Director Gautham Vasudev Menon
| Photo Credit: Johan Sathyadas
Seasoned Tamil filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon said his comments on anti-caste films were “blown out of proportion.” Recently, in a YouTube interview, Gautham’s opinion on the surge of films critiquing the caste system in India triggered a debate on social media.
“I don’t think those stories need to be told anymore. The fact that the problem doesn’t exist now makes the filmmakers set such stories in the 80s and 90s,” Gautham said in February 2025 during his interview with Behindwoods TV.
The Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya director, who was at the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes), clarified what he meant in the interview. “When you keep pointing out the rifts (between people of different castes), it will only continue to create a further divide between two groups. I meant that these are the only kinds of stories coming out right now. I want to see other types of films also,” said Gautham, who delivered a masterclass titled ‘Art of Cinema’ at the festival.
The filmmaker further said, “In my head, all are equal. If you keep highlighting the rifts between two castes, you divide people as they will automatically take sides. My comment got blown out of proportion. I wanted to say that I have been seeing such stories set in the 80s and 90s. I want to see the stories of today.”
‘Dragon is magical’
Gautham, last seen as an actor in the latest Tamil blockbuster Dragon, spoke highly about the film, which has Pradeep Ranganathan in the lead. “Dragon has a small idea. But Ashwath (Marimuthu) and Pradeep were able to create magic throughout the film,” he said.
ALSO READ:‘Dragon’ movie review: Pradeep Ranganathan entertains and captures the zeitgeist, again
‘No takers for romance dramas’
Gautham — whose latest directorial was Dominic and The Ladies Purse, a thriller starring Mammootty — also revealed that big stars are turning their back on love stories. “There is no star who wants to do a love story. Even before they hear my script, they avoid me. I approached stars from Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil with no luck,” said Gautham, adding that the only option remaining is to collaborate with youngsters. “Mani (Mani Ratnam) sir made Alaipayuthey (2000) with Madhavan, who was a newcomer,” he said, indicating that one doesn’t necessarily need a star to make a successful romantic drama.
Published – March 05, 2025 03:00 pm IST
