Happy Raj
2026 Indian Tamil-language film
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Happy Raj is a 2026 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy drama film written and directed by debutant Maria Raja Elanchezian and produced by Beyond Pictures. It stars G. V. Prakash Kumar, Abbas (in his comeback to films) Sri Gouri Priya and George Maryan in the lead roles.
Jaikanth Suresh
Abbas
Sri Gouri Priya
George Maryan
| Happy Raj | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Maria Raja Elanchezian |
| Written by | Maria Raja Elanchezian |
| Produced by | Jaivarda Jaikanth Suresh |
| Starring | G. V. Prakash Kumar Abbas Sri Gouri Priya George Maryan |
| Cinematography | Madhan Christopher |
| Edited by | Selva RK |
| Music by | Justin Prabhakaran |
Production company | Beyond Pictures |
| Distributed by | Five Star Creations Think Studios |
Release date |
|
Running time | 159 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
The film was officially announced, untitled, in July 2025; it is the first production for Beyond Pictures,[1] and the official title was announced in December 2025.[2] The music was composed by Justin Prabhakaran, with cinematography handled by Madhan Christopher and editing by Selva RK.[3]
Happy Raj was theatrically released on 27 March 2026 and received positive reviews from critics.
Plot
Anandh Raj alias Happy might have all the looks that impresses women but get rejected solely for the oddball his father Kathamuthu is. Often rebuked as kuthira muttai (horse egg), his father doesn't let it impact him as much as Happy does. But Happy finally falls for Kavya who not only reciprocates his feelings but also is okay with his father. Things aren't the same when their families meet, leading to the rise of complicated and hilarious situations.
Cast
- G. V. Prakash Kumar as Anandh "Happy" Raj
- Akilan as young Anandh "Happy" Raj
- Abbas as Rajiv
- Sri Gouri Priya as Kavya
- George Maryan as Kathamuthu
- Geetha Kailasam as Gomathi Kathamuthu
- Adhirchi Arun as DJ Marimuthu
- Madurai Muthu as Bhaskar "Boskey"
- Mahesh Devi as Reena Rajiv
- Prathana Nathan as Thenmozhi
- Aazhiya as Ritu, Kavya's sister
- Baanumathi as Kavya's friend
- Rasul as Pappu
- Premgi Amaren as Fake Priest (cameo appearance)
- Ram Shankar as Train Ticket Collector
Production
The film is written and directed by Maria Raja Elanchezian, who previously worked as an assistant director to Pradeep Ranganathan in Love Today (2022), and marks the comeback of Abbas to films.[4] Filming ended in January 2026.[3]
Music
The music was composed by Justin Prabhakaran in his second collaboration with G.V.Prakash Kumar after the 2023 film Adiyae.[5] The first single "Aadiney Irupen" was released on 17 February 2026.[6] The second single "Thuru Thuru" was released on 10 March 2026. The song marked Gangai Amaran's first playback vocal in 9 years.[7]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Aadiney Irupen" | Gana Vinoth | Gana Vinoth | |
| 2. | "Thuru Thuru" | Vivek | Gangai Amaran, Master Jaahanv S | |
| 3. | "Kadavulin Thottam" | Sarathy | S. P. Charan | 5:05 |
In addition to the original soundtrack, the songs "Malai Mala", composed by Deva for the 2001 film Chocklet and "Podhuvaga En Manasu Thangam" ,composed by Ilaiyaraaja for the 1980 film Murattu Kaalai are featured in the Tamil version of the film.[citation needed]
Release
Theatrical
Happy Raj was released in theatres on 27 March 2026,[8] by Five Star Creations and Think Studios in Tamil Nadu.[9]
Home media
The post-theatrical digital streaming rights were acquired by Amazon Prime Video.[10]
Reception
Critical response
Happy Raj received positive reviews from critics.
Abhinav Subramanian of The Times of India gave 3/5 stars and wrote, "Forced sentimentality and the all-too-familiar romanticization of tradition keep pulling the film back. Too many scenes feel manufactured, and you are constantly hand-held through the emotive parts".[11] A critic from Dina Thanthi gave the film a positive review, praising the cast performances, cinematography and music but criticised the screenplay in the film's first half.[12] Yuvashree from Zee News wrote that the second half of the film is far better than the first half.[13] Anusha Sundar of OTTPlay gave 1.5/5 stars and wrote, "Happy Raj is a misstep in every choice of writing it takes. With bland conflict, messy assumptions and incorrect ideology, the film attempts to just work on foolish concepts, making it a messy affair".[14] Bhuvanesh Chandar of The Hindu said the film "vexingly attempts to sell a performative redemption arc, but no amount of emotional coercion can hide its moral bankruptcy".[15]