Tamil Version of Face of the Faceless to Hit Theaters in Tamil Nadu on November 21

The Tamil version of the internationally acclaimed movie Face of the Faceless is set to premiere in theaters across Tamil Nadu on November 21, marking another milestone in Catholic media collaboration in India.

Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia, Fr. David Arockiam, CEO of Madha TV,  the Tamil Catholic TV Channel, run by the Tamil Nadu Bishops Conference, highlighted the channel’s vital role in producing both the Tamil and Telugu versions of the film. He described the project as “a mission of faith and evangelization through art and cinema” and made a heartfelt appeal to all Catholics in Tamil Nadu to watch the movie in theaters and spread its message of forgiveness and love.

“This is not just a film,” Fr. David said. “It is a testimony of faith, courage, and the power of forgiveness. I invite every Catholic family to go to the theaters, watch it together, and reflect on the life and sacrifice of Blessed Rani Maria.”

A Film that Celebrates Forgiveness

Face of the Faceless is a deeply moving portrayal of Blessed Sister Rani Maria Vattalil, an Indian nun who gave her life for the poor and marginalized in Indore, Central India. The film captures her journey of faith, her brutal martyrdom in 1995, and the extraordinary act of forgiveness extended by her family to her assassin, an act that transformed hatred into healing.

Already honored with over 107 international awards and having qualified for the Oscars, the film is the result of the tireless efforts of director Dr. Shaison P. Ouseph and producer Dr. Sandra D’Souza Rana. Dr. Ouseph, an award-winning director and associate dean at the Xavier Institute of Communications, St. Xavier’s College (a Jesuit institution) in Mumbai. It beautifully depicts the Christian call to mercy in a world often divided by violence and fear.

Originally produced in Hindi in 2023, the film was later dubbed in Malayalam and screened successfully in Kerala for more than 100 days. It went on to win over 125 international awards and was nominated for the 2024 Academy Awards (Oscars).

Madha TV’s Role and Catholic Collaboration

Madha TV worked closely with Tri Light Creations, the production house behind the film, and local Catholic artists to ensure the Tamil version maintained both cinematic excellence and spiritual authenticity.

“Tamil Nadu has a rich tradition of faith and art,” Fr. David added. “We wanted to bring this story to our people in their own language, so that Rani Maria’s example may inspire more hearts to live the Gospel with courage and compassion.”

A Story that Inspires the World

Born in 1954 in Kerala, Sister Rani Maria, a member of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, dedicated her life to serving the rural poor in Indore. Her fearless stand for justice led to her martyrdom when she was attacked and stabbed 40 times by her assailant, Samundar Singh, hired by local landlords.

Years later, Rani Maria’s family publicly forgave Singh; her mother even kissed his hands and called him her son. Singh later embraced Christianity and began sharing his testimony of repentance. In 2017, the Catholic Church declared Rani Maria “Blessed”, recognizing her as a modern martyr of faith and love.

A Call to Witness Faith through Cinema

The film’s Tamil release marks a powerful moment for the Catholic community in Tamil Nadu, offering a rare opportunity to experience the Gospel through art.

“Watching Face of the Faceless is not just entertainment,” Fr. David emphasized. “It’s an act of faith, a moment to remember those who gave their lives for Christ and to learn how forgiveness can heal the world.”

Face of the Faceless will be screened across Tamil Nadu starting November 21.

Let every Tamil Catholic, families, parishes, and youth groups go out and witness this extraordinary film that celebrates faith, forgiveness, and the unshakeable power of love.