Fahadh Faasil says he didn’t know he was playing a particular caste during filming of Maamannan: ‘I knew that he was in the upper…’

Following the release of the anti-caste film Maamannan last year, numerous netizens had celebrated Fahadh Faasil's antagonist character Rathanvelu, portrayed as a psychotic casteist.

By: Entertainment Desk

Kochi | May 6, 2024 04:31 PM IST

2 min read

Fahadh Faasil was last seen in Aavesham.

Fahadh Faasil’s ability to deliver a compelling performance is not constrained by the size or duration of a role. Whether portraying a supporting character or the antagonist, he ensures that his acting leaves a lasting impact on the audience. Hence, even his grey roles receive significant acclaim and are sometimes, unfortunately, celebrated despite the absence of glorification in the films, as evidenced by the praise garnered by his characters Shammi (from Kumbalangi Nights) and Rathnavelu (from Maamannan).

However, Fahadh recently acknowledged the limitations actors face in such situations. “It is totally beyond me. It was only after Maamannan’s release that I learnt that I played a particular caste because, as an actor, you don’t need to know such things. I knew that he was in the upper… of the society and the other characters are… I need to know only this much as a performer. The rest of the things are totally beyond my understanding and control,” he said during a chat with Film Companion South.

Also read | Fahadh Faasil says he wanted to prove his dad wasn’t wrong about him after his debut film bombed: ‘I failed in cinema…’

“In Maamannan, you see both sides of Rathnavelu. I don’t know if that’s what made him resonate with people — seeing him as a human being. At the start of the film you see him kill a dog and then you see him so vulnerable. I don’t know if that’s the connect audience had with that character. During the movie’s making, I asked Mari (director Mari Selvaraj) why he wanted to show Rathnavelu’s vulnerable side. He said he wanted to show that these people were also like that and both people had vulnerable sides, yet they had no understanding amongst themselves,” he added.

Following the release of the anti-caste film Maamannan last June, numerous netizens celebrated Rathanvelu, the film’s antagonist, depicted as a psychotic casteist. Despite Selvaraj’s intention not to glorify Rathnavelu or his actions, the character became a favourite among some netizens, with many on social media expressing support for the sinister villain.

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