On Monday, director Pa Ranjith took to Twitter to pen a long note lauding Mari Selvaraj’s latest outing Maamannan. He also requested actor and politician Udhayanidhi Stalin to look into the discrimination that exists within their political party.
In Tamil, the filmmaker wrote, “The film Maamannan vividly portrays how caste-based disparities and discriminations are inflicted on the members of the Legislative Assembly who belong to a Scheduled Caste, even by a political party whose principles include social justice. In reality, what are the powers of an MLA of a single constituency? Why are people afraid to voice the problems of the oppressed castes? Why do politicians maintain silence in spite of representing a political party that stands for social justice? Are the oppressed properly recognized, empowered and represented?”
Having asked these pertinent questions, Ranjith further wrote that Maamannan is the film that brings out these questions and provides food for thought. “Truly a great actor, producer and minister, Mr Udhayanidhi Stalin who deserves great praise, will be aware of caste discrimination which is still a big challenge in the DMK party. Let’s hope that he will start the work to eliminate it after being a part of this film.” He lastly lauded Vadivelu and Mari Selvaraj for giving a voice to the stories of various Arunthathiya caste people like Ondiveeran, Potti Pakadai and Veerai, through Maamannan.
Apart from Udhayanidhi Stalin, the film starred Vadivelu as the lead, Keerthy Suresh in a prominent role and Fahadh Faasil as the antagonist. The film’s technical crew includes cinematographer Theni Eswar, editor RK Selva, and Action Choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan. It is to be noted that Maamannan is Udhayanidhi’s last film as an actor before he assigns himself to a full-fledged political career.