In Seenu Ramasamy’s 2012 film, Neerparavai, actress Sunaina delivered a performance so profound it has become a point of discussion among fans and critics alike. Her portrayal of the character Esther is often cited as the emotional core of the film, with many arguing that her heartfelt acting outshone the work of veteran actress Nandita Das, who played the older version of the same character.
From her very first scene, Sunaina disappears into the role, masterfully capturing Esther’s journey from naive trepidation to a profound, compassionate love. She subtly conveys Esther’s initial fear of the male protagonist, her hesitant joy upon realizing he sees her as an angel, and the deep affection that blossoms as she helps him leave his destructive past behind. Sunaina’s performance is a delicate mix of vulnerability, innocence, and unwavering love, all woven together through her nuanced expressions.
The Poetry of a Silent Scene
One scene in particular has become a favorite among viewers for its powerful, wordless communication. As Esther watches fishermen build a boat, her initial casual interest transforms into a deep, unspoken longing. Her eyes, filled with a distant dream, tell a story of a future she yearns for—one where a boat is being built for her and her beloved.
The moment culminates when director-actor Samuthirakani’s character notices her. After learning her identity, he calls her over and, without a single glance in her direction, tells his workers, “Hey, hurry up and finish Arulappasamy’s boat!” This simple command carries immense weight, a beautiful, indirect message confirming that the work is for the man she loves. The scene ends with him warmly dismissing her, a perfect touch that adds to the narrative’s organic flow and leaves the audience with a sense of quiet fulfillment.
A Jarring Shift
Despite the film’s success, many fans felt that the decision to cast an established actress like Nandita Das to play the older Esther was a mistake. While it may have been intended to add gravitas, it created a jarring contrast. Sunaina, who was a rising star at the time, had infused the character with an emotional depth and authenticity that many believe was not fully captured in the later scenes.
For the audience, Sunaina’s face conveyed the entire spectrum of Esther’s life—the innocence of first love, the ache of separation, and the torment of longing. When Nandita Das took over the role, the emotional connection for many viewers was broken. The transition felt disconnected, as if a completely different character had stepped into the story. To this day, fans maintain that there is only one true Esther: the one brought to life by Sunaina, the “Daughter of God” who stole hearts with her unforgettable and genuine performance.
The 2012 Tamil-language drama Neerparavai (Seabird), directed by Seenu Ramasamy and produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin, stands out as a well-received film both critically and commercially. The movie features a compelling cast, with Vishnu and Sunaina in the lead roles. Notably, the film also includes Nandita Das, who portrays the older version of Sunaina’s character, adding a unique narrative layer.
The ensemble cast is rounded out by strong supporting performances from Saranya Ponvannan, Samuthirakani, Varsha Ashwathi, and Anupama Kumar. The film’s emotional depth is further enhanced by N. R. Raghunanthan‘s musical score, Balasubramaniem‘s cinematography, and Kasi Viswanathan‘s editing.
Upon its release on November 30, 2012, Neerparavai was met with positive reviews and found success at the box office, a testament to its powerful storytelling and compelling performances.
