Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Kara Director Faces Colorism Backlash Over Casting Defense

The uproar reflects growing calls for Tamil films to cast local women without altering their appearance.

Overview

  • Director Vignesh Raja said he chose Malayalam actor Mamitha Baiju for Dhanush’s Kara on performance after auditioning about 20–25 women.
  • In a Galatta Plus interview, he described reshaping an actor’s look as part of his process and said he was not focused on market appeal.
  • Users on X accused the team of brownfacing and sidelining Tamil talent, calling his reliance on “merit” a cover for colorism.
  • He also said they did not apply a tan to Baiju, though many posts alleged her skin tone was darkened for the role.
  • The film is still set for a April 30 theatrical release with no casting changes announced.