[S.T.D.]

Release date: 6 January 2012

Director: Pugazhendi Thangaraj

Starring: Sathyraj, Seeman, Nassar, Neenika, Sangeetha, Lakshmi

Teenager Neenika gives a powerful performance in this hard-hitting true-life Tamil war drama.

Thirteen-year-old Punithavadhi (Neenika) is an innocent Tamil girl who undergoes a horrific ordeal when she is raped by Sri Lankan soldiers. Worse still, she realises she has become pregnant as a result. Fearing further trouble, her mother spirits Punithavadhi away illegally to India. Here, Tamil activist Professor Nadesan (Sathyraj) offers them both sanctuary, despite being under surveillance from the local police for harbouring illegal immigrants. In this he has the full support of his wife, Nirmala (Sangeetha). The couple entrust the health of Punithavadhi and her unborn child to their family doctor, Rekha (Lakshmi), who drops another dramatic bombshell. Gripping and moving, the film traces what happens next to Punithavadhi and her child. Renowned for his tough films addressing ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, Pugazhendi Thangaraj's latest drama is based on a true story. Young Neenika's stand-out central performance has attracted much critical praise.

Screenplay: Pugazhendi Thangaraj

Distributor: Ayngaran

You should see it because: It tackles important issues of wartime atrocities with commitment and sensitivity.