In an inspiring narrative of resilience, Kabilan Plondran, a young filmmaker in the Malaysian Tamil film industry, has confronted financial challenges and navigated the obstacles of the pandemic to fulfill his dream as a director. Kabilan’s compelling journey takes center stage as he mobilizes public support for his latest cinematic venture, ‘Ninaivo Oru Paravai,’ challenging the conventions of Tamil films in the Malaysian box office.
Kabilan’s odyssey began with his move from Seremban to Kuala Lumpur, leaving the security of a conventional job to pursue his cinematic aspirations. Faced with the monumental task of supporting his family while funding his dreams, Kabilan’s journey took an unexpected turn during the pandemic. The financial strains led him to sell nasi lemak on the roadside, not only to cover daily expenses but also to meet the medical costs for a family member battling cancer. Despite the adversities, Kabilan held firm in his commitment to the Malaysian Tamil film industry, channeling his time and energy into realizing his directorial ambitions.
#NOP2Million campaign
With an unwavering vision, Kabilan has turned to the community for support, launching the #NOP2Million campaign. This ambitious initiative seeks to collect RM2 million in ticket sales for ‘Ninaivo Oru Paravai,’ which made its debut in Malaysian and Indian cinemas on November 30. Reflecting on the challenges faced by Malaysian Tamil films post-pandemic, Kabilan emphasized, “Malaysian Tamil films that were screened after the pandemic generally did not succeed at the box office, which is why we also started the #NOP2Million campaign.”
Kabilan’s campaign is not merely a call for financial support but a response to the industry’s struggles, aiming to break through barriers and showcase the potential of local films with robust community backing. The success of ‘Ninaivo Oru Paravai’ could serve as a milestone, opening avenues for more Malaysian Tamil films to achieve international success.
‘Ninaivo Oru Paravai’: A captivating cinematic journey
‘Ninaivo Oru Paravai’ intricately weaves a captivating narrative, revolving around a renowned singer grappling with amnesia who crosses paths with a street musician. Produced by Jhangri Production House Sdn Bhd, the film explores the mysterious and collaborative journey that unfolds, promising a unique fusion of talent, hard work, and serendipity. The ensemble cast, featuring Karnan Kanapathy, Thivya Naidu, Sandhya Lord, Kuben Mahadevan, MJ Nada, Tricia Rudge, Sanjai Yo, Kanimozhi, Karthik Surra, Vishvek Pechimuthoo, Menaka Sinnaia, and Syarmila Kasim, showcases the wealth of talent within the Malaysian Tamil film industry.
This marks Kabilan’s third directorial venture after ‘Jhangri’ and ‘Athigari,’ showcasing his evolution as a filmmaker. In a departure from his usual style, Kabilan boldly steps into a darker and more intense genre with ‘Ninaivo Oru Paravai.’ Cinematographer Senthil Kumaran’s visual mastery complements the narrative, while Edwin Louis Viswanath’s enchanting soundtrack heightens the emotional resonance of each scene.
Despite garnering heartwarming reviews from the public, cinema occupancy rates remain relatively low. The success of ‘Ninaivo Oru Paravai’ hinges not only on the shoulders of the talented cast and crew but on the support of the Malaysian community. Kabilan and his team extend an invitation to the public to join them in cinemas, urging everyone to become part of this success story and contribute to the flourishing dreams of local directors. As Kabilan’s cinematic journey unfolds, the audience’s support becomes pivotal in shaping the future of the Malaysian Tamil film industry, proving that dreams can indeed be realized against all odds.