A major controversy has erupted in the Tamil film industry following recent remarks made by director Rajakumaran about the late, revered director Mahendran. The comments, made during an interview, have ignited a firestorm of protest on social media platforms, with fans and cinephiles accusing Rajakumaran of showing disrespect towards a cinematic pioneer.
The Controversial Comments That Started It All
During a conversation with the Anthimalai YouTube channel, Rajakumaran made a series of statements that have since gone viral for all the wrong reasons. He openly admitted, "I have never seen a single film of Mahendran… What do I get from watching it? Nothing much." This dismissal of an entire body of work was followed by an even more specific critique. He described Mahendran's acclaimed classic, 'Uthiripookkal', as an "ordinary" film and questioned its narrative substance by asking, "Is this worthy of a two-hour film?"
These remarks have struck a deep chord of disappointment among those who hold Mahendran's work in high esteem. For decades, Mahendran's films have been praised for their subtle emotional depth, their profound exploration of the human psyche, and their visually rich storytelling. To have these qualities reduced to "common stories" has been perceived as a grave insult to his legacy as an innovator who gave a new language to Tamil cinema.
Social Media Erupts in Defense of a Legend
The backlash on social media was swift and severe. Users across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook launched a wave of criticism directed at Rajakumaran. The core of the argument from fans is that one must understand Mahendran's monumental achievements and contributions before leveling such criticism.
One widely shared sentiment condemned Rajakumaran, stating, "Mahendran gave a new language to Tamil cinema. He should understand his achievements before criticizing him." The personal attacks also surfaced, with many users suggesting that Rajakumaran's own fame is largely tied to his marriage to actress Devayani, questioning his standing in the industry otherwise.
This incident is not an isolated one for Rajakumaran. Netizens were quick to recall that he has previously made similar contentious statements about the works of prominent filmmakers like Vetri Maaran and Pa. Ranjith, and even questioned the acting prowess of superstar Kamal Haasan.
Damaged Public Perception and Future Implications
This recent episode has significantly damaged Rajakumaran's public image. Despite not having directed a major film in the last twenty years, he has maintained a presence through YouTube interviews, often discussing his past experiences. However, the perception of these interviews has now shifted.
The public and fans are now viewing his comments through a more critical lens, accusing him of consistently speaking disrespectfully about esteemed figures in the industry. The key question now is what impact this growing controversy will have on his future interviews and his overall cinematic journey. The outrage shows no signs of abating, placing Rajakumaran in a difficult position as he faces the collective disappointment of Tamil cinema enthusiasts.
