The success of ‘Mandaadi’ has brought attention to director Mathimaran Pugazhendhi and actor Suhas, but a remark made by the filmmaker at the film’s success meet recently became a talking point on social media. Mathimaran had spoken about the comments Suhas allegedly faced over his skin colour and said that Tamil audiences had welcomed the actor without such discrimination.The remarks were interpreted by some social media users as a broader comment about Telugu people and the Telugu film industry, prompting a debate online. Mathimaran has now issued a clarification, stressing that his comments were specifically about an individual and were not intended to refer to an entire community or industry.

‘Mandaadi’ director Mathimaran Pugazhendhi says his remarks were about one person

Addressing the discussion through a social media post, Mathimaran clarified that he was referring specifically to the comments allegedly directed at Suhas.He said, “When I spoke about Suhas and the racist comments he had faced because of his skin colour, I was speaking only about one person and the comments directed at him. My words were never intended to refer to the Telugu people, the Telugu audience, or Telugu cinema as a whole.”The director also recalled his comments at the Hyderabad pre-release event for ‘Mandaadi’, where he had spoken positively about the Telugu film industry.“I openly said that the Telugu film industry is leading the country today, and I have immense respect for the industry and its audience,” Mathimaran said.

Mathimaran expresses regret and reaffirms respect for Telugu cinema

The ‘Mandaadi’ filmmaker further clarified that he did not intend to make a negative statement about the audience that had supported the film.“I would never intentionally say anything against the people who have given so much love to me and to Mandaadi. If my words were misunderstood, I sincerely regret that,” he said.Mathimaran added, “My respect and affection for Telugu cinema and the Telugu audience remain unchanged. I spoke in support of Suhas and about what was said to him by one person — never about an entire community.”His clarification came after his comments at the success meet prompted reactions from a section of Telugu social media users.

Suhas thanks Telugu fans after ‘Mandaadi’ controversy

Suhas, meanwhile, focused on the support he has received from audiences rather than directly engaging with the controversy surrounding the filmmaker’s remarks. In a note shared after the discussion, the actor reflected on his journey from making short films on YouTube to working as a character actor and eventually taking on lead roles.“From my early days making short films on YouTube to becoming a character actor and eventually a lead actor, you have supported me at every step,” Suhas said.