Tamil actor Ranjith dubs caste-based ‘honour’ killings as parental care; backpedals after backlash: ‘I don’t even like murders’

Tamil actor Ranjith controversially compared caste-based 'honour' killings to people's reactions when their belongings, like bikes, are stolen.

Ranjith later issued a "clarification," insisting he does not support caste-based murders. (Image: Ranjith/Instagram)

Tamil actor Ranjith has sparked controversy with his comments suggesting that caste-based murders — where Dalits or lowered-caste persons are killed for marrying someone from an elite caste — are driven by emotions. He controversially compared these acts to people’s reactions when their belongings, like bikes, are stolen.

Ranjith made these statements while addressing the media after a screening of his recent directorial Kavundampalayam in Salem, Tamil Nadu, on August 9. In a viral video, Ranjith is seen saying, “These actions stem from emotions. I’ve addressed this in my film as well. When people enter relationships, only parents truly understand the pain it causes them. For example, if your bike is stolen, wouldn’t you chase the thief and beat them up? You’d react similarly if your footwear goes missing. For parents, their children are their lives. So, if something happens that might affect their children’s lives or futures, the parents’ response comes from a place of anger and care. It is not violence or riot. Whatever happens (in such scenarios), whether good or bad, happens because of the (parents’) care for them.”

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Following Ranjith’s remarks, many denounced his words and criticised him for what they perceived as defending caste-based murders. Social media users expressed their disapproval, especially given that such incidents remain unfortunately common.

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In response to the criticism, Ranjith issued a “clarification,” insisting he does not support caste-based murders. He stated, “How could I endorse honour killings? In relationships, whether it’s the boy or the girl, each person is a child to their mother. If their child is harmed, it would understandably bring tears to a mother’s eyes. Violence won’t end in this world. Would killing one person solve anything? Am I so inhumane to believe that? Will any human being support honour killings? I won’t. I don’t even like murders. Sacrificing a life is not something I support. Please don’t say from now on that I support honour killings; I oppose them. In fact, I oppose all forms of killing,” he said while addressing the media on Sunday.

Tamil actor Ranjith justifies caste-based honour killing: ‘It is not violence, just parents’ care for their children’ pic.twitter.com/dlyeCOQA5T

— Grecobes (@grecobes) August 10, 2024

ஆணவக்கொலை பற்றி வெடித்த சர்ச்சை.. விளக்கம் கொடுத்த நடிகர் ரஞ்சித் | Actor Ranjith | Thanthitv#actor #ranjith #thanthitv pic.twitter.com/KXBv3nKdb4

— Thanthi TV (@ThanthiTV) August 11, 2024

Ranjith began his film career with Pon Vilangu (1993) and gained recognition for his role as an antagonist in Maru Malarchi (1998) opposite Mammootty. He won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain for this performance. In addition to Tamil cinema, he has appeared in Malayalam and Telugu films, as well as television series.

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