Naadu

Naadu is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by M. Saravanan. Produced by Narayanan Sri Arch Media and Entertainment, the film stars Tharshan and Mahima Nambiar in the lead roles. The music was composed by C. Sathya with cinematography by K. A. Sakthivel. The film was released theatrically on 1 December 2023.

Cast

 * Tharshan as Maari
 * Mahima Nambiar as Dr. Shobana
 * R. S. Shivaji in dual roles as Maari’s father and Maari's uncle
 * Singampuli
 * Aruldoss
 * Inba Ravikumar as Yogi
 * Vasantha

Production
Prior to the start of production, the team engaged in a 35-day acting workshop. The film was shot throughout 2022, and Saravanan balanced post-production work on Raangi (2022), with making Naadu. It became the first film to be shot at the Kolli Hills mountain range.

Soundtrack
The soundtrack was composed by C. Sathya in his fourth collaboration with Saravanan after Engaeyum Eppothum, Ivan Veramathiri, and Raangi.

Release and reception
The film had a theatrical release on 1 December 2023 across Tamil Nadu. A reviewer from Times Now noted that the film told a "heartwarming tale" and that "is sure to make you question both your service to your nation and your sense of humanity". A critic from Cinema Express wrote "the melodrama in Naadu is insufferably overstated and all for a story that is flat and pretty straightforward" and that "Naadu might have its heart in the right place but the heart pumps gallons of tears instead of blood".