Weaving emotions together
‘Habeebi’
– Movie Review
‘Habeebi’, directed by Meera Kathiravan, is a film that prioritises cultural authenticity and emotional depth over commercial formulas. Set in and around Kadayanallur, the film follows a Muslim weaving family across multiple decades, exploring the decline of the handloom industry, migration to the Gulf, and the enduring bonds that hold families together.
Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the film immerses viewers in the rhythms of everyday life and the emotional costs of economic change.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of love and longing. The relationship between a Gulf migrant worker and his wife, sustained through letters and audio cassettes in the pre-digital era, is rendered with remarkable tenderness. Alongside this is the youthful romance involving the younger protagonists, which adds another emotional layer without overshadowing the larger family narrative.
Meera Kathiravan deserves credit for recreating four different time periods with convincing attention to detail. The changing streets, homes, businesses, and social realities are seamlessly woven into the storytelling. Equally impressive is the film’s depiction of Tamil Muslim life—its customs, festivals, family structures, and everyday interactions—presented with warmth and nuance rather than stereotype. The film also highlights interfaith friendships and shared humanity, making a subtle but powerful statement about coexistence.
The performances are another major asset. Kasthuri Raja delivers a moving portrayal of a weaver determined to preserve his family’s traditional craft despite mounting economic pressures. The younger cast, including Esha Mohammed and Malavika Manoj, bring sincerity to their roles, while Sam C. S.’s music and background score enrich the film’s emotional and cultural atmosphere.
The film is not without flaws. Its measured pace may test the patience of viewers accustomed to faster-moving narratives, and the second half occasionally loses momentum, with some scenes feeling repetitive or unnecessarily stretched.
Yet these shortcomings do little to diminish the achievement of a film that courageously tells the story of a community and a way of life rarely explored in mainstream Tamil cinema. Habibi succeeds as a humane, culturally rooted drama that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
Rating: 4 out of 5
By Naveen
***
