Vasanthabalan apologizes for 'Veyil' mistake after 19 years

Director Vasanthabalan recently offered a sincere apology for a character portrayal in his 2006 film Veyil. Speaking at the closing event of the P.K. Rosy Film Festival in Chennai, organized by Pa. Ranjith’s Neelam Cultural Centre, he said he regretted depicting a pig farmer as a villain. He acknowledged that such portrayals could harm marginalized communities and stressed the importance of responsibility in storytelling.

Vasanthabalan praised directors like Pa. Ranjith, Mari Selvaraj, and Nagraj Manjule for reshaping Tamil cinema. He said their work has brought new voices to the forefront, especially in representing caste and social identity. Before Ranjith, Tamil cinema viewed the oppressed differently. Now, there is a strong shift, he noted.

He also pointed out how audiences today are more politically aware. Even if a sanitation worker is mocked in a commercial film, it becomes a big issue on social media, he said, highlighting the growing demand for accountability.

In closing, Vasanthabalan appreciated Ranjith’s focus on community. Instead of buying luxury items after his success with Rajinikanth’s film, he started the Guga Library. That’s inspiring, he added. His words reflected a changing cinema culture, where filmmakers are urged to be more thoughtful and inclusive.