Director Vasanthabalan apologises for a mistake in his debut film, 'Veyil,' after 19 years

Veteran director Vasanthabalan recently made a heartfelt public apology for a character portrayal in his acclaimed film 'Veyil.' Speaking at the closing ceremony of the P.K. Rosy Film Festival in Chennai, organized by Pa. Ranjith’s Neelam Cultural Centre, he addressed the audience with candor and humility. “I openly apologize for portraying a pig farmer as a villain in Veyil,” he stated. The director emphasized the need for filmmakers to be more responsible and sensitive while portraying marginalized communities on screen.
Vasanthabalan credit Pa. Ranjith and Mari Selvaraj
Vasanthabalan reflected on how the landscape of Tamil cinema has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. He credited this shift to the arrival of directors like Nagraj Manjule, Pa. Ranjith, and Mari Selvaraj, who brought new perspectives on caste, identity, and power dynamics. “Before Ranjith, Tamil cinema had a different view of the oppressed. But after filmmakers like him came in, the narrative changed completely,” he observed. He emphasized that the responsibility of representing minorities, Dalits, and transgender individuals must be approached with care and awareness.
Vasanthabalan on cinema audiences
He further pointed out that audiences are now politically conscious and vocal. “Even in a big commercial film, if a sanitation worker is mocked, it becomes a serious issue on social media,” he remarked. This cultural shift, according to Vasanthabalan, is an important evolution in the way cinema interacts with society and politics.
Praise for Pa. Ranjith’s cultural contributions beyond cinema
Concluding his speech, the director praised Pa. Ranjith for his choices beyond filmmaking. “After gaining fame and wealth through a Rajinikanth film, he didn’t build a wedding hall or buy a bungalow. Instead, he created the Guga Library,” he noted, calling it a truly remarkable act. Vasanthabalan’s honest reflection and recognition of changing times were met with appreciation, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between cinema and social responsibility.