Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

'Maamannan' director trolled for comments against Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thevar Magan’

The director went on to add that his film is, in fact, a continuation of the 1992 movie as he modelled one of the characters on Vadivelu's character in Thevar Magan.

'Maamannan' director trolled for comments against Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thevar Magan’

Mari Selvaraj, who is considered one of the most sought-after filmmakers in Tamil cinema, is presently gearing up for the release of his next film, Maamannan. At the audio launch of the film recently, he said something about veteran actor Kamal Haasan’s 1992 Thevar Magan, which has not gone down well with many people who are now trolling him on social media.

Speaking at the event, Selvaraj said, “Thevar Magan is considered a masterpiece today. I’m sure every director would have watched it before making films. I did the same before every film of mine. When I watched it for the first time, I was left in a dilemma. I did not understand whether the film was right or wrong. I was in conflicting minds.”


The director went on to add that his film Maamannan is, in fact, a continuation of the Bharathan directorial as he modelled one of the characters in his directorial on Vadivelu’s character in Thevar Magan.

“I wanted to see my father fit into this world. I made Maamannan for my father. Vadivelu, who played Esaki in Thevar Magan, is a maamannan (king of kings). Esaki's transformation into a maamannan is the story of my film, Maamannan.”

Selvaraj revealed that he has watched Maamannan before making all his films so far. “Thevar Magan was one of the reasons for the creation of Maamannan. The pain and vibrations that I felt when I saw Thevar Magan made me do it. I could not get over those days and how it turns society as a cinema. It is in a different place as a cinematic language. The other side has a different effect. Thevar Magan is a masterstroke. All directors watch that film and then take a film. I watched Thevar Magan before Pariyerum Perumal and before Karnan. Everything that happens in it was blood and flesh. It is a pain that I cannot understand whether this film is right or wrong. In that Thevar Magan world, there is a big God. There is a small God. Everyone is there. Maamannan is a film that I decided to make for my father and decide how it would be if my father was there,” he said.

Clips shared on social media show that Kamal Haasan fans did not like Selvaraj speaking like this in front of the superstar. Here're some tweets criticising the director:

Meanwhile, Maamannan is set to release on June 29.

More For You

Netflix’s 'Apple Cider Vinegar' exposes influencer who faked illness for fame and fortune

Kaitlyn Dever stars as Belle Gibson in Apple Cider Vinegar, Netflix’s gripping series that exposes the dangerous lies behind a wellness influencer’s rise to fame.

Instagram/netflixanz

Netflix’s 'Apple Cider Vinegar' exposes influencer who faked illness for fame and fortune

Netflix’s latest series, Apple Cider Vinegar, dives into the shocking story of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer who built an empire on lies. Created by Samantha Strauss, the six-part drama explores how Gibson falsely claimed to have cured her terminal brain cancer through natural remedies, amassing a massive following before her deceit was exposed.

The series stars Kaitlyn Dever as Belle Gibson, a young woman who rises to fame by sharing her fabricated cancer journey. Her story of overcoming the disease through clean eating and alternative therapies influence thousands, leading to a bestselling cookbook, a popular app, and even a deal with Apple. However, her success unravels when investigations reveal she never had cancer and misused funds meant for charity.

Keep ReadingShow less
How Gen Z is shaping the future of work with 'micro-retirement'

Gen Z reimagines the future of work with micro-retirement, prioritizing well-being and life experiences

Getty Images

How Gen Z is shaping the future of work with 'micro-retirement'

Forget waiting until 60 to kick back and relax because the Gen Z is now rewriting the rulebook with micro-retirement. This trend is all about taking breaks during the hustle of your career, sometimes for months, to recharge, travel, or maybe dive into personal passions. It’s not just a long vacation but more like a shift in how work-life balance is seen, with mental health and experiences taking the lead.

What is micro-retirement?

Micro-retirement is exactly what it sounds like: stepping away from work for a planned, extended break during your prime years. Whether it’s exploring new hobbies, travelling the world, or simply resting, this pause is placed intentionally in the middle of a career and not at the end of it. Gen Z doesn’t want to wait for retirement to live fully rather it’s about making time for life now.


Gen Z redefines work-life balance with the rise of micro-retirement in their career journeyGetty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Ajith's Vidaamuyarchi: Reviewers call movie a mixed bag of thrills and missed opportunities

Vidaamuyarchi: A thrilling ride that has sparked diverse reactions.

Instagram/lycaproductions

Ajith's Vidaamuyarchi: Reviewers call movie a mixed bag of thrills and missed opportunities

Ajith Kumar’s Vidaamuyarchi, directed by Magizh Thirumeni, has sparked a mixed bag of contrasting reactions since hitting theatres. The film attempts to fuse the nerve-wracking tension of Hollywood thrillers with the high-energy appeal of Tamil cinema, resulting in what can be called a cinematic cocktail that’s as intriguing as it is polarising. While many viewers praise its departure from formulaic storytelling, others find its execution uneven and even overly ambitious.



The praise
Many reviewers have applauded Vidaamuyarchi for breaking away from the typical “mass hero” template that we saw in Ajith’s recent films like Valimai and Thunivu. Gone are the days of over-the-top family sentiments, forced comedy, and preachy dialogues. Vidaamuyarchi opts for a slower, more atmospheric narrative, drawing comparisons to Western thrillers. The deliberate pacing, though again divisive, has been commended for its ability to build tension and offer a refreshing change from the usual high-octane Tamil blockbusters.

Keep ReadingShow less
Victims’ families seek names of doctors who treated Nottingham attacker

Calocane, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order after killing three people and attempting to kill three others on 13 June 2023. (Photo credit: Nottingham Police)

Victims’ families seek names of doctors who treated Nottingham attacker

THE FAMILIES of the Nottingham attacks victims have called for the doctors responsible for Valdo Calocane’s treatment to be named and held accountable.

Their demand follows the release of a report on his mental health treatment before the June 2023 attacks.

Keep ReadingShow less
Greg Norman calls for more
golf events in ‘sleeping giant’ India

Greg Norman

Greg Norman calls for more golf events in ‘sleeping giant’ India

Eastern Eye

INDIA is a sleeping giant in golf, Australian legend Greg Norman has said, as he called for more tournaments to be held in the country to help players realise their true potential.

The 69-year-old former world number one, who has 88 professional titles under his belt, spoke of his optimism for India’s growth in the sport.

Keep ReadingShow less