Fans slam Mari Selvaraj for collaborating with Vedan, facing sexual harassment and rape cases

Tamil director Mari Selvaraj, known for his films on caste and social issues, has landed in controversy after teaming up with rapper Vedan for his upcoming film ‘Bison’. The film, starring Dhruv Vikram, is going to hit theatres on October 17, but the release of its new song has sparked an uproar online.

On September 16, the makers released ‘Rekka Rekka’, a track written by Mari Selvaraj and rapper Arivu. The vocals were shared by Arivu and Vedan.

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While the music gained attention quickly, many fans expressed disappointment that Mari Selvaraj chose Vedan, who is currently facing serious allegations.

Dear @beemji @mari_selvaraj @CMOTamilnadu ,

Despite accusations from several women, #Metoo accused or Sexual Offenders getting platformed Without even apologising or taking accountability for their actions and being given oppurtunities by Film Fraternity, Singing Reality Shows,… https://t.co/6Hnccb6mRF

— தோழர் ஆதி (@ThozharAadhi) September 17, 2025

Pa. Ranjith and Mari Selvaraj continue platforming artists like John Vijay and Vedan. They become one with the same enemies they are fighting despite the movement they represent. Highly unacceptable.

— WOLFIE (he/they) (@TheyWolfie) September 16, 2025

@beemji @mari_selvaraj
Why do you continue to associate with a known sexual predator like John Vijay. Please read the numerous media reports of his misbehaviour with women and the Hena commission report in which he is named. https://t.co/zpngSfiEwD

— Srini R (@SriniR_2025) September 17, 2025

After all, How does it feel supporting and cheering for a serial harasser and abuser Vedan,pravin? It amazes me. Is it all the values we have be compromised merely because they bave our political stance? @Neelam_Culture @beemji is this what we stand for?

— RS☝ (@mynameisram_RS) September 17, 2025

Why is Vedan a Sexual assualt accused is getting featured in a Tamil song!? What the hell!?@mari_selvaraj enna ney idhellam!

— Santhosh Sivan (@santhoshsivan_) September 16, 2025

On September 10, Vedan, whose real name is Hirandas Murali, was arrested by Thrikkakara police in Kerala. This came after a female doctor filed a rape case against him. His arrest came after two days of questioning.

Also Read: Ajith Kumar’s ‘Good Bad Ugly’ pulled from Netflix over Ilaiyaraaja song dispute

This is not the first time Vedan’s name has been linked with abuse claims. During the #MeToo movement, several women accused him of harassment. More recently, earlier this year, new allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against him.

Police also claimed to have found six grams of ganja in his Kochi apartment. This led to yet another arrest. Now many on social media are questioning why a filmmaker like Selvaraj, who is celebrated for his ‘progressive’ storytelling, would associate with someone facing such charges.

Selvaraj rose to fame with films like ‘Pariyerum Perumal’ and ‘Vaazhai’. They received praises for highlighting caste-based oppression and inequalities in society.

Fans feel his choice to feature Vedan in ‘Bison’ goes against the values his cinema usually stands for.