Kanaa () is a 2018 Indian Tamil-language sports drama film starring Sathyaraj, Aishwarya Rajesh and Darshan in the lead roles while Sivakarthikeyan appears in an extended cameo appearance. The film is written and directed by Arunraja Kamaraj, in his directorial debut. It was released theatrically on 21 December 2018. The film has music composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas, cinematography by Dinesh B. Krishnan, editing by Ruben and production by Sivakarthikeyan under his newly established Sivakarthikeyan Productions banner. It was remade in Telugu as Kousalya Krishnamurthy, with Aishwarya Rajesh reprising her role and Sivakarthikeyan and the cricket team's footage reused.
Plot Kousalya Murugesan aka Kowsi is the daughter of Murugesan, a farmer in Kulithalai, Karur. She aspires to become an international cricketer and help India win the 2007 Cricket World Cup, inspired by her father's heartbreak when India suffers a crushing defeat to Sri Lanka and is eliminated from the tournament. After witnessing Murugesan secretly crying over the loss, 11-year-old Kowsi resolves to play cricket seriously and one day win the World Cup for him.
At 14, Kowsi joins her village cricket team, mostly comprising her school seniors. Her off-spin bowling earns her wickets and recognition, although some villagers disapprove of her playing cricket with boys in t-shirts and trousers. Murugesan supports her regardless. Kowsi initially fails the Tamil Nadu team selection test but succeeds on her second attempt and begins playing for the Tamil Nadu women's team. Her efforts eventually earn her selection for the Indian women's cricket team, after which she travels to Bangalore for training at a national cricket academy.
Meanwhile, Murugesan struggles to repay a bank debt of Rs. 4 lakhs, leading to conflict with the bank manager. At the academy, Kowsi is mistreated by senior players because she cannot speak Hindi, while the coach repeatedly demotivates her. After the coach retires, former Indian cricketer Nelson Dilipkumar becomes the new coach. Nelson had been forced to retire after his first international match because of a severe eye injury that left him partially blind in his left eye. He rebuilds the team's spirit ahead of the T20 World Cup, recognises Kowsi's potential as a spin bowler and fights the selection committee to include her in the World Cup squad.
Nelson initially rests Kowsi during the league matches, upsetting her, but explains that he is concealing her abilities from opponents so that her bowling will surprise them in the semifinals. Kowsi is selected for the semifinal against the strongest team, Australia. On the same day, Murugesan's house is seized by the bank manager because of his unpaid debt. Upset that she cannot be with her father, Kowsi is encouraged by Nelson to make him proud by performing well.
During the match, Kowsi takes a hat-trick and hits a six while batting, resulting in a tie. In the super over, she again bowls effectively, securing India's victory. She receives Rs. 5 lakhs as the "Woman of the Match" and delivers an emotional speech about her father's struggles and those of farmers across the country. Murugesan proudly watches her achievement. The closing credits reveal that the Indian women's team wins the T20 final against the West Indies women's team, while Kowsi is honoured by the Tamil Nadu government for her bowling tactics.
Cast Source
Ramya, Prathibha, Shraddha Saxena, Rujula, Nanditha Das, Asmita Thakkar, Yashashwani, Manju Godara, Rajitha, Amirtha, Smirthi, Anu Durga, Sowmiya, Nivetha and Nivashini play other members of the cricket team.
Production
This project was officially launched in February 2018, and actor Sivakarthikeyan is making his debut as the producer of the venture, under his newly established SK Productions banner, with actors Aishwarya Rajesh and Sathyaraj joining the cast, and debut actor Darshan was signed to play the male lead role. Dhibu Ninan Thomas, who earlier composed for Maragadha Naanayam (2017) was selected as the music director. Meanwhile, Dinesh Krishnan, Ruben, and Lalgudi N Ilayaraja were signed as a cinematographer, editor and art director for this film. This film is shot in Tiruchirapalli (Trichy, Lalgudi, Kulithalai), etc. Sivakarthikeyan's character was named Nelson Dilipkumar because Nelson Dilipkumar helped Arunraja Kamaraj during the initial stages of his career.
Soundtrack
The film's soundtrack is composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas, who happens to be classmates with Sivakarthikeyan and Arunraja Kamaraj on their college days. The album features five songs, of which the song "Vaayadi Petha Pulla" is sung by Sivakarthikeyan and his daughter Aaradhana, alongside Vaikom Vijayalakshmi as well. The audio rights of the film are secured by Sony Music India.
Release and reception The film was released on 21 December 2018. M Suganth from Times of India calls the movie a "crowd-pleasing sports movie that also doubles up as a message movie on farmers and their issues", giving the film a 3.5/5 rating.
Awards and nominations Date of ceremonyAwardCategoryRecipient(s) and nominee(s)ResultRef.25-28 April 2019Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards Best Production Sivakarthikeyan Productions Best Social Awareness Award Arunraja Kamaraj 2019JFW Movie Awards Special Recognition for Young Talent Aaradhana Sivakarthikeyan Best Actress - Critic Aishwarya Rajesh Best Child Artist Keerthika Best Director of Women-Centric Film Arunraja Kamaraj Best Women-Centric Film Sivakarthikeyan Productions Best Actress in a Lead Role Aishwarya Rajesh 15-16 August 20198th South Indian International Movie Awards Best Actress – Tamil Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Tamil Sathyaraj Best Debut Actor - Tamil Darshan Best Debut Director - Tamil Arunraja Kamaraj Critics Best Actress – Tamil Aishwarya Rajesh 21 December 2019 66th Filmfare Awards South Best Supporting Actor Sathyaraj Best Actress Aishwarya Rajesh Critics Best Actress – Tamil Best Lyricist GKB 4 January 2020 Zee Cine Awards Tamil Best Debut Director Arunraja Kamaraj Best Actress Aishwarya Rajesh 29 January 2026Tamil Nadu State Film AwardsBest Film About Women Empowerment (Special Prize)Sivakarthikeyan ProductionsBest Actress (Special Prize)Aishwarya RajeshBest Playback Singer (Female)Aaradhana Sivakarthikeyan
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