The Tamil-dubbed version of Nelum Kuluna, a Sri Lankan Sinhala-language adult comedy-drama, began streaming on Netflix yesterday and has already climbed to the #1 spot in Sri Lanka on the platform.
Originally produced in 2023, the film faced delays in its theatrical release but is now gaining global attention through its digital debut. The plot revolves around an elderly man who dies following a moment of sexual arousal. The story then unfolds as his sons and extended family navigate the emotional and often humorous process of performing his last rites.
This marks the first time a Sinhala film was initially produced and later adapted into multiple Indian languages, setting a new precedent for Sri Lankan cinema. The Tamil version, titled “Perusu,” is now available on Netflix, along with dubbed versions in Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.
Directed by first-time filmmaker Ilango Ramanathan, the Tamil adaptation features Vaibhav and Niharika NM in the lead roles, bringing a fresh and dynamic energy to the already unconventional narrative.
This cross-cultural success not only highlights the film’s universal themes but also opens doors for more regional cinema to reach international audiences through major streaming platforms like Netflix.