Director Atlee responded to plagiarism allegations after it was claimed that the poster of his film ‘AA22 X A6’ was copied from ‘Dune’. He emphasised his past films, including ‘Bigil’, and highlighted how he maintains integrity in his storytelling.
After receiving an honorary doctorate from Sathyabama University in Chennai, Atlee briefly spoke about the accusations that his movies are “copied.”
The ‘AA22 X A6’ director addressed the perception that scenes and characters in his films are inspired by other sources.
Atlee, while speaking at the event, said, “Generally, there’s a perception that the films I make are taken from here or there. But let me tell you about my life today and give an example you can connect with.”
He revealed that Vijay’s character Michael Rayappan, a gangster-turned-football coach in his 2019 film ‘Bigil,’ was inspired by Jeppiaar, the founder and chancellor of Sathyabama University.
The filmmaker further said, “Today, when I got the doctorate and they played music from Mersal (2017), I believe I earned this only through honesty, only through love. I promise today that I will make this country proud.”
A few months ago, internet users mentioned striking similarities between the poster of ‘AA22 X A6’ and that of the Hollywood sci-fi thriller ‘Dune’.
As soon as the first look of the Allu Arjun-Deepika film went viral, fans alleged about its resemblance to Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya’s epic sci-fi film.
While expressing his excitement for the new project, Atlee said, “Kalanidhi Maran sir (of Sun Pictures) is producing this film. It’s one of the most expensive films to be made in our country.”
“We will be using a lot of new technology to make it. I’m dreaming big, and the budget has yet to be locked. The producer will decide the release date,” he added.
Atlee had recently introduced Deepika’s addition to the cast of his ambitious film. The announcement video read, “The Queen marches to conquer! Welcome onboard Deepika Padukone, The Faces of AA22xA6 (sic).”
Atlee made his Bollywood directorial debut with Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Jawan’.