As Fahadh Faasil celebrates his birthday on Tuesday, wishes have been pouring in on social media from fans and celebrities alike. Adding to the list is Mari Selvaraj, director of the actor’s latest release ‘Maamannan’. 

In his birthday wish, Selvaraj stated that he created the character of Rathnavelu (the antagonist in ‘Maamannan’) because of Fahadh Faasil’s expressive eyes. 

Taking to social media, Selvaraj wrote “Happy Birthday Fafa” and lauded the actor sharing a long note penned in Tamil, which roughly translates to, “I like both of your eyes so much. I created my Rathnavelu character with those two eyes. I firmly believe that the way of life that has been taught for many generations is right in one eye. On the other eye, I see the aggressive questions and confusions of the new generations sprouting and asking for the contradiction of life.”

He further added that Fahadh perfectly travelled through his film with two opposite lives in both eyes. He specifically noted how he made the Fahadh echo Dr BR Ambedkar's voice in the movie. “I told you to close both eyes, and you closed them without any questions. I made Dr Ambedkar’s voice echo in your chest.  You were in goosebumps and ran to me for a hug,” Selvaraj wrote. 

‘Maamannan’, which also featured Vadivelu and Udhayanidhi Stalin in prominent roles, hit the theatres in June.  The movie was released on OTT on July 27. Following this, talks were rife on social media in praise of Fahadh’s performance in the film.