CHENNAI – 10 Nov, 2026 Cinematographer and director Chezhiyan's 'Paper Flower' made its world premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival! Producer Prema Chezhiyan, daughter Aditha Chezhiyan participated Cinematographer and director Chezhiyan's film 'The Paper Flower' was selected for the World Premiere in the Asian Future section of the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival, and two screenings were screened. The film's producer Prema Chezhiyan and her daughter Aditha Chezhiyan, who is studying in Singapore, participated in this world premiere. Both screenings were filled with a housefull of viewers. Japanese fans watched the film with great interest. When the film ended, there was loud applause throughout the hall. In the Q&A session held after the screening, the audience raised various questions. Prema Chezhiyan answered them in Tamil and Aditha Chezhiyan in English. Their answers were also translated into Japanese during the program. The appreciation and comments expressed by the festival's selection committee members, film fans and media friends about the film 'Kaagitha Malar' were very moving. Tokyo International Film Festival Jury Member Kenji Ishizaha said: “In the digital age, even low-budget films can be made. We have seen some truly beautiful works in the film world. A prime example of that is Chezhiyan’s ‘Paper Flower’. This film is a world-class work. When people think of Indian films, they usually think of Bollywood films. However, we chose this film to show the world that there are many unique films being made in India beyond Bollywood. As we expected, everyone was surprised and highly appreciated the film. Film critic Katie Rife praised the sweet, bookish Tamil film “The Paper Flower” at the Tokyo International Film Festival, saying that it stood out from the rest and caught our attention. She also said that ‘Paper Flower’ Not only Japan, but film distributors from various countries around the world have also expressed interest in screening and distributing the film. Producer Prema Cheliyan expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who worked on this film, including editor Srikar Prasad, sound designer Tapas Nayak, Cheliyan's assistants Pichumani, R.P. Raja, Rajkiran, Joseph Irudayaraaj, Pechiyappan, actor Parantaka Cholan, actress Janani Senpaka, and the publishers Sudhir, Annam, Kathir and Babasi. He also said that this success, recognition and appreciation are all "dedicated to our beloved Cheliyan". Cheliyan's film 'Kaagitha Malar' will now continue its journey in various countries around the world. May his artistic journey continue to resonate throughout the world!
