Vetrimaaran on the universal appeal of South Indian cinema

Director Vetrimaaran, known for making grounded movies, on Wednesday spoke about the significance of rooted storytelling in the South Indian film industry. During his inaugural speech at the second edition of CII Dakshin, he highlighted that the practice of telling stories rooted in diverse cultures and traditions is the main reason for the success of South Indian movies.

According to Vetrimaaran, while art has language and boundaries, those who practice it don't have boundaries. The lockdown, he noted, had a significant impact on the way people watch movies, as OTT platforms made people more open-minded about accepting movies from all cultures and traditions. "It helped us to accept and understand films that are set in different ethos, different times and different worlds," he added.

Also Read: Candid Review | Viduthalai Part 1: Vetrimaaran's own 'Come and See'

Vetrimaaran also commented on the growing trend of making "pan-India" movies. He said all the movies that became a big hit across the country were not intended for a wider audience. Instead, their uniqueness and diversity that they brought to the screen helped them find a bigger audience. "The more rooted that art is the more universal the appeal is. The impact is created because we are telling stories of our people and of our lands," he remarked.

The director noted movies like "Kantara did not try to manipulate the market by bringing in actors from across languages to make it more appealing to a wider audience." 

Vetrimaaran believes that if movies are more rooted, they will become international in their appeal.

Vetrimaaran's movies often deal with societal issues and human emotions in a raw and gritty manner. He is known for his attention to detail and his ability to bring out powerful performances from his actors. His filmmaking style is a reflection of his commitment to telling honest and authentic stories that connect with audiences on a deep and emotional level.

Vetrimaaran is now basking in the success of his latest movie Viduthalai Part 1. Inspired by true incidents, the movie stars Vijay Sethupathi and Soori in the lead roles.