India News Bulletin Desk

Mani Ratnam’s just released Tamil film Kadal features yesteryear’s Tamil heartthrob Karthik’s son Gautham Karthik and heroine Radha’s younger daughter Thulasi Nair.

Thulasi Nair and Gautham Karthik from a scene in Kadal
Thulasi Nair and Gautham Karthik from a scene in Kadal
Image: YouTube still

While A R Rahman’s music for Kadal received extremely positive reviews, the film itself received mixed reaction from critics and audience.

Thulasi is Radha's daughter and actress Ambika's niece
Thulasi is Radha's daughter and actress Ambika's niece
Image: YouTube still

But debut actors – 16-year-old Thulasi Nair and 23-year-old Gautham Karthik – have both been appreciated for their acting skills and onscreen chemistry.

Gautham Karthik is Tamil actor Karthik's son
Gautham Karthik is Tamil actor Karthik's son
Image: YouTube still

Both Thulasi Nair and Gautham Karthik come from a family of talented actors. Thulasi is the daughter of actress Radha and niece of Tamil actress Ambika. She is also the younger sister of 20-year-old Tamil and Malayalam actress Karthika Nair.

16-year-old Thulasi Nair debuts in Kadal
16-year-old Thulasi Nair debuts in Kadal
Image: YouTube still

Meanwhile, Gautham is the son of actor Kathik and grandson of veteran actor Muthuraman.

Gautham Karthik plays the character Thomas in Kadal
Gautham Karthik plays the character Thomas in Kadal
Image: YouTube still

According to media reports, Mani Ratnam wanted the lead pair to be fresh and new to the audience and hence requested their respective families to not be photographed or videographed by anyone.

Gautham Karthik from a scene in Kadal
Gautham Karthik from a scene in Kadal
Image: YouTube still

 The two actors were also asked not to make public appearances prior to the release of the marketing activities of Kadal.

Thulasi plays the character Bea - Beatrice - in Kadal
Thulasi plays the character Bea - Beatrice - in Kadal
Image: YouTube still

 But in two days of the release of Kadal’s trailer on YouTube, the pair’s onscreen chemistry and debut performance garnered over one million hits. Kadal also stars Arvind Swamy (of Bombay fame) and actor Arjun in important roles.

Thulasi is also actress Karthika Nair's sister
Thulasi is also actress Karthika Nair's sister
Image: YouTube still

Mani Ratnam’s Tamil drama film Kadal released on Friday, February 1 amid the thick of controversy around Kamal Hassan's film Vishwaroopam.