Tamil short film ‘Seeing Red', selected for MAMI's Select: Filmed on iPhone initiative, faces plagiarism allegations
Seeing Red, the Tamil short film which was selected for the MAMI's Select: Filmed on iPhone initiative, is facing plagiarism allegations. On Monday (02 May, 2025), writer and journalist Jeyarani took to Instagram to claim that Seeing Red is based on her story, Sevvarali Poocharam, from her short-story collection Sennilam.
'My story has been used without my knowledge and permission and without due recognition or royalties in the recently released film Seeing Red,' Jeyarani wrote in her post.
Directed by Shalini Vijayakumar, Seeing Red centres around three women who are haunted by a ghost visible only to them while their family remains unaware. Set in the 1980s, the film blends themes such as patriarchy and women empowerment. The 30-minute dark comedy drama was entirely shot on iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Jeyarani accused that Seeing Red has distorted her story and been appropriated through a Brahmanical lens. 'Not only every inch of it has been stolen, down to the title (Sevvarali Poocharam - Red Oleander Flower string), the period and genre, but it has also distorted and appropriated through a Brahmanical lens. I was struck by a deep inner turmoil upon seeing it,' she wrote.
In an interview with The Hindu, director Shalini had said that the idea for the movie originated from her family. 'The idea for Seeing Red germinated from me being the black sheep of my family. Despite having the privilege and freedom to act on my choices, many of my decisions have not been very welcome. How my mother has been impacted by all of this and the system, inspired me to write it,' she had said.
Talking about the representation of characters in the movie, Jeyarani pointed out, 'The ghost is a grotesque madisar-clad Brahmin woman. The exorcist character Chavukku Chudalai from my story has been renamed Vippadi Moorkan and shown performing rituals inside a Brahmin home. The character, originally a non-Brahmin exorcist, is misrepresented and insulted through casteist remark.'
ALSO READ:Seeing Red: How an iPhone 16 Pro Max brought a dark comedy to life
She added, 'Portraying a non-Brahmin exorcist whipping Brahmin women is a glaring historical falsehood.' Ace director Vetri Maaran is said to have mentored Shalini for the film, helping her refine her script and guiding her about the themes involved in the movie. Jeyarani said she has informed Vetri Maaran about the issue, and is awaiting his response.
The writer-journalist also sought a public apology from Shalini, adding that she is set to take a legal action against the director. 'Shalini Vijaykumar must publicly apologise for stealing my story and for the emotional distress she has caused. The movie must be removed from all platforms. The MAMI Film Festival should revoke its selection of the film. I will take all legal steps to address this.'
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