*When love travelled through letters and lived on cassettes*
_Habeebi to Premiere on 25th September on Sony LIV_
Before messages to loved ones were delivered in seconds and voices could be heard at the touch of an icon on handheld devices, love had its own rhythm. It lived in handwritten letters, audio cassettes and included waiting patiently for phone calls while travelling distances. Taking audiences back to this era, Sony LIV is streaming ‘Habeebi’, a poignant Tamil period romantic drama directed by Meera Kathiravan, streaming from 25th September onwards.
‘Habeebi’ is a love story, set in a town near Tirunelveli, spanning four decades, family, tradition and a world changing with time. At its heart is Mohammad Yousuf (portrayed by Kasthuri Raja), determined to keep his ancestral handloom craft alive as the industry fades. His son Abuthahir (portrayed by Esha M) finds himself caught between this legacy and his quiet, enduring love for Nilofar (portrayed by Malavika Manoj). Against the backdrop of the Gulf migration, the film captures an era when families stayed connected through letters, cassette recordings and long-awaited reunions. It is a tender portrayal of a disappearing craft, changing traditions and a love shaped by distance.
Written by V. S. Mohamed Ameen, Habeebi is brought to life through Mahesh Muthuswami’s evocative cinematography and soulful music renditions by Sam C.S. Along with actors Kasthuri Raja, Esha M, and Malavika Manoj, the film also features Dhanasree Sudhakaran, Arulkumar, and Anusreya Rajan.
Habeebi premieres on 25th September 2026 only on Sony LIV.