(This article is authored by Alar)

Mari Selvaraj, the director of the acclaimed Tamil film Karnan, has revealed an interesting fact about one of his actors in a special post on social media. The actor is none other than Fahadh Faasil, the versatile Malayalam star who played the antagonist in Selvaraj’s political thriller Maamannan. Selvaraj shared a heartfelt message for Faasil on his birthday, praising his acting skills and his dedication to the role.

Selvaraj wrote that he was fascinated by Faasil’s eyes, which he said conveyed two opposite lives in the film. He said that he created the character of Ratnavel, a ruthless politician, with those eyes in mind.  He wrote in Tamil, "You perfectly traveled through my film with two opposite lives in both eyes. Finally, I told you to close both eyes, and you closed them without asking any questions. I have echoed the voice of Dr. Ambedkar in your chest."

He explained that one eye represented the traditional way of life that has been taught for generations, while the other eye reflected the questions and confusions of the new generations. He added, "That's all I can say with great joy about that moment when your body trembled and you ran and hugged me".  He also posted few pictures of them on the sets of Maamannan, along with his message.

Faasil, who turned 40 on August 8, is one of the most acclaimed and sought-after actors in Indian cinema. He has won several awards for his performances in films like Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, Kumbalangi Nights, Trance, and C U Soon. He is also known for experimenting with different genres and roles, and has worked with some of the finest directors in Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi cinema.

Maamannan, which released in June this year, was Selvaraj’s second feature film after Karnan, which starred Dhanush in the lead role. The film was a critical and commercial success, and was praised for its portrayal of caste oppression and resistance in rural Tamil Nadu.

Maamannan also starred Udhayanidhi Stalin, Keerthy Suresh, and Vadivelu in prominent roles. The film had music by AR Rahman, and was produced by Stalin’s Red Giant Movies banner. The film is now streaming on Netflix, and has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Many have lauded Faasil’s performance as Ratnavel, and have appreciated his ability to speak fluent Tamil and blend into the character. 

வணக்கம் பகத் சார்!!!

உங்கள் இரண்டு கண்களும் எனக்கு அவ்வளவு பிடிக்கும். அந்த இரண்டு கண்களை வைத்துதான் என் ரத்தினவேல் கதாபாத்திரத்தை உருவாக்கினேன். ஒரு கண்ணில் பல தலைமுறைகளாக சொல்லிக்கொடுக்கப்பட்ட வாழ்க்கைமுறை சரி என்ற நம்பிக்கையை தீர்க்கமாக வையுங்கள் என்றேன். மற்றொரு கண்ணில்… pic.twitter.com/PzF1HO2Myn

— Mari Selvaraj (@mari_selvaraj) August 8, 2023