Director Vasanthabalan has been highly critical of recent films. He stated that films like “Kashmir Files” and “Durandhar” spread hatred in a planned manner. Vasanthabalan believes that cinema should unite people, not divide them. Director Vetri Maran also made indirect comments against hate politics in films. The discussion highlights the responsibility of filmmakers in shaping public opinion through their work.
Director Vasanthabalan, known for his acclaimed works ‘Veyil’ and ‘Angadi Theru’, recently gave a moving speech on the effects of cinema and media on society at the trailer launch of ‘Neelira’ held in Chennai.
He recalled how television had shaped public thinking, noting the influence of early programs such as the Ramayana telecast. According to him, this content slowly created powerful emotional and social narratives that spread widely across the country.
Vasanthabalan warns against this Hate narratives in cinema
During his speech, Vasanthabalan strongly criticized films that promote division and hatred. According to News 18, he said, “Since the Ramayana was broadcast across India, some ideas have started spreading widely.”
“Be it the ‘Kashmir Files’ or now ‘Durandar’, hatred is spreading in a planned manner,” he added. His words highlighted concerns about how cinema can be used to negatively influence public opinion. He stressed that films should bring people together rather than divide them.
He watches
Dhurandhar 2 ‘Collapse’: ‘People are not fools’, Anand Ranganathan calls for selective outrage
Vetri Maran Indirect research into ‘Dhurandhar’ adds to the discussion
The event also saw director Vetri Maran indirectly criticizing Durandar for promoting hate politics. He pointed out that some films focus on violence and propaganda to achieve commercial success.
His and Vasanthabalan’s comments have created an interesting debate about the responsibility of filmmakers. Both directors stressed the need for meaningful cinema that reflects the truth instead of spreading negativity.
Plot and cast
‘Neelira’, directed by Sumitharan, is scheduled to hit theaters on April 3. Inspired by the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, the film looks at the story through the eyes of an ordinary citizen caught in this emotional war. Love, fear and struggle become characters in themselves as they depict the impact of war on a family.