi explores themes of love, migration, identity and family. The narrative unfolds across three distinct timelines, stretching from the 1980s to the present day, weaving together personal stories shaped by social and economic change.
At its core, the film examines the impact of overseas migration on handloom-weaving families. As economic pressures push individuals to seek opportunities abroad, relationships are tested and generations are transformed. Through its layered storytelling, Habeebi captures both the emotional cost and the enduring hope associated with these journeys.
Apart from Kasthuri Raja, the film features performances by Esha, Malavika Manoj, Dhanasree Sudhakaran and a supporting cast that brings the community’s lived experiences to the screen. Meera Kathiravan, known for crafting rooted narratives, reportedly spent considerable time researching the region and its people, lending the film a sense of authenticity.
The film has also found support from respected voices within the industry. Veteran cinematographer PC Sreeram recently praised Habeebi, calling it a “wonderful attempt.” Encouraging audiences to embrace the film, he wrote, “You can make such a film in Tamil without any concerns, because audiences here welcome all good films. Therefore, I think they will welcome this film too.”
With endorsements from both Dhanush and PC Sreeram, Habeebi has gained valuable momentum as it continues its theatrical run. More importantly, the film’s focus on culture, memory and human relationships appears to be striking a chord with viewers looking for stories rooted in lived experiences rather than spectacle.
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