(This article is authored by Alar) 

Director Mari Selvaraj, who is all set to release his third film Maamannan on June 29, has been in the eye of a storm after his controversial speech about Kamal Haasan’s Devar Magan at the audio launch of his film. The director, who had earlier made acclaimed films like Pariyerum Perumal and Karnan, had spoken about how Devar Magan had affected him deeply and how he wanted to see his father fit into the world of the film.

Esakki is a character played by Vadivelu in Devar Magan. He is a loyal servant and friend of Sakthi, who accompanies him to his village. Esakki is a brave and honest person, who stands by Sakthi in his difficult times. He said to be the inspiration for Mari Selvaraj’s Maamannan, where he transforms into a king. “That Esakki character in Thevar Magan (played by Vadivelu)… What if he becomes Maamannan (emperor), that’s what the film is about,” 

His speech had gone viral on social media and had sparked a debate among fans and critics. While some lauded him for being honest and courageous, others slammed him for disrespecting Kamal Haasan and his classic film. Some also dug out an old letter that Mari Selvaraj had written to Kamal Haasan 13 years ago, in which he had called him “Brahminical” and had accused him of making casteist films like Devar Magan and Virumandi. 

The letter read, “I wanted to write this letter back when I was 8 when my house was on fire right before my eyes. It has taken a while for me to get this computer and chair. From Thevar Magan to Unnai Pol Oruvan, the poonool (the scared thread of Brahmins) progressiveness of your films cannot be tolerated anymore. To take it lying down, I am not my father Selvaraj or his father Nondi Perumal… I am from the third generation…”

Mari then wonders aloud why the Periyarist, rationalist, and non-believer Kamal Haasan made a film called Thevar Magan, which celebrates a specific group of people and their traditions. Mari details the effects of the film's "Potri Paadadi Penne" song, saying “Even six standard students fought over it. It was played at weddings and even at temple festivals shaking the harmony of the village. Even an ageing cucumber-seller was forced to sing the song.”

Mari Selvaraj has since issued an apology during an interview to a media portal, saying that he did not intend for his remarks or letter to cause any offense. He claimed to be a huge Kamal Haasan fan and that the letter had been written by a young, resentful version of himself to his father. He claimed that after 13 years as a director, he had matured to the point where he could see his error in judgment and Kamal Haasan's greatness.

He also said that he was very emotional at the audio launch of Maamannan as he was speaking in front of Kamal Haasan, who had watched his film and had appreciated it. He said that Kamal Haasan understood his speech and did not take it personally.  Devar Magan, released in 1992, which revolves around Sakthivel (Kamal Haasan), who returns to his ancestral village after completing his education in London.

His father Periya Thevar (Sivaji Ganesan) is a respected village chief who wants his son to help the villagers and carry on his legacy. However, Sakthi has other plans and wants to open a chain of restaurants in Madras. Sakthi’s arrival triggers a series of events that change his life forever. He gets involved in the long-standing feud between his family and their rivals, led by Chinna Thevar (Kaka Radhakrishnan) and his nephew Maya Thevar (Nassar).

Maamannan is the third film of director Mari Selvaraj after the critically acclaimed ‘Pariyerum Perumal’ and ‘Karnan’. The film features Udhayanidhi Stalin as Raasa Kannu, a man who fights against the oppression of a powerful politician, played by Fahadh Faasil. Keerthy Suresh plays a journalist who supports Raasa Kannu’s cause. Vadivelu makes a comeback to Tamil cinema  with this film, playing the titular role of a mentor and protector of Udhayanidhi Stalin.

The film which is a riveting drama that explores the themes of caste, politics and social justice, is produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin under his banner Red Giant Movies and is slated to release in June 29th 2023. The film also marks the first collaboration of Mari Selvaraj with AR Rahman.