The Tamil and Telugu versions of the award-winning Hindi movie “The Face of the Faceless” will be released in more than 60 theatres on November 21, 2025, bringing to life the inspiring story of Blessed Rani Maria Vattal, a Franciscan Clarist nun and devoted social worker who was martyred in 1995 for her mission among the poor.
Born on January 29, 1954, in Kerala and serving in the Diocese of Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Blessed Rani Maria dedicated her life to education, empowerment, and dignity for the marginalized. At the age of 41, she was murdered near Nachanpur Hill on February 25, 1995, by an assassin hired by landlords opposed to her work for the poor.
The Tamil version of the film was first premiered on July 8, 2025, at Poondi Matha Basilica in Tamil Nadu, during the meeting of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council, with members of the Tamil Nadu Conference of Religious also in attendance. Special acknowledgment was given to Fr. David Arokiasamy, CEO of Madha TV, whose support made the Tamil and Telugu releases possible.
Produced by Dry Light Creations, the movie has already received over 107 international awards and qualified for the Academy Awards (Oscars). Directed by Dr. Shaison P. Ouseph and produced by Dr. Sandra D’Souza Rana, the film highlights not only Blessed Rani Maria’s martyrdom but also the triumph of forgiveness: her assassin, originally sentenced to life, was forgiven by her family and released for good conduct in 2006.
“The face of the faceless is not just an image, but a call that invites each one of us to reflect on courage, hope, forgiveness, and the pursuit of justice,” said Jesuraja, Public Relations Officer of Dry Light Creations.
Blessed Rani Maria was beatified in 2017, and her life continues to inspire countless faithful across India and beyond.
Speaking about this film, His Grace Most Rev. George Antonysamy, Archbishop of Madras–Mylapore, said:
“The Face of the Faceless,” this wonderful film, is set to be screened from November 21 in theatres and cinemas across all cities of Tamil Nadu. Therefore, I warmly invite you to watch it. Through this movie, we are reminded of our shared humanity and of how we are called to live a true Christian life. It also beautifully portrays how Sr. Rani Maria continues to inspire us to face the challenges of human life with faith and courage. Hence, you are all cordially invited to watch this film and benefit from its message.
Tamilnadu State General Secretary of the Indian Union Muslim League political party, Mr.Muhammed Abubacker, said: The life and witness of Blessed Rani Maria have been portrayed wonderfully in the upcoming film titled “The Face of the Faceless.” This remarkable movie is set to be released next month, on November 21.
Everyone should watch this film. In particular, not only those who are engaged in new forms of service or working among tribal communities, but all people should watch it, because through this film, we get a chance to understand the kinds of challenges and realities we face in our own country, India.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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