Director Vetri Maran has criticized films that promote hatred and violence to achieve commercial success. He believes that such films justify hate politics and divide people. Maran stressed that cinema should not be an instrument of political power. He praised films that tell true stories and highlight true feelings. His comments came at the trailer launch of ‘Neelira’.
Vetri Maran, one of the profound directors of the South, is busy producing the film ‘Arasan’ starring Silambarasan in the lead role. Meanwhile, director Vetri Maran came down hard on films that promote hatred and violence while launching the trailer of ‘Neelira’ in Chennai.Without naming him directly, Vetri Maran’s speech clearly alluded to “Dhurandhar”, saying such films justify “hate politics” to achieve commercial success. According to Cinema Vikatan, he pointed out that some films are made just to earn hundreds of crores and, in the process, glorify violence and divide people. “Hundreds of millions are being persecuted by raising violence and hatred,” he said, adding: “Films are being used to justify hate policies.
His comments caused an uproar as many saw it as an indirect attack on big-budget, propaganda-driven cinema.
Vetri Maran criticizes the novel “Dhurandhar”.
Continuing his speech, Vetri Maran said that some films try to distract people from the real issues like the struggles they face while withdrawing money. He stressed that films should not be a tool in enhancing collective memory that others use because of their belief in obtaining political power. His criticism of “Durandhar” was more general, as he warned other film producers against using films to spread hatred, but at the same time encouraged the viewing public to avoid those films that contain hate and watch those films that contain strong and valid messages.
Vetri Maran talks about the responsibility of cinema, history and true narrative
The director also expressed his belief that history tends to be written by the victor, and that cinema can correct the mistake. Vetri Maran stressed that people should tell their own stories; Otherwise, false narratives will become the accepted truth. “If we don’t tell our stories, our enemies will tell them, and that will become the truth,” he said. He praised young creatives from Ilam for documenting their pain and memories through art, describing it as a powerful democratic act.
“Nilra” highlights the feelings of war
Talking about the film ‘Neelira’, he said that it does not sell hatred or violence but still depicts the profound impact of war. He showed how fleeting scenes in the film—the terror when soldiers arrive home, or the children playing with weapons—reflect deep emotional trauma. He pointed out that “this film does not sell hatred or violence,” adding that it brings viewers closer to the real pain of war. Vetri Maran appreciated how the film showed the psychological effects of war without relying on graphic scenes.
Neelira movie cast, crew and release date
‘Neelira’ is directed by Sri Lankan Tamil director Somitharan, and features Naveen Chandra and Sanath in the lead roles. Its trailer has already gained attention and the film is all set to hit theaters on April 3.
