Anikha Surendran has officially transitioned from beloved child artist to leading lady with her Tamil debut in Dhanush’s directorial Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (NEEK). At just 20 years old, the actress who once captured hearts as Baby Anikha is now commanding the screen alongside an ensemble cast in this coming-of-age romantic comedy.
Anikha Surendran: Career Snapshot 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | November 27, 2004 |
| Age | 20 years |
| Birthplace | Manjeri, Kerala |
| Education | Sacred Heart College, Kochi |
| @anikhasurendran (3M+ followers) | |
| Tamil Lead Debut | NEEK (February 21, 2025) |
| Major Award | Kerala State Film Award – Best Child Artist |
| Notable Films | Yennai Arindhaal, Viswasam, Butta Bomma |
The NEEK Experience: A Dream Debut
Released on February 21, 2025, NEEK represents a significant milestone for Anikha. Working under Dhanush’s direction, she described the experience as transformative. The actress revealed that being part of a talented team was crucial for her Tamil lead debut, emphasizing how Dhanush ensured the cast developed genuine chemistry through rehearsals and fun activities.
Anikha plays Nila, a well-written character she found realistic and beautiful. The role showcases her maturity as an actress, moving beyond the child roles that made her famous. She shared that Dhanush’s meticulous direction, where he explained every shot and sometimes acted them out himself, made the entire process smooth despite her initial nervousness.
From Child Prodigy to Leading Actress
Anikha’s journey began at age six with Kadha Thudarunnu (2010). Her breakthrough came with the anthology 5 Sundarikal (2013), earning her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Child Artist. She gained pan-Indian recognition through Tamil blockbusters like Yennai Arindhaal (2015) with Thala Ajith and Viswasam (2019).
Her transition to lead roles started with the Telugu film Butta Bomma (2023), a remake of the Malayalam hit Kappela. Now with NEEK, she’s proven she can carry a Tamil film on her shoulders while working with an acclaimed director.
What Makes NEEK Special
Beyond being Dhanush’s third directorial venture after Pa Paandi and Raayan, NEEK brings together an exciting young cast including Pavish Narayanan, Priya Prakash Varrier, and Mathew Thomas. The film explores contemporary love stories with unexpected twists, featuring music by G.V. Prakash Kumar.
The chemistry between the young actors is palpable, thanks to Dhanush’s unique approach of building camaraderie through team activities. This authentic friendship translates beautifully on screen, making the film relatable to audiences across age groups.
The Journey Ahead
With NEEK now streaming on Amazon Prime Video since March 21, 2025, Anikha’s performance has introduced her to a wider Tamil audience. She has upcoming projects including Vasuvin Garbinigal and a film with Dhanush again in his 50th project alongside an ensemble cast.
From modeling for five years to becoming a lead actress, Anikha exemplifies dedication and natural talent. Her 3 million Instagram followers celebrate not just her acting prowess but her elegant fashion sense and down-to-earth personality.
Explore more South Indian cinema stories on our regional films section and catch the latest OTT releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Anikha Surendran’s role in NEEK?
In Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (NEEK), Anikha plays Nila, daughter of character Karunakaran portrayed by R. Sarathkumar. This marks her first lead role in Tamil cinema after transitioning from child artist roles. She described the character as realistic and beautifully written, requiring emotional depth and natural chemistry with her co-stars. Anikha worked closely with director Dhanush through extensive rehearsals to perfect her performance. Watch NEEK on Amazon Prime Video.
Q2: How did Anikha Surendran transition from child artist to lead actress?
Anikha began her career at age six in Kadha Thudarunnu (2010) and won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Child Artist for 5 Sundarikal (2013). She gained recognition in Tamil cinema through supporting roles in Yennai Arindhaal and Viswasam. Her transition to lead roles started with Telugu film Butta Bomma (2023), followed by her Tamil lead debut in NEEK (2025). Currently studying at Sacred Heart College, Kochi, she balances education with her flourishing career. Check her filmography on IMDb.
