Rajiv Menon terms Tamil industry 'feudal'; says 'something is seriously wrong with..'

Director-cinematographer and actor Rajiv Menon who was recently seen in Vetrimaaran's film Viduthalai: Part 2, had some remarks made on how the Tamil film industry is functioning, especially with long and undetermined shooting schedules. The director largely spoke about how the industry is functioning in a "feudal" way, and that making films have now become more erratic.

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Rajiv Menon terms Tamil industry 'feudal'

Director and cinematographer Rajiv Menon, who was recently seen playing a prominent part in Vetrimaaran's Viduthalai: Part 2, had some comments to make on how the Tamil film industry is functioning now, which also includes the erratic planning of shooting schedules and the amount of time it takes to make a film.

In a recent conversation, Rajiv Menon spoke about films like Kadal and Guru, which he shot for director Mani Ratnam. "Guru was a pleasure because it got over in three months. Kadal was difficult but then you are working with Mani Ratnam. You know what is going to happen," he said.

But at the same time, Rajiv Menon also said that industry has gone into an "unplanned stage" where one can shoot anytime, as long as needed, and anything. He mentioned that it is fine if someone is doing only one project and ready to submit themselves to it. However, he criticised those directors who ask the team to "travel" along with them and criticised that it is a "feudal attitude" to shoot as and when they get ideas.

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"It is not possible in cinema because it involves 100-200 people and someone's meter is running. Without planning it cannot be done. A film like Jurassic Park was planned for 78 days and finished in 72 days. So, something is seriously wrong with the way we are planning and way we are designing shootings,” Rajiv Menon said as he added that Tamil industry is struggling because there is not enough producers.

Did Rajiv Menon take a dig at Vetrimaaran?

With Rajiv Menon’s statements going viral on social media, fans think that he is talking about shooting Viduthalai duology with Vetrimaaran. The latter is known for his spontaneous decisions to extend shoot, and write as the filming progresses. With Viduthalai films shot beyond the budget, netizens think it is Vetrimaaran that Rajiv Menon is talking about. However, Rajiv Menon did not take names of any particular director while making his statements.

Viduthalai: Part 2 is currently running in theatres. The film will be made available on ZEE5 and OTTplay Premium from January 17 onwards.