Tamil rapper Arivu has responded to a storm of criticism after his recent collaboration with fellow rapper Vedan, who is facing multiple sexual abuse allegations. The controversy erupted when Arivu, along with director Mari Selvaraj, shared a photograph with Vedan following the release of the track Rekka Rekka from the upcoming film Bison Kaalamaadan.
The backlash was swift and fierce, with social media users accusing both Arivu and Selvaraj of platforming an accused abuser. The criticism gained traction as more details resurfaced about Vedan’s history of sexual assault allegations.
Arivu’s Statement: “Respect Women’s Voices”
Arivu attempted to clarify his stance by posting a statement online. He said the photo was shared “in a personal/artistic moment” and stressed that he has “deep respect for women’s voices” while underlining the importance of due process.
- Arivu’s words: “I respect women’s voices and believe truth must come out through due process.”
- He insisted his intent was artistic, not dismissive of the allegations.
- Despite his clarification, critics argue that his response was too neutral and failed to condemn Vedan outright.
Who Is Vedan and Why the Outrage?
- Real Name: Hirandas Murali
- Allegations: Multiple accusations of sexual misconduct dating back to the #MeToo movement.
- Serious Charges: A rape complaint filed by a doctor, alleging repeated abuse from 2021–2023 under the pretext of marriage.
- Other Complaints: Two PhD scholars approached Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan in August 2025, reporting separate assault incidents from 2020 and 2021.
- Legal Status: Vedan was arrested earlier this year for possession of narcotic substances and later granted anticipatory bail in sexual assault cases.
The gravity of these accusations makes his inclusion in high-profile projects deeply controversial.
Industry and Audience Divided
While some defend Arivu’s right to collaborate artistically, many argue that normalising artists with sexual abuse accusations is a betrayal to survivors. The criticism has extended to director Mari Selvaraj, who is celebrated for his socially conscious films, raising questions about ethical consistency in Tamil cinema.
It’s ironic that an industry that often preaches about social justice on screen still struggles to practice accountability off screen. The silence of many leading voices in Kollywood only makes the backlash louder.
The Bigger Picture: ‘Bison Kaalamaadan’ Under Fire
- Film: Bison Kaalamaadan
- Director: Mari Selvaraj
- Lead Cast: Dhruv Vikram, Anupama Parameshwaran, Pasupathy
- Release Date: October 17, 2025
- Producers: Pa Ranjith, Sameer Nair, Aditi Anand, Deepak Segal
The film is a kabaddi-based sports drama, but the controversy over Vedan has overshadowed its promotions. Activists and audience groups are now calling for more responsibility in film collaborations.
Final Word
Arivu’s defense may have been well-intentioned, but in today’s cultural climate, simply invoking “due process” rings hollow when allegations are this serious. The real question is not whether artists like Arivu can work with Vedan — but whether they should.
By – Nikita