“Unfortunately, they have not selected Kaala at IFFI,” worried filmmaker Pa Ranjith, addressing the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa.
“I don’t understand why Tiger Zinda Hai was selected and Kaala was not. I don’t know what’s happening. Tiger Zinda Hai was not even critically acclaimed. But Kaala was. That’s why I have to fight more and more,” the director said.
It was a proud moment for Kollywood as Mari Selvaraj’s Pariyerum Perumal BABL was screened at the IFFI in Goa this year under Indian Panorama category.
Following the screening, director Mari and producer Ranjith were honoured for their film.
Speaking at the event, Ranjith said, “They (the producers) are not ready. They are still not letting the audiences get used to different types of cinema. Producers tend not to take risks thinking they will challenge the set pattern. I want to make it clear for other producers that such a story needs to be put out. Let Perumal be an example for others,” he said.
“I believe that the audience have an open mind and as creative people, we should not hold things back from them. I want to break all the rules,” he added.
Ranjith said he does not need to join politics as he already considers himself a politician. “I am in politics. Cinema is a very political medium. I’m a politician,” he said.
The director, who received a rockstar’s welcome with chants of ‘Jai Bhim’ by the audience at the screening of the film at a jam-packed hall at the festival, said it is his politics that resonates so strongly with the people.