When the Tamil movie Vettaiyan was announced, excitement ran high among fans as it marked the on-screen reunion of two legendary actors – Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan after more than three decades. Directed by TJ Gnanavel and produced by Lyca Productions, the movie featured Rajinikanth in the role of a formidable police officer and Amitabh Bachchan as a determined lawyer.
Their dramatic courtroom confrontation became one of the most talked about moments of the film, drawing immense admiration from audiences. However, amidst the widespread praise, one actor who had a front-row seat to this iconic scene offered a surprisingly different perspective.
Malayalam actor Alencier Ley Lopez, who portrayed the judge in the pivotal courtroom sequence, shared his experience of working on the film in a recent media interaction.
His remarks took many by surprise as he candidly expressed his thoughts on the acting prowess of the two cinema greats. He recalled how he was brought into the project, revealing that he had not received any monetary compensation for his role but was provided with travel arrangements and luxurious accommodation in Mumbai. The opportunity to witness Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan perform in person was, for him, the true reward.
Reflecting on his observations, Alencier humorously recalled watching Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life action sequences during his younger years, where the superstar would perform seemingly impossible stunts. Eager to see him in action on set, Alencier recounted how Rajinikanth’s trademark style, body language and grand courtroom exit were on full display, followed by Amitabh Bachchan’s commanding presence and powerful delivery. His role required him to react in awe to these performances but internally, he found himself evaluating their approach to acting.
His most striking remark, however, was his realisation that he could never match their distinct style, nor did he possess their deep, commanding voices. Instead, he felt more suited to films rooted in realism, as crafted by directors like Dileesh Pothan, Sharan Venugopal and Rajeev Ravi. With a touch of blunt honesty, he concluded that, in his view, these celebrated stars don’t know how to act.
Though he is aware that his comments might stir controversy, Alencier acknowledged that his words would likely make headlines and could even affect his prospects in Tamil cinema. Nonetheless, he remained unapologetic, stating that his experience on Vettaiyan was never about career advancement but rather an opportunity to observe two of the biggest names in Indian cinema up close.
What is your take on the statement made by Alencier Ley Lopez?
