📌 Key Points
- Vetrimaaran criticized ‘hate propaganda’ films at the Neelira trailer launch.
- Internet users speculate his comments target Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar’ films.
- Vetrimaaran emphasized making films that uphold ideologies without promoting hate.
- He highlighted the power of propaganda to influence and distort memories.
Filmmaker Vetrimaaran sparked controversy at the ‘Neelira’ trailer launch by denouncing recent ‘hate propaganda’ films. This led to speculation that his criticism was aimed at Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar’ series, igniting a debate about cinematic responsibility.
Vetrimaaran’s Comments at ‘Neelira’ Launch
Vetrimaaran made a comment about propaganda films at the trailer launch of Neelira that many believe is about Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar.
“This film does not talk about hate. This film does not advocate violence. This is not a propaganda film; it is to uphold an ideology,” said the director, adding, “There are many films that cost millions of rupees, wishing to earn hundreds of crores with violence or hatred. This film does not want to sell hate, caricature a race, a community, or a religious sect.”
Internet Speculation: Targeting ‘Dhurandhar’?
After cheekily asking the film’s team if it was certified without going to the revising committee and getting an affirmative response in return, Vetrimaaran added, “Today, everything is turning into propaganda , and propaganda has the power to influence memory. Memory is so fickle because we all know who was the most affected by demonitisation and how many lives were lost when people stood in lines. But we can easily change its impact. So, what can we do against hate propaganda? We have to continue making films like these and keep the memory alive.”
Vijay’s Jana Nayagan has yet to be certified by the CBFC after being sent to the revising committee . It was supposed to be released in January.
Fighting Hate with Meaningful Cinema
“Leave abt propaganda. Just make movies as intense as dhurandhar. U will definitely win audience,” claimed one X user, while another wrote, “So, how exactly is viduthalai 2 not propaganda when the train is blown up killing innocents??” One person even wrote, “Yes and what he does is not propaganda? Every film has some propaganda, at least Dhurandhar wasn’t boring.”
Dhurandhar was released in theatres in December last year, and Dhurandhar: The Revenge was released on March 19 this year. The films have collectively made over ₹ 2447 crore worldwide. Many believe Vetrimaaran is speaking about Dhurandhar, as in the sequel, a plot point claims that demonetisation was announced in a bid to curb terrorism and fake note printing.
Vetrimaaran’s remarks underscore the importance of responsible filmmaking. He advocates for creating content that fosters understanding rather than perpetuating hate, urging filmmakers to keep memories alive through meaningful cinema.
