Vetrimaaran on Rajinikanth working with Pa Ranjith: ‘Unlike him, many stars only want the talent, not the narrative’

The panel were in acknowledgement of Rajinikanth understanding the evolving times, and Vetrimaaran added, “In Hindi cinema too, many superstars want to collaborate with directors who make different kinds of films. But they want the talent, not the narrative.” Adding to the conversation, Ranjith pointed out that the superstars of Tamil and Malayalam like Rajinikanth and Mammootty have proven the intent to give the reins to younger filmmakers. 

Filmmaker and editor Mahesh Narayanan spoke about the importance of these superstars leading the way. “Mammootty did a film like Kaathal, and bankrolled it too,” said Mahesh, and Ranjith quickly pointed out that Bramayugam was a terrific addition to the list too. Continuing, Mahesh said, “The problem with the stars is that they come with a certain baggage about collections, etc…  Mammootty doesn’t care about all this. All that matters is how well the role is written. Imagine the likes of Amitabh Bachchan and Mammootty. They have done everything. There is no insecurity. So they are in search of something new. That exploration should come from the senior actors.”

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Agreeing to this point, Vetrimaaran pointed out that Mammootty backs films like Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam that are content driven. “They would serve as inspirations for the younger lot. Only when there is precedence that something would follow in cinema.”