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ReviewLokesh manages to weave in a lot of diversity among the characters – that of gender, class, caste, disability, religion – and not in a ‘tick-all-the-boxes’ way. N4 / ScreengrabLokesh Kumar’s N4 is set in Kasimedu, a hamlet in North Chennai that’s a major hub for fishing in the city. Appropriately, the film opens with a title song that captures life in the area, with visuals of beautiful silver fish being sold in the bustling market. What’s immediately arresting about the casting – at least to me – is the dusky skinned women actors playing the lead. How rare is it to see that in mainstream Tamil cinema, where the usual practice is to either cast pale-skinned women or brownface them in an attempt to make them suit a role. Vinusha Devi and Gabriella Sellus play Abhinaya and Soundarya, sisters in an unconventional family that has come together through a tragedy. They...

MusicProduced by award-winning composer Ar Rahman under the banner of Maajja, the track celebrates the glory and heritage of the Tamil language.Tnm StaffScreengrab/ YouTubeAR Rahman has unveiled his new independent single ‘Moopilla Thamizhe Thaaye’ on Friday, March 25. The song is an ode to Tamil language and people who speak the language. Ar Rahman, who has rendered his voice for the track, appears in the video, while it also features a montage of Tamil people belonging to different social identities. The song, which has been titled ‘Tamil anthem’, has artists Saindhavi Prakash, Khatija Rahman, Ar Ameen, Amina Rafiq, Gabriella Sellus, and Poovaiyar on board. The teaser of the song was unveiled in April last year. The visuals as well as the lyrics of the song, which is penned by lyricist Thamarai, celebrates the glory and heritage of the Tamil language. It is directed by Amith Krishnan and produced by Ar...