Mari Selvaraj recalls AR Rahman’s response to Fahadh Faasil’s performance in Maamannan: ‘He was scared’

The movie revolves around the story of an elected MLA (Vadivelu) from an oppressed community, who faces caste-based discrimination despite being associated with a progressive political party. It also follows his battles with a ruthless upper-caste politician (Fahadh). Maamannan’s captivating songs were composed by Oscar-winning music director AR Rahman.

Recently, director Mari Selvaraj shared a memorable incident where Rahman, after witnessing Fahadh’s portrayal, referred to it as “scary”. “After watching Maamannan, Rahman sir noted how Faasil’s performance was so daunting, and one of his darkest roles to date. He said he was scared and shocked to see him as Rathnavelu in the film,” Mari recalled during a conversation with Film Companion.

“Rahman sir also advised him (Fahadh) to take a break from these demanding roles and do some romantic or comedy films so that the audiences do not hate him. He said that Fahadh would do a wonderful job in romantic films with the kind of eyes he has,” he added.

However, amidst the overwhelming acclaim for Fahadh Faasil’s turn as Rathanvelu, some netizens are utilising it as an opportunity to glorify the callous and casteist antagonist depicted in the movie. Though Mari Selvaraj, in no way, glorifies Rathnavelu and his actions, the antagonist has become the favourite character of some netizens.

Moral of #Maamannan : Never cast FaFa if You Want people to Hate the Character. #FahadhFaasil ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/kOJlyDDUug

— Mani_strong12 (@mani_strong12) July 29, 2023

Daily dose of #Fafa #Maamannan pic.twitter.com/KG2iKikewn

— தமிழ்💚|Code RED🔴 (@Sangathamizhan0) July 29, 2023

#FahadhFaasil Anna 🔥🔥🔥#Maamannan
Let’s enjoy this Sunday with Katharals pic.twitter.com/s2MxPsu98u

— NK Lone Wolf (@Nandhak89167961) July 30, 2023

#FahadhFaasil #MaamannanOnNetflix

Such a Selfless Kind Soul ra 💫😿🛐

Rathna Velu from #Maamannan ✨ pic.twitter.com/dNk1GoJxI2

— Just_JanakiRam (@JustJanakiram) July 30, 2023

In his review of the film, The Indian Express’ Kirubhakar Purushothaman noted, “Maamannan is, perhaps, the weakest film of Mari Selvaraj despite the director being unabashedly open about his political affiliations.”

The Mari Selvaraj flick stars Vadivelu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Fahadh Faasil and Keerthy Suresh in the lead roles. While Theni Eswar cinematographed the film, it’s editing was done by Selva RK.