In a shocking revelation, Malayalam actor Mamitha Baiju, who was initially cast as the female lead opposite Suriya in director Bala’s film “Vanangaan,” has come forward with disturbing accounts of mistreatment during the shoot. Mamitha’s candid confession sheds light on her tumultuous experience working with the acclaimed filmmaker, highlighting instances of verbal abuse and physical altercation.
Recalling her ordeal in an interview with a YouTube channel, Mamitha detailed instances where Bala allegedly subjected her to scolding and even physical violence. The actor expressed her astonishment and discomfort when thrust into challenging scenes without adequate preparation, citing a particular incident involving a traditional art form called Villadichampaatu. Mamitha revealed how she was abruptly thrust into performing the intricate dance without prior rehearsal or comprehension, leading to a distressing experience on set.
“He (Bala) used to scold me quite a few times. He had told me beforehand that he would be like that and say stuff (scold) and advised me not to take it seriously even though it might be hurtful at that time. So, I had mentally prepared for this while on set. He used to beat me too,” Mamitha disclosed, painting a troubling picture of the director’s behavior during the filming process.
Director Bala hits MamithaBaiju on the sets of Vanangaan & later on she opted out of the project !!
No wonder why #Suriya dropped the Project & moved on, great decision 👏👏pic.twitter.com/qbSS247wjV
— AmuthaBharathi (@CinemaWithAB) February 28, 2024
While Mamitha stopped short of explicitly attributing her departure from “Vanangaan” to these harrowing experiences, the revelation has sparked widespread condemnation of Bala’s alleged misconduct. Netizens have expressed outrage over the director’s reported behavior, calling for accountability and justice in the wake of Mamitha’s brave disclosure.
Bala’s reputation for unprofessional conduct on set is not a novel revelation. Reports have emerged of similar instances involving prominent actors such as Vikram and Atharvaa, who allegedly endured similar mistreatment during their collaborations with the director. The specter of Bala’s reputedly harsh demeanor has cast a shadow over the production, with Mamitha’s revelations adding fuel to the fire of scrutiny surrounding the filmmaker’s methods.
This is not the first instance of a filmmaker facing backlash for on-set misconduct. Director Mari Selvaraj previously came under fire for reportedly resorting to physical violence against actor Vannarpettai Thangaraj during the filming of “Pariyerum Perumal.” The incident ignited a fierce debate on the ethical treatment of artists in the industry, raising questions about accountability and the duty of care owed to performers.
In the aftermath of Suriya’s departure from “Vanangaan,” the project underwent significant changes, with Arun Vijay stepping into the lead role. Despite the upheaval, the film remains highly anticipated, boasting a stellar cast that includes Roshni Prakash, Samuthirakani, and Mysskin in pivotal roles.
Directed and scripted by Bala, “Vanangaan” promises to deliver a compelling cinematic experience, albeit marred by controversy. As the film gears up for its release in March, the spotlight remains firmly trained on the director, as audiences await further developments in the wake of Mamitha Baiju’s troubling revelations.
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