Nayanthara and Kavin are set to share the screen for the first time in Hi, a Tamil romantic drama confirmed for an April 2026 theatrical release. Directed by Vishnu Edavan in his feature debut and produced by Seven Screen Studio, the film pairs one of Tamil cinema’s biggest female stars with an actor who has steadily built his profile over the past five years — a combination that has already drawn significant attention ahead of release.
When Is Hi Releasing in Cinemas?
Hi is confirmed for an April 2026 theatrical release, though a specific date within the month has not been officially locked yet. The film will release in Tamil, with dubbed versions expected across South Indian languages. ZEE5 has already secured the post-theatrical OTT rights in a pre-release deal, meaning the film’s digital window is set regardless of how the theatrical run performs. An official trailer has not been released as of now, with the production having unveiled first-look posters in late 2025.
What Is Hi About?
Hi is described by its director as a wholesome, feel-good romance built around the theme of true love. The first-look posters place Nayanthara and Kavin as two people sharing a living space — the film’s central relationship appears to develop from that proximity. The story carries an age-gap dynamic at its core, with Nayanthara playing an older woman and Kavin the younger lead — a framing that is relatively uncommon in mainstream Tamil commercial cinema, where the reverse is far more standard.
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Vishnu Edavan has positioned Hi as a family entertainer rather than a genre film, leaning into warmth and emotion over dramatic tension. The title itself — a simple greeting — signals that tone: this is a film about a relationship that begins with something small and ordinary.
Who Stars in Hi?
Nayanthara and Kavin lead the film, with a strong supporting cast anchored by veteran actors. Prabhu, Radhika Sarathkumar, K. Bhagyaraj, and Poornima Bhagyaraj are among those in key supporting roles, giving the film a family-drama weight alongside its central romance. Sathyan and Adithya Kathir also feature in the ensemble.
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Nayanthara | Lead actress |
| Kavin | Lead actor |
| Prabhu | Supporting cast |
| Radhika Sarathkumar | Supporting cast |
| K. Bhagyaraj | Supporting cast |
| Poornima Bhagyaraj | Supporting cast |
| Vishnu Edavan | Director |
| S.S. Lalit Kumar | Producer (Seven Screen Studio) |
| Jen Martin | Music composer |
| Leon Britto | Cinematographer |
| Philomin Raj | Editor |
Who Is Directing Hi and What Is His Connection to Lokesh Kanagaraj?
Vishnu Edavan spent years as an assistant director inside the Lokesh Kanagaraj Universe, working on three of the director’s defining films: Kaithi (2019), Master (2021), and Vikram (2022). He was not just an AD on those productions — he also wrote lyrics for songs in Vikram and Leo, giving him a dual creative footprint within the LCU. Hi is his step out of that orbit and into the director’s chair on his own terms.
The choice to debut with a feel-good romantic drama rather than a crime thriller or action film is a deliberate departure from the Lokesh Kanagaraj school of filmmaking — and the casting of Nayanthara and Kavin signals that Vishnu Edavan is building his own identity rather than replicating his mentor’s. Seven Screen Studio, which produced the Vijay-starrer Beast (2022), is backing the film under producer S.S. Lalit Kumar.
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What Is Kavin’s Background and Why Does This Film Matter for Him?
Kavin built his initial following through Tamil television, particularly his appearance on Bigg Boss Tamil Season 3 in 2019, which pushed him from a recognized TV actor to a mainstream name. He transitioned into film leads with Lift (2021) and Dada (2023), the latter earning him solid notices as a romantic hero. Bloody Beggar (2024) and Mask (2025) followed, steadily expanding his range.
Hi represents his first film alongside a star of Nayanthara’s stature — she is consistently ranked among the highest-paid actresses in South Indian cinema and carries a box-office pull that few in Tamil films can match. For Kavin, sharing top billing with her in a wide theatrical release is a significant step up, and the film’s family-entertainer positioning gives it the broadest possible audience appeal.