Tamil Nadu, Jan 20 : Who says family drama belongs only inside the house? Tamil cinema has just made a bold leap onto the global stage. Members of the Problematic Family (Tamil title: Sikkalana Kudumbathin Uruppinarhal) has been officially selected for the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, marking a historic first for a Tamil debut film in the prestigious Forum section.
The Forum section of Berlinale is renowned for celebrating bold, innovative storytelling, and R Gowtham’s debut joins an exclusive club of Tamil filmmakers, alongside Mani Ratnam (Alaipayuthey), Ameer (Paruthiveeran), and PS Vinothraj (Kottukkaali).
Director R Gowtham, making his feature film debut, crafted the movie on a tight budget with sheer passion. He expressed pride that Tamil Nadu’s creative talent is increasingly resonating on the global stage, proving that compelling stories can emerge from small villages and reach international audiences.
The film stars Karuththadaiyaan, who previously impressed critics with his performance in the award-winning Koozhangal (Pebbles). The story centers around a young man’s death that triggers a chain of suppressed emotions and old wounds within a family love, conflict, silence, and comfort collide in subtle yet powerful ways. Berlinale’s jury praised the film as “bold, emotionally sharp, and nuanced.”
The 76th Berlin International Film Festival runs from February 12 to February 22, 2026, and Tamil cinema enthusiasts now have a reason to watch this space closely.