During the trailer launch of the Tamil film Neelira (A Long Night), director Vetrimaaran expressed concerns about the prevalence of 'hate propaganda' in cinema, stating that many films prioritize profit over meaningful storytelling. He asserted that 'Neelira' aims to present a narrative that does not promote hate or caricature any community, instead focusing on the human experience during the Sri Lankan civil war. Rana Daggubati, who is presenting the film, echoed Vetrimaaran's sentiments, describing the film as rare for its objective approach. He emphasized that 'Neelira' conveys the message that war results in loss for all involved, a perspective often overlooked in commercial cinema. Daggubati acknowledged the difficulty of creating a compelling war narrative without resorting to violence, stating that the film's human lens is a significant departure from typical portrayals. He also noted that while filmmakers should have the freedom to tell various stories, the narrative of 'Neelira' is particularly challenging yet vital, as it captures the trauma of war through a relatable family story. Daggubati concluded that the effectiveness of a war film largely depends on its perspective and the context in which it is told.