Mamitha Baiju on backlash of Malayalam actors being cast in Tamil films: 'I can't be saying no'

Mamitha Baiju and Dhanush in Kara

Mamitha Baiju is preparing for the release of her Tamil film Kara, where she stars alongside Dhanush. In recent years, there has been a growing demand among Tamil audiences for filmmakers to cast local talent in lead roles, though this expectation has largely been directed at male actors rather than actresses.
Director Vignesh Raja recently faced criticism for choosing Mamitha, a Malayalam actor, for Kara. Addressing the debate, Mamitha said she doesn't view the situation as unfair. Instead, she sees it as a chance to prove both her capabilities and that she is the right fit for the role.

Mamitha Baiju on being cast in Kara

In a recent interaction with Sudhir Srinivasan, when Mamitha was asked to react to the conversation on the casting of Tamil films, she said, "When I got the chance, I took it and as an actor I look towards more exploration, and how to be more versatile. I am getting a chance to do that and I am doing it. So, it is the maker's choice first, who see me in a particular character. I can't be saying no… I want to work and earn that position."

She added, "I am getting that opportunity, so it is not unfair and if I am able to look convincing in that character, that is my goal. If it is a rural character, and I look convincing in it, then that is the biggest award for me. It is all about pushing the barrier, about the language also. It is my profession, and my responsibility to push the boundaries, and we have to do that."

Vignesh Raja justifies Mamitha casting

In a recent interview with Galatta Plus, Vignesh was asked why it is so difficult to find a Tamil actress to play lead roles in Tamil films. The question arose after Mamitha was chosen for the role. He responded that casting depends on performance and, at times, marketability.

"Personally, honest-to-God, I am not focused on that (marketability) because, for me, content is important. When it comes to performance, I am absolutely certain that I will only hire an actor who does justice to my character. For this character, we auditioned close to 20-25 girls. But what Mamitha did in the audition, no one else came close," he said. Vignesh added that when he hires actors, he often ‘reintroduces them to themselves' by changing their look, behaviour, and costumes.

"So, this decision was purely taken on merit, and it was a creative decision. I know there's a lot of conversation around it. My thing is, I'm going to tell Dhanush a story- what if someone else does it better? What if he's a Telugu director? Will he be asked, ‘Don't we have directors in Tamil?' So, I find it a non-issue. It's okay for you to point out if I'm typecasting or being sexist…it's not that we have put a tan and all of that. If I'm thinking I have to be politically correct, then it's going to feel very off," he added.