Salman over Rajni?
Director Pa Ranjit questions festival’s choice in films
Kaala may have redefined the symbolism of colours black and white in cinema but its director, Pa Ranjith (pictured) says if that were true the International Film Festival of
India (IFFI) would have selected the film for the ongoing gala’s Indian Panorama section.
The Rajinikanth film was touted as India’s Black Panther for its political message highlighting the struggle of underprivileged classes and Ranjith says it was difficult for him to understand how the Salman Khan film was chosen over the Rajinikanth-starrer.
“Unfortunately, they have not selected the film at IFFI. I don’t understand why Tiger Zinda Hai was selected and Kaala was not. Tiger Zinda Hai was not even critically acclaimed. But Kaala was. That’s why I have to fight more and more,” the director spoke at the 49th edition of IFFI. Ranjith was present at the screening of his production Pariyerum Perumal BA BL. The director says he wants to use his productions to discuss the caste divide in India. “They (the producers) are not ready. They are still not letting the audiences get used to different types of cinema. Producers tend to not take risks thinking they will challenge the set pattern,” he said. Ranjith added he himself a politician. “I am in politics. Cinema is a very political medium.”