Bison director Mari Selvaraj breaks silence on casting fair-skinned and Malayalam actors: I choose who can justify the role

Mari Selvaraj emphasised the importance of performance, referencing his cast selections, including Rajisha Vijayan and Fahadh Faasil, asserting his commitment to showcasing Tamil talent

Mari Selvaraj

Director Mari Selvaraj’s recent film Bison is running in theatres currently. The sports drama enjoyed a positive word of mouth and was released in Telugu today (October 24). Even as Mari Selvaraj has delivered hit films and his creations have enjoyed critical acclaim, there has been a constant complaint made against him; that he often casts fair-skinned actors only to paint them a shade or two darker and how he constantly ropes in Malayalam actors. With examples like Rajisha Vijayan in Karnan and Bison, Anupama Parameswaran in the latter, Nikhila Vimal in Vaazhai and even Fahadh Faasil in Maamannan. Mari Selvaraj responded to these criticisms at various points in the aftermath of the Bison release.

Mari Selvaraj on his casting choices:

Firstly, addressing the criticism that Mari Selvaraj often casts fair-skinned actors to paint their tone darker, the filmmaker, while addressing the audience at a fan meet organised by SS Music, said, “There is a problem on the other side too. What if a character is disabled. Can you cast a disabled person to act in that role? You cannot inflict torture on them. What if I reject someone who is fair-skinned but reject them on the basis of their complexion. Whoever is ready to do anything for the film and the character matters the most. I choose who can justify the role. We have seen even the most beautiful people who have transformed to look ugly and act.”

Also read: Bison OTT release: Where to stream Dhruv Vikram-Mari Selvaraj film online

Bison director on casting fewer Tamil artistes:

Meanwhile, at a press meet in Kerala, while speaking about casting Malayalam actors in his Tamil-speaking characters, the filmmaker said, “Since I am from Tirunelveli, I have travelled a lot to Kerala. I believe in face cuts, and cast accordingly. There are also values to be taken from the production side. For Nikhila Vemal, I saw her in Kidari and she was apt in that subject which is based out of Tirunelveli.”

Also read: Bison Kaalamaadan: Rajinikanth showers praise on Mari Selvaraj film; ‘Your efforts amaze me…!”

Mari Selvaraj said that he chooses artistes based on their previous work and performances. “I did not choose Fahadh Faasil because he is a Malayali but he was apt for that role. The impact I get from their performances is how I cast them in my films. I understand why this question is coming, but I only try to get actors who will serve justice to the artform,” he added. The filmmaker said that all his actors have created some impact, and was stubborn that he cast Vadivelu in Maamannan.

“I am trying my best to have Tamil faces and talented artistes. I will strive to do it,” he concluded.

FAQs

Q. Is Vaazhai of Mari Selvaraj a real story?

A. Vaazhai is based on incidents that Mari Selvaraj witnessed earlier in his life.

Q. Is Bison movie based on a true story?

A. Yes, Bison is partially inspired from the life of kabaddi player Manathi Ganesan.

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