Mari Selvaraj is a talented storyteller who cemented his place in K-town with two powerful films 'Pariyerum Perumal' and 'Karnan'. He is critically acclaimed for his strong metaphors in his works against caste oppression. He is set to deliver his third film 'Maamannan' on June 29.

The upcoming film stars Vadivelu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Fahadh Faasil and Keerthy Suresh in lead roles with music by AR Rahman. Earlier this month, the audio launch of Maamannan took place in Chennai with Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan as the guest. Speaking at the event, Mari Selvaraj opened up about how Kamal Haasan's cult classic 'Thevar Magan' impacted him.

Some fans on social media interpreted that Mari Selvaraj had indirectly criticised Thevar Magan, which is hailed as one of the best films in Tamil cinema. He faced backlash for the same from the actor's fans. Now, Mari Selvaraj has broken the silence and addressed the issue in an exclusive interview with Indiaglitz. Here are some excerpts from his interaction:

"I had already penned a letter about how Thevar Magan affected my life. But it was nearly 14, 15 years ago and I was a nobody then. Now, I am a filmmaker and I am in a different place. Kamal sir saw my previous films and appreciated me. I have learnt so much from Kamal sir and Thevar Magan. What I told about Thevar Magan was an authentic emotion.

The things I spoke about Thevar Magan on the audio launch day were not understood properly by some people. I hope they can see my point someday in the future. Apart from that, I cannot explain to those who say my emotion is wrong or I'm not privileged enough to talk about the film. Kamal sir only can understand me because he is the one who made it.

I can only talk about it with Kamal sir because he is the only person who can understand it. I wanted to make a film like Thevar Magan and show it to Kamal sir. It is Maamannan. I showed it to him and he complimented me. He encouraged me that the politics I talk about is right. It was very emotional and one of the best nights in my life to hear those words coming from Kamal sir."