Bison director Mari Selvaraj draws the line: Don’t ever ask me why I make films on caste again
Bison director Mari Selvaraj urged audiences to respect his artistic choices, stating he will continue to create films that reflect love, passion, and societal questions.
Last Updated: 08.43 AM, Oct 26, 2025
Director Mari Selvaraj, who is now five films old, has created an impact in Tamil cinema, and uniformly made films that reflect on a particular social issue. All his films so far, have been against caste system and reflects the oppression that results out of it. However, if there is one question that keeps following Mari Selvaraj from time to time at every situation, it is when he will stop making films that are based on caste. At a recent success meet of Bison, Mari Selvaraj talked about this, and asked media and others not to repeat this question to him, saying it affects him.
Mari Selvaraj: Do not ever ask me this question again
Mari Selvaraj, the maker of critically acclaimed films like Bison, Karnan and Pariyerum Perumal, said, "Refrain from asking me why I am making such films, because it affects me so much. I am saying this emotionally, and it is not just affecting me but my work, thoughts and narrative. I like you and I can ask the same question back, but I don't want things to turn sour between us. If you ask that question again to me, I will only work harder and avoid you. Everyone knows that if someone is trying to take away my artform or politics away from me, I will hold it tighter."
Once again asking everyone not ask this question again, Mari Selvaraj said, "If you think Mari Selvaraj makes caste-based films, it is your language. The films I make are against caste and I will continue to make it. I believe in my artform, and I am not a politician, or researcher. I pledge my life to make films and make them into artform. It has love, passion, pain and questions. I am trying to combine all this and trying to give you. There are 300 films that come a year, and many films that entertain you, so leave me alone. Let me make my films."
Bison OTT release:
Bison is currently running in theatres, and will stream on Netflix sometime next month. The film is headlined by Dhruv Vikram and is a sports drama based on the life of kabaddi player Manathi Ganesan. Actors Lal, Ameer, Pasupathy, Anupama Parameswaran and Rajisha Vijayan are also part of the cast.
FAQs
Q. Is Vaazhai of Mari Selvaraj a real story?
A. Yes, Vaazhai portrays something that happened in Mari Selvaraj's life. The film is available via OTTplay Premium.
Q. What is Mari Selvaraj's next film?
A. Mari Selvaraj will work with Dhanush in his next film.
Q. Is Bison based on real life?
A. Yes, Bison is inspired from the life of kabaddi player Manathi Ganesan.