Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Mar 10: Actor-director R. Parthiban has responded to the controversy surrounding his remarks about actress Trisha Krishnan at an award function, issuing a detailed clarification through an eight-minute video.

The controversy began after Parthiban made a comment during the event referring to Trisha’s character Kundhavai from the film Ponniyin Selvan. In the remark that later drew criticism online, he said, “Indha Kundavaiye konjaneram kunthavaikkirathu nallathu (It is better to ask this Kundavai to sit at home for a while).”

The clip circulated widely on social media, prompting Trisha to react strongly. Responding to the comment, the actress wrote, “A microphone doesn’t make a comment intelligent or humorous. It just makes stupidity louder.”

In his video statement, Parthiban attempted to explain the context behind the remark and distinguish between a mistake and a deliberate wrongdoing.

“A mistake is doing something unknowingly. A wrongdoing is doing something willingly. Let me be clear about both,” he said.

Parthiban clarified that Trisha’s photograph appeared on the screen during the event while he was speaking about actors Vijay and Ajith Kumar. According to him, the image appearing on stage was not planned by him, though he admitted reacting emotionally when he saw it.

“Yes, Trisha's photo came up when I was speaking about Vijay and Ajith at the Galatta event. I was shocked. I didn't plan it. But when it appeared, I said what I felt,” he said, adding that he had spoken “in anger”.

During the video, Parthiban also addressed discussions surrounding Trisha’s appearance at a wedding reception attended by Vijay. He claimed the issue had sparked debate earlier and suggested some people believed the appearance could affect Vijay’s political image.

“Trisha is over 40 years old. She knew what attending Vijay's wedding reception meant for his political image. She should have stayed home,” he said, adding that similar views had also been expressed by others, including a journalist.

Parthiban further noted that Vijay had overcome several challenges in his career and that the actor’s political journey was not easy.

The filmmaker said he later realised his comment had been interpreted differently by viewers, with some believing he was suggesting women should remain indoors. He clarified that this was not his intention and expressed regret over the misunderstanding.

He also revealed that journalist Rangaraj Pandey had warned him that the comment could lead to controversy. Following that advice, Parthiban said he asked the event organisers to delete the clip, though it had already circulated online.

Parthiban added that he had prepared a note expressing regret and recorded a video message for International Women’s Day. Referring to Trisha’s response, he said he had been affected by what he described as a “third-rated tweet”, though he acknowledged her right to criticise him.

Concluding his statement, Parthiban thanked those who supported him during the controversy and said he would continue to speak openly about issues as he sees them.

On the work front, Parthiban was last seen in actor Dhanush’s film Idly Kadai.