Of late, there has been a lot of chatter around the audience being unforgiving when it comes to films, especially ones that release theatrically. In the midst of a film industry that has taken a defensive stance, R Madhavan spoke out in support of irritated cinema goers. Explaining why they have the right to criticise the films even before they hit screens, the actor called the common man his master.
R Madhavan supports audience frustration
Madhavan was asked for his opinion on the audience being ‘brutal’ on M9. He stated that the audience has only now found a voice, whereas that wasn’t the case before. He pointed out the circumstances in which most families go to watch films: the wife and child want to watch something else, but the husband insists on watching a particular star’s film, only to find it not up to the mark.
Calling it ‘stupidity’ that the audience today wants to eat pani puri in theatres, he added, “Despite all this distraction, just when you’re getting used to the film, if the film is irritating you, if the actor is pompous and the director has not done his job, or it’s just a great combination and an on-table profit, they are irritated. Earlier, I used to wait a week for reviews. Now, even before the film is released, they are so angry. They have passed judgment on the teaser or trailer. They are absolutely correct.”
Explaining why he believes in acting and sports, it’s the common man who decides the fate, Madhavan stated, “His achievement in life is only that he can afford to buy a ticket to your movie. And therefore, he becomes your master. So, you have to salute what he says. This kind of discrimination doesn’t happen to a scientist, an industrialist, or anybody, because their circle of life is very small. If they get brickbats, it’s in private. Here, the family also bears the price of your stupidity. If my film doesn’t do well, my family will feel embarrassed to go around.”
R Madhavan’s recent work
Madhavan starred in numerous films in 2025, including Hisaab Barabar, Kesari Chapter 2, Aap Jaisa Koi, De De Pyaar De 2, and Dhurandhar in Hindi, as well as Netflix’s Test in Tamil. This year, he starred in Dhurandhar: The Revenge. His most recent release is GDN, a biopic on GD Naidu, which he also co-wrote and produced. He has Adhirshtasaali and Circle lined up. He will also host Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai 2.0 on Zee5.