Aarsha boldly pointed out the portions she felt were cringe, says Vineeth

Vineeth Sreenivasan, a multifaceted talent known for his roles as an actor, director, and singer, has cemented his place as one of Kerala’s most celebrated artists. Despite his successes, Vineeth, like many in the creative field, has not been immune to criticism.

In a candid interview with Leafy Stories, Vineeth opened up about how he embraces feedback and strives for growth.

"One of the major criticisms I face as a director is that my films are sometimes labelled as 'cringe.' This wasn’t just the case with Hridayam or my recent films, but even a movie like Thattathin Marayathu, which is now fondly remembered, was initially called as being an ‘amateurish’ romcom upon release," Vineeth said.

While Hridayam was loved by many, a small section of viewers criticised it for being overly dramatic. However, Vineeth noted that the film has deeply resonated with audiences who cherish its emotional core.

"There are people whose love stories began in their college days, and they message me saying they watch Hridayam repeatedly during special occasions like their wedding anniversaries. Cinema works differently for different people," he explained.

"Romance is personal"

Vineeth believes the personal nature of romance plays a key role in how people perceive his films.

"I am a romantic person, and that sensibility might not connect with everyone. For someone who had an adventurous college life or a heartbreak, certain scenes or dialogues may come across as cringeworthy. That’s natural. But I’ve always been open to criticism and take note of it," he shared.

Seeking feedback from colleagues

Interestingly, Vineeth also seeks feedback from his colleagues during the filmmaking process.

"While working on Mukundan Unni Associates, I asked Aarsha if she found any of my movies cringe. Being honest, she pointed out specific portions and dialogues she thought were over the top. That’s how the process works," he revealed.

The director even mentioned his interaction with Arun Pradeep, who created a spoof of Hridayam.

"I asked him if he hated the film, but his response surprised me. He said he liked it but pointed out parts he thought were cringe. It’s a give-and-take process," Vineeth said, highlighting his openness to constructive criticism.

Navigating expectations

As the elder son of legendary actor Sreenivasan, Vineeth carries the weight of great expectations. Despite this, he has carved a unique identity in the Malayalam film industry.

His latest film, Varshangalkku Shesham, starring Pranav Mohanlal and Dhyan Sreenivasan, became one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. However, its release on OTT platforms reignited debates, with some sections of the audience once again labelling parts of the film as cringe.

This incident underscores the complex and subjective nature of cinema, where art thrives amidst varying perceptions and challenges.

Vineeth’s journey continues to inspire, proving that embracing criticism and staying true to one’s creative instincts are essential for growth in the ever-evolving world of cinema. (With inputs from Agencies)