IFFI 2018: Director Ranjith baffled by Salman Khan’s Tiger Zinda Hai selection over Kaala

Kaala starring Rajinikanth might have re-drawn the existing symbolism of black and white colours in Indian cinema but its awakening has gone discredited for, if, news of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2018 selection are to be believed. Pa Ranjith, the director of the crime flick expressed confusion saying that if what is said so much about Kaala was true, the IFFI would have selected the film for the ongoing gala's Indian Panorama section.

Kaala, which had a strong political message that highlighted the struggle of OBCs, was placed against the Salman Khan-starrer Tiger Zinda Hai. This decision of the selection has concurred confusion on the director who told PTI, “Unfortunately, they have not selected the film at IFFI. I don't understand why Tiger Zinda Hai was selected and Kaala was not. I don't know what's happening. Tiger Zinda Hai was not even critically acclaimed. But Kaala was. That's why I have to fight more and more."

The filmmaker, best known for movies like Kabali, Madras and Atthakathi, also went on to say that he wants both mainstream and parallel cinema to address ‘casteism’.

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"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. I want to make it clear for other producers that such a story needs to be put out. Let 'Perumal' be an example for others," he says.

"I believe that the audience has an open mind and as creative people, we should not hold things back from them. I want to break all the rules," he adds.

Ranjith says he does not need to join politics as he already considers himself a politician. "I am in politics. Cinema is a very political medium. I'm a politician," he says. The director, who was present at the screening of his production Pariyerum Perumal BA BL on Wednesday received a warm, jam-packed welcome from fans who chanted 'Jai Bhim' at the screening. 

Ranjith, who usually makes movies with political linings, says that it is his politics in the movies that resonate so strongly with the people. "I think I'm most honest to my political ideas. This is the core that connects me with the audience."

The director will soon be making his Hindi directorial debut with the biopic on tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. Without giving away much, Ranjith, a strong fighter against castes also said that Birsa Munda is one such leader that the country needs today.

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"He was the premier leader and it was the tribals that led the freedom movement from the front as they were the first ones to be affected with all the land grabbing that started with the British and it still continues. Adivasis are facing so much struggle with their lands being snatched away even today. I think India needs Birsa Munda now."