When Vetrimaaran took the stage at the trailer launch of ‘Neelira’, he didn’t just talk about cinema, he stirred up a storm about “hate propaganda” films. Within minutes, fans online began connecting the dots, with many guessing he was indirectly talking about Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster ‘Dhurandhar’.
“Tell our stories”: Vetrimaaran’s strong message
Speaking passionately, Vetrimaaran praised ‘Neelira’, which is based on incidents from the Sri Lankan civil war, for telling a story without encouraging hatred. He stressed that films must preserve memories rather than twist them.
He said that if people don’t tell their own stories, others will define them. According to him, ‘Neelira’ stands out because it avoids violence-driven commercial tricks and refuses to caricature any race, community, or religion.
He also appreciated Rana Daggubati for backing the project, even though he comes from a Telugu-speaking background. Vetrimaaran highlighted that the film is not propaganda but one rooted in ideology and storytelling.
Not selling hate, not chasing crores
Vetrimaaran didn’t hold back. He pointed out that many big-budget films spend millions aiming to earn hundreds of crores by leaning on violence or hate. In contrast, he said ‘Neelira’ does not follow that formula.
He made it clear that cinema should not “sell hate” or reduce communities to stereotypes.
The director also made a lighter remark about the film’s certification from the Central Board of Film Certification. He joked that ‘Neelira’ received certification without going to the revising committee, which amused the audience.
Demonetisation example sparks more buzz
Vetrimaaran used demonetisation as an example of how memories can change over time. He said people remember who suffered and how lives were affected, but narratives can reshape that impact.
According to him, the only way to fight hate propaganda is to keep making films that preserve truth and memory.
Internet connects the dots
Soon after, social media exploded. Many users claimed the comments were an indirect dig at the ‘Dhurandhar’ franchise.
People jumped in to defend the franchise. Some pointed out scenes from ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, especially its portrayal of demonetisation as a ‘strategy’ against terrorism.
Meanwhile, the franchise continues to dominate the box office. The first film, ‘Dhurandhar’, released in December last year, followed by ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ on March 19 this year.
Together, the two films have reportedly earned more than Rs 2,447 crore worldwide.