Tamil Actor Ranjith Justifies Caste-Based Honour Killing: ‘It Is Not Violence,Just Parents’ Care For Their Children’

Ranjith recently watched his latest movie, Kavudampalayam, in Salem, Tamil Nadu. After speaking with the press, he made a comment that stunned the internet.

Ranjith, an actor-director who has appeared in Tamil and Malayalam films since the early 1990s, issued a surprising comment justifying honour killing. On August 9, he spoke to the press following the screening of his recent directorial Kavundampalayam in Salem, Tamil Nadu, and stated that ‘caste-based honour killing isn’t violence’. (Also Read: Suriya experiences a slight injury during shooting Karthik Subbaraj’s film: ‘He’s totally well’)

Ranjith on Honour Killing
According to India Today, Ranjith informed the press that caste-based honour killing is not a form of violence, but rather a way for parents to express their love for their children. On August 9, the actor defended the horrible conduct, claiming, “Only parents understand the pain.” If a bike is taken, won’t we go find out what happened? Parents who prioritize their children’s well-being become enraged and express it. It is not violent; it is simply their concern for them.”

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This is not the first time Ranjith has made such contentious remarks. He once made remarks about ‘women who wear short clothes’ and ‘dance in front of everybody’. His film Kavundampalayalam also tackles difficult issues like as caste-based violence and parental control over children. According to the magazine, the trailer has the following dialogue: “Mannula vivasayam pannardhu mukkiyam illa, ponnula la vivasayam pannanum (It is not important to farm in our lands; we must impregnate women).”

Internet reacts.
The internet was astonished to see someone condoning honour killing at a time when many people are advocating for tighter legislation. One user referenced to his villainous roles and posted on X (previously Twitter): “So he literally did not act in movies.” He’s basically that character. “I remember Pandavar boomi.” One guy criticized his’sick mentality’.

‘You promote a harmful worldview.’
Another irritated person chastised him for spreading toxicity: “Ranjith, you’ve passed a limit. Honor killing is not love; it is barbaric. Your words are not just uninformed, but also harmful. This isn’t just the ‘parent’s way;’ it’s murder. You’re not only incorrect; you’re fostering a toxic worldview that has no place in our society.”
“And people say children are safe in India,” one user said, while another posted, “This guy needs to be behind bars for saying this.” Many people were startled that he could make such a comment. Someone brought up the irony: “It’s a democracy, a film by Pa Ranjith and this Ranjith can coexist but we should also consider how regressive propaganda influences the already f****d up society we live in that justifies honor killings.”