New Delhi: Actor Vijay Sethupathi, widely regarded as one of the best in South Indian film, has talked out against the practice of male leads being coupled with much younger female leads. While attending a promotional event for his next film ‘Maharaja’, Sethupathi was asked about this tendency. The actor said that women had the freedom to turn down such parts.
"I have spoken about it already," Sethupathi reportedly said, as reported by IndianExpress.com. He gave the reference to his 2021 film ‘Uppena’ in which he worked opposite Krithi Shetty and said, “I acted with Krithi Shetty in Uppena in 2021, and later, a director told me let’s approach her for another film as a heroine. I said no because I had asked her to consider me as a dad during the climax sequence of Uppena. So, I said no.”
The actor continued, “What if she had told me that she doesn’t want to act with me because ‘this man has asked me to consider him as dad’? She can say no also. I have answered this question earlier. Please leave it.”
The honest remarks made by Sethupathi have ignited an online debate, drawing attention to the common practice of casting male actors in their 50s and beyond with females who are much younger.
Regarding Sethupathi's career, his landmark 50th film, ‘Maharaja’, is about to hit theatres. The film's stellar ensemble cast includes Anurag Kashyap, Mamta Mohandas, and Abhirami. B Ajaneesh Loknath's score for "Maharaja" adds nuance to the film's plot and emotions.
‘Maharaja’ on OTT
Directed by Nithilan Swaminathan, ‘Maharaja’ will be released in theatres on June 14, 2024. The film will have its theatrical run and then, within 30 days of its release, will appear on Netflix, enabling a wider audience to appreciate Sethupathi's newest cinematic offering.