Gripping Tamil short film ‘5 Little Fingers’ premieres with a powerful message

By Tania de Silva

In an electrifying and emotionally charged event, the premiere of “5 Little Fingers,” a Tamil short film, at the National Film Corporation’s Tharangani Theatre, took centre stage on Sunday, captivating the audience and holding them spellbound. Directed by the talented Naresh Chandrasekaram and produced by Untitled Air Productions (UAP), this remarkable short film promises to be an exhilarating and suspenseful thriller, addressing a crucial and pressing issue, child abuse.

“5 Little Fingers” plunges deep into the unsettling world of child abuse and portrays the desperate quest for justice undertaken by a father and sister to protect a vulnerable young girl who has fallen victim. The film’s poignant title, “Every finger tells a story, but whose story is it?” elegantly encapsulates the intensity and complexity of the narrative.

The premiere event saw an enthusiastic turnout, with notable figures from the film industry, discerning critics, and passionate social activists gracing the occasion. Vikneshan Thevaraj and Aradhya Selvakumar delivered powerful and emotionally charged performances that added depth to the already gripping storyline.

Director Naresh Chandrasekaram shared his insights into the film’s significance, stating, “ ‘5 Little Fingers’ is far more than a thrilling cinematic experience; it serves as a wake-up call to confront the pressing global issue of child abuse. Our aim was to craft a compelling narrative that also functions as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard our children.”

The film’s emotional impact is further accentuated by the hauntingly evocative musical score composed by Praveen Dhayalan. The exceptional work in editing and colour grading by Naresh Chandrasekaram, with his prowess in cinematography, brings a level of depth and richness to the storytelling that is nothing short of exceptional.

Sound designer Andrew Sean, speaking about the challenges faced during the creation of the film’s soundscape, shared, “Our goal was to ensure that every sound in ‘5 Little Fingers’ contributes to the heightened emotional intensity and suspense. Crafting the audio experience for this sensitive subject matter required meticulous attention to detail.”

Already, “5 Little Fingers” has garnered substantial attention in the film industry, primarily due to its thought-provoking and timely exploration of child protection issues. The film serves as a powerful and poignant reminder of the urgency surrounding child abuse prevention and the imperative of safeguarding our children.

The premiere of “5 Little Fingers” concluded with a heartfelt message from the director and producers, underscoring the film’s far-reaching societal implications. As it gears for a wider audience release, the film is poised to make a profound impact.

With plans for distribution and screenings in various venues, “5 Little Fingers” is ready to reach a broader audience, thereby raising awareness about the critical issue of child abuse. As “5 Little Fingers” continues to carve a significant niche for itself in the film industry, it stands as an embodiment of the transformative power of storytelling to shed light on pressing social issues and inspire meaningful change.