This year marks TIFF’s 50th edition, and featured in its Short Cuts program is the world premiere of Karupy — a film set within the intimacy of a Tamil home. What begins as a simple family gathering soon spirals into chaos, exposing unspoken tensions, generational divides, and the enduring bonds that hold families together. Deeply specific yet universally relatable, Karupy immerses audiences in a world that is richly detailed and emotionally resonant.
What makes Karupy especially significant is that it is both a Tamil story and part of a South Asian production effort. With a cast portraying a multigenerational Tamil family and a crew that was over 70% South Asian, the film reflects the collaborative work of artists committed to bringing authentic voices and lived experiences to the screen. The result is a story that feels uniquely Tamil yet profoundly universal.
Meet some of the faces behind Karupy.
Arrthami Siva-Kuruvinth
I come from the world of classical Indian dance, where my art has always lived in abhinaya, expressions that weave emotion, breath, and spirit into movement. Karupy is my first formal acting role, and to make that debut at TIFF is both humbling and surreal.
Stepping into Jeya was a challenge that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Acting in a language not entirely my own was daunting, but with Kalainithan’s script, Gowtham’s coaching in Tamil dialogue, and the quiet guidance of my brother-in-law, I found a way to uncover her silences, intentions, and the unseen life she carries.
Though the film is short and the script minimal, Jeya felt expansive. She demanded I imagine the unspoken and embody her paradoxes. The experience revealed the fragile beauty of acting, an intimacy unlike anything I’ve known in dance, and one that will stay with me long after the lights dim.
Sumathy Balaram
My perspective on societal issues has always found expression through art, whether acting, scriptwriting, or directing films and stage plays. In 2016, I was honored to be named a finalist for the Ontario Arts Council’s K.M. Hunter Artists Award in Media Arts.
Kalainithan Kalaichelvan’s work has always amazed me. He is an artist who truly thinks outside the box, and collaborating with him has been a privilege. I also see working under the CFC banner as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, an experience that has shaped me profoundly as an actor.
To now be at TIFF feels like a massive achievement. It reaffirms that the time, energy, and hard work I’ve poured into my craft have been worthwhile, and it inspires me to keep pushing forward as a storyteller.
Unnikannan S.S
Growing up, I heard Tamil spoken with pride, so being part of a Tamil film feels deeply personal. Tamil is often called the mother of all languages and the world’s oldest living language, which makes Karupy’s selection at TIFF even more meaningful.
For me, this project is more than a film, it’s a celebration of our voices, our culture, and our stories. I feel both proud and humbled to share this journey with such a passionate team, and honored that our work will now reach audiences on a global stage
Smrithi Dhanasekar
Vaish was a special character for me because embodying her felt both familiar and entirely new, a versatile reflection of traits I don’t always express in real life. I aspire to be as cool as Vaish, honestly!
Working alongside the rest of the cast and the entire crew was surreal, and witnessing everyone’s dedication come together for TIFF has been an incredible journey. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and Karupy is a piece of art that will remain close to my heart forever.
Umeash Siva
Playing Thinesh in Karupy was an inspiring journey alongside a truly remarkable team. I’m deeply grateful to Mr. Kalainithan Kalaichelvan, a true master of his craft. Having our first film selected for TIFF’s 50th edition is an incredible honor!
Ranjith Joseph
Working on Karupy as a voice actor was a truly unique and rewarding experience. Director Kalai brought an incredible energy and creativity as a young Tamil Canadian filmmaker. His approach to storytelling was unlike anything I usually encounter in my work, which made the process all the more inspiring. This project pushed me beyond my comfort zone and gave me a fresh perspective on collaboration and artistic expression.
Team Karupy - BTS
More Information on TIFF’s Short cUTS 2025 Program available here.
