The controversy surrounding Mandaadi director Mathimaran Pugazhendhi and his remarks about actor Suhas’ skin colour has taken a new turn. The filmmaker has issued a clarification after his comments at the film’s success meet were interpreted by some social media users as criticism of Telugu people and the Telugu film industry.
At the success event, Mathimaran spoke about comments that Suhas had reportedly faced regarding his appearance before joining Mandaadi. The director said the remarks had affected the actor and that he had promised to address the issue publicly if the film became successful.
The comments subsequently triggered discussion among Telugu audiences on social media. Some users interpreted the filmmaker’s remarks as a broader statement about Telugu cinema and the Telugu community.
Mathimaran later clarified that his comments were specifically about one individual and remarks allegedly directed at Suhas, rather than Telugu people or the Telugu film industry as a whole. He said his words were not intended to generalise about an entire community.
The director also referred to his earlier appearance at the Hyderabad pre-release event for Mandaadi, where he had praised the Telugu film industry and expressed respect for Telugu audiences. He added that he would not intentionally make statements against audiences who had supported the film.
Mathimaran expressed regret if his words had been misunderstood and reiterated that his respect and affection for Telugu cinema and its audience remained unchanged.
Meanwhile, Suhas has thanked audiences for supporting his career. Rather than directly engaging with the controversy, the actor highlighted his journey from making short films to becoming a lead actor and expressed gratitude for the support he has received from Telugu audiences.
Mandaadi, directed by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi and starring Soori and Suhas, revolves around the world of traditional boat racing and the lives of a coastal fishing community. The film has also received attention for Suhas’ performance in his Tamil debut.
The director’s clarification has now shifted the focus from the original remarks to his explanation that they were intended to address a specific incident involving Suhas, rather than make a statement about Telugu audiences or the Telugu film industry.