The ongoing verbal conflict between R. Parthiban and Trisha Krishnan has intensified. After initially apologizing for his "unintentional" comments, the National Award-winning filmmaker has now released a clarification video that borders on a fresh critique. Parthiban advised Trisha to refrain from her public appearance last week with Thalapathy Vijay to protect his reputation during a sensitive personal period.
The "Stay at Home" Trigger
The tension began at the Galatta Awards when a photograph of Trisha was shown during a rapid-fire segment. Parthiban, known for his unconventional humor, mocked her character Kundhavai, a role played by Ponniyin Selvan:
“We should have this Kundhavai staying home sometimes. It is better if she doesn’t go out because it’s causing a lot of issues.”
The remark was perceived as a sarcastic comment on the rumors surrounding Trisha and Vijay especially after news that Vijay’s wife, Sangeeta Sornalingam, was seeking a divorce.
Trisha’s “Stupidity” Retort
Trisha did not take the comment lightly. She took to X (formerly Twitter) where she criticized the director without naming him:
A microphone cannot, therefore, make a comment intelligent or funny. It merely amplifies stupidity. Words spoken without understanding say more about the speaker than about the person they target.
She also claimed to have received a request from the individual and was mentioned just before, adding her photo to the event’s segment.
Parthiban’s new stance: “Vijay’s Image Tarnished”
In a new video released today, Parthiban explained his response, saying the public appearance was something he felt was wrong -- although he regrets how it sounded. “Trisha is over 40 and she should have told him she wouldn't attend the reception with Vijay because that would have damaged his image;” Parthiban stated in the video. “I had an inner thought that she should stay home to avoid controversy,” he also said, but the words came out in anger when her picture was suddenly presented.
The political and personal context
The timing of this feud is crucial. Vijay is now on the path of building a full-time political career with his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Despite his personal life being scrutinized due to the divorce petition, industry insiders say that Parthiban is expressing a general concern shared by many in Vijay’s camp about high-profile public appearances with Trisha potentially alienating conservative voters.
Vijay has so far maintained a stoic silence on the issue, telling supporters at a recent Women’s Day event that they shouldn’t “worry about recent problems” and that he would address it himself.
