Mamitha Baiju, who opted out of Vanangaan, reveals director Bala beat her during shoot

Mamitha Baiju was initially roped in to play the female lead and was cast opposite Suriya, but later both actors walked out of Vanangaan.

By: Entertainment Desk

Chennai | Updated: February 28, 2024 08:12 PM IST

3 min read

Mamitha Baiju talks about her experience of working with director Bala

Mamitha Baiju said Bala beat her during the shoot of Vanangaan. (Image: Mamitha Baiju/ Instagram)

Malayalam actor Mamitha Baiju, who was recently seen in Premalu, has opened up about her experience of working with director Bala for Vanangaan. The actor, who later exited the project, revealed Bala used to scold and beat her during the shoot. Mamitha was initially roped in to play the female lead and was cast opposite Suriya, but later both actors walked out of the film.

Speaking to a YouTube channel, Mamitha said, “There’s something called Villadichampaatu in it (Vanangaan). Seeing it, I asked if I (the character) had been practicing it for a long time (and was experienced) or if it is depicted as she is attempting it for the first time. I was told that my character is portrayed as having extensive experience. In such a scenario, I should be adept in the movements, right? Because when performing, you have to sing while playing a drum, and it’s done in a particular style too. He (Bala) then pointed me to a woman (a Villadichampaatu artiste) and told me to look at her doing it. As soon as I looked, he said okay and announced that we were going for a take. I was shocked and not ready for it,” she said.

ALSO READ | Suriya quits Bala’s Vanangaan, director announces film will continue without the actor

The actor added, “I hadn’t even understood what they were singing. It took me three tries to learn it. In between, he scolded me quite a few times. He had told me beforehand that he would be like that and say stuff (scold) and advised me not to take it seriously even though it might be hurtful at that time. So, I had mentally prepared for this while on set. He used to beat me too. Suriya sir already knew about it (Bala’s ways) because they had worked together before. So, their rapport was good, and I was the new one in this dynamic.”

Mamitha Baiju didn’t explicitly reveal that such an experience made her leave Vanangaan. However, netizens have come down heavily on the director for such behavior.

Bala is known for such unprofessional behaviour on set. It is said that Vikram and Atharavaa, who acted in the director’s Pithamagan and Paradesi, respectively, went through such experiences. Ajith Kumar, who was initially roped in for Naan Kadavul, was also rumored to have left the project due to such bitter experiences.

Earlier, director Mari Selvaraj faced similar criticism for beating Vannarpettai Thangaraj on the sets of Pariyerum Perumaal. The actor, in an interview, revealed that Mari used to beat him when he didn’t perform well, which sparked a huge controversy, as the director is known for movies that are against oppression and discrimination.

After the exit of Suriya, Vanangaan underwent a transition with Arun Vijay stepping into the lead role.

Directed and written by Bala, the movie also stars Roshni Prakash, Samuthirakani, and Mysskin in prominent roles. It is expected to hit screens in March.

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