Neerparavai (transl. Seabird) is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language drama directed by Seenu Ramasamy and produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin. The film is celebrated for its raw and poetic depiction of the lives of fishermen in the Nagapattinam district, highlighting their struggles against the brutalities of coastal politics. Plot Overview
Best Supporting Actress: Saranya Ponvannan won the Filmfare Award for her moving performance as Arul's mother.
The story is told through a heart-wrenching flashback. It begins in the present day when a skeleton is discovered at the home of Esther (Nandita Das), whose husband Arulappasamy (Vishnu Vishal) has been missing for 25 years.
Direction and Music
is praised for its maturity in depicting the "politics of territorial waters". It highlights the "brutalities of the Sri Lankan Army" and the constant risk fishermen face for their livelihood. Human Relationships:
The Flashback: Esther narrates her past to a sympathetic police officer, Agnes. We see a young, alcoholic Arulappasamy (Vishnu Vishal) who is considered a "good-for-nothing" by his community.