Negative comments about ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’ on social media shocked me: Director Lijo Jose Pellissery

“The film was made for the big screens. Moreover, Malaikottai Vaaliban is not a film fitted with a Ferrari engine to have a fast pace. I have a difference of opinion in the pace of the movie,” he noted.

‘Social media became a war ground’

Lijo Jose said the opinions received for the 6.30 am shows cannot be true. “Unfortunately, social media has become a platform to influence people. It has turned into a war ground where cinema is often attacked. I don’t understand why this is happening. Why is there this much hate? What good will this do to our industry,” the filmmaker questioned.

He noted, “When I’m scrolling online, I can see hatred being spread on a larger scale.”

The director claimed that the production cost of Malaikottai Vaaliban was on par with a high-budget film made in Malayalam.

“We worked for one-and-half years, and our opinion about the movie won’t change with the negative comments spewed on its first day on social media,” he added.

“I made the film based on the stories I heard in my childhood. It is a tribute to those stories,” Lijo Jose observed.

When asked about the criticism around the script, the filmmaker said he took a lot of time to write the script. “If someone criticises, that is okay. But they cannot say only their point of view is right and ours is wrong,” he felt.

Malaikottai Vaaliban review: An experimental folk tale from Lijo Jose Pellissery with a power-packed Mohanlal

‘Form your own opinions’

Further, Lijo Jose Pellissery noted that an individual should never form an opinion about a movie based on others’ feedback. “This is my 10th film and reflects my experience. I’m sure it did not give a bad experience to the Malayali audience.”

When asked about the response of fans, the director said they did not say the movie was for the fans. “We said the movie will be like ‘Amar Chithra Katha’. In the film, after winning all the battles, Vaaliban understands that he has to beat his mind. It is a simple story, and the audience will connect with it,” he said.

Also Read: ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’ trailer lauded for its rich visuals

‘Second part depends on response to first part’

According to Lijo Jose, the world of the film has a past and present. “Some characters may not have an ending. Hence, a second part is made. Malaikottai Vaaliban is one such character. However, the film has to do well in theatres and other platforms for us to make the second part,” he said.

He clarified that the team was not requesting everyone to watch the movie in theatres. “But we brought out a good product. It can be watched in theatres as there is only a small window period of 28 days,” Lijo Jose pointed out.

He signed off by saying that Mohanlal was terrific as a lover and fighter in the film.

Also Read: Mohanlal’s ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’ to be released in two parts?