Vetri Maaran Condemns Films That Fuel Hate and Violence for Commercial Gain
Renowned South Indian director Vetri Maaran, currently engrossed in the production of his upcoming film 'Arasan' starring Silambarasan, has launched a scathing critique against movies that propagate hate and violence. Speaking at the trailer launch event for the film 'Neelira' in Chennai, Maaran did not mince words, indirectly targeting the big-budget film 'Dhurandhar' and similar productions.
Indirect Attack on 'Dhurandhar' and Hate-Driven Cinema
Without explicitly naming 'Dhurandhar', Vetri Maaran's speech strongly hinted at the film, accusing such movies of justifying "hate politics" merely to achieve commercial success. According to reports from Cinema Vikatan, he pointed out that certain films are crafted solely to earn hundreds of crores, in the process glorifying violence and sowing division among people. Maaran stated, "Hundreds of crores are being chased by lifting up violence and hate," and added, "Films are being used to justify hate politics." His remarks have sparked significant buzz in the industry, with many interpreting them as a veiled criticism of propaganda-driven, high-budget cinema.
Maaran Warns Against Distracting from Real Issues
Elaborating further, Vetri Maaran emphasized that some films attempt to divert public attention from pressing real-world issues, such as the hardships endured during demonetization. He stressed that cinema should not serve as a tool to consolidate collective memories manipulated by others for political gain. While his criticisms were broadly aimed at 'Dhurandhar', he issued a general warning to film producers against using movies to spread hate. Simultaneously, he encouraged audiences to avoid films laden with hate and instead support those conveying strong, positive messages.
Cinema's Responsibility in Storytelling and History
Vetri Maaran delved into the profound responsibility of cinema in shaping narratives and correcting historical inaccuracies. He asserted that history is often written by the victors, but cinema has the power to rectify these distortions. Maaran highlighted the importance of communities telling their own stories to prevent false narratives from becoming accepted truth. He said, "If we don’t tell our stories, our enemies will tell them, and that will become the truth." In this context, he praised young creators from Eelam for documenting their pain and memories through art, describing it as a robust democratic act.
'Neelira' Showcases War's Emotional Impact Without Hate
Turning to the film 'Neelira', Vetri Maaran commended it for not selling hate or violence while effectively capturing the deep emotional scars of war. He detailed how even brief scenes in the movie—such as the dread when soldiers arrive at a home or children playing with weapons—reflect profound psychological trauma. Maaran noted, "This film doesn’t sell hate or violence," and added that it brings audiences closer to the genuine pain of conflict. He appreciated how 'Neelira' portrays the psychological effects of war without resorting to graphic visuals, making it a poignant narrative.
Details on 'Neelira' Cast, Crew, and Release
'Neelira' is directed by Sri Lankan Tamil filmmaker Somitharan and features Naveen Chandra and Sanath in lead roles. The trailer has already garnered considerable attention, and the film is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 3. This project stands as a testament to the kind of cinema Vetri Maaran advocates—one that tells authentic stories without exploiting hate or violence for commercial purposes.
