Haiku
Haiku (2026) is a heartwarming Tamil-Telugu romance by Yuvaraj Chinnasamy. Aegan makes a likeable debut, with Sridevi Apalla and Femina George adding warmth and depth. Siddhu Kumar’s music and handsome visuals lift a sincere story on love and self-respect. Our verdict: 4/5 stars.
- Released: 24 October 2026
- Runtime: 2h 22m
- Language: Tamil
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Director: Yuvaraj Chinnasamy
- Cast: Aegan, Sri Devi, Indumathy Manikandan
- Where to watch: In Cinema
- Our rating: 7/10
Our review
Haiku, released on 23 October 2026 in Tamil and Telugu, is a romantic drama about love, healing and learning to stand up for yourself. Directed by Yuvaraj Chinnasamy, it stars Aegan in his solo lead debut, with Sridevi Apalla and Femina George. Starting as a campus comedy, it grows into a thoughtful story about people who do not trust themselves enough to choose well in love. Here is our full Haiku movie review.
Haiku follows Mano, a young man whose college romance ends in heartbreak and who meets a new colleague years later. The film begins as a light campus comedy and slowly turns into a story about self-worth and the patterns we carry from one relationship into the next. Aegan makes an easy, likeable debut, Sridevi Apalla gives her track real emotional weight, and Femina George brings warmth and depth. Siddhu Kumar’s music and the polished visuals add to the experience. It is a sweet, sincere romance with a message worth taking home.
Cast and Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director and Writer | Yuvaraj Chinnasamy |
| Screenplay | Yuvaraj Chinnasamy, Hariharan Ram S |
| Lead Cast | Aegan (Mano), Sridevi Apalla (Pavalakodi), Femina George (Nivedha) |
| Supporting Cast | Adhirchi Arun, Subramaniya Sethu, Adhiyaman, Mime Gopi, Indhumathi Manigandan |
| Producers | Dr. D. Arulanandhu, Mathewo Arulanandhu |
| Co-producer | Srinivas Niranjan |
| Banner | Vision Cinema House |
| Music | Siddhu Kumar |
| Cinematography | Priyesh Gurusamy |
| Editing | Sakthi Pranesh |
| Art Direction | Prem |
| Genre | Romance, Drama |
| Language | Tamil, Telugu |
| Runtime | 2 hrs 2 mins |
| Release Date | 23 October 2026 |
Plot Summary
Mano (Aegan) is expelled from engineering college after a restroom prank goes viral. He lands in a women’s college as its only male student, where he falls for Pavalakodi (Sridevi Apalla). Jealousy and unemployment strain the romance, and the two part ways.
Years later, Mano is a design team lead in Chennai and grows close to his trainee Nivedha (Femina George). Nivedha notices that his affection follows a pattern meant for someone else. The story then turns to its real concern, which is how people learn to trust and stand up for themselves.
Performances
Aegan as Mano: Aegan has a natural, easy likeability that carries the film from the first frame. His scruffy swagger suits the college years, and he grows convincingly into the steadier, more mature man of the later scenes. It is an assured debut as a solo hero.
Sridevi Apalla as Pavalakodi: Sridevi Apalla gives Kodi a lived-in, mature presence and makes her far more than a memory. She handles the emotional scenes with sincerity and leaves a lasting impression, making a confident Tamil debut after her acclaimed turn in Court.
Femina George as Nivedha: Femina George brings a girl-next-door charm and a bubbly energy that lifts the lighter moments. She then handles the film’s most interesting turn with sensitivity, as Nivedha’s quiet insight takes over the story.
Adhirchi Arun: Adhirchi Arun’s wisecracking friend adds comic relief and texture, especially on the road trip. His timing keeps the mood light.
Subramaniya Sethu, Adhiyaman, Mime Gopi and Indhumathi Manigandan: Each of these supporting actors adds warmth and authenticity to the world around Mano. Together they make the college and office scenes feel real and lived-in.
Technical Analysis
Direction
Yuvaraj Chinnasamy builds the story around a thoughtful idea and handles the shift from campus comedy to emotional drama with care. His focus on self-respect and trust gives the romance a purpose.
Cinematography
Priyesh Gurusamy’s visuals are handsome and colourful, with a youthful freshness in the college portions. The film looks polished throughout, with no reliance on AI-assisted shortcuts.
Music and Score
Siddhu Kumar’s soundtrack is pleasant and carries the softer romantic moments well. His music supports the emotions without overpowering them.
Editing
Sakthi Pranesh keeps the story moving across its two timelines. The 2 hr 2 min runtime is comfortable for a romantic drama.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- A sincere central idea about love and self-respect
- Aegan’s likeable, confident debut
- Sridevi Apalla’s mature and moving performance
- Femina George’s warm, lively presence
- Siddhu Kumar’s pleasant, romantic music
- Handsome, polished visuals
- The deepening second half, led by Nivedha’s perspective
Weaknesses
- The campus comedy is light and familiar
- Nivedha’s boyfriend track relies on shortcuts
- The road trip subplot adds more texture than substance
- The story shifts focus to Nivedha so quickly that Mano feels like a bystander
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐4/5 stars
Haiku is a gentle, well-meaning romance that finds its heart in the second half. Strong performances, pleasant music and a handsome look make it an easy watch. It rewards patient viewers with a message about self-worth that lingers.
FAQs
What is the age rating of Haiku?
Haiku carries a UA13+ certification, so it suits teens and adults.
Is Haiku suitable for children and family viewing?
It is a clean romantic drama, but younger children may not connect with its themes. We recommend parental guidance for kids under 13.
Is Haiku based on a true story?
No. Haiku is an original story written by director Yuvaraj Chinnasamy.