National Award-winning filmmaker Vetri Maaran had a witty response to a question about lip-sync issues in his films at the recently held IFP Festival Season 16. The Asuran director, who was the guest speaker for a masterclass titled 'Making of a Modern Auteur' on Day 1 of the festival, spoke about his approach to filmmaking, character development, world-building and casting.During a quick-fire question-and-answer session, Vetri Maaran responded to questions about lip-sync issues in his films, where the dialogues mouthed by actors do not always match the dubbed audio.

The concern has followed the filmmaker throughout his career, particularly with films such as Asuran and Viduthalai.Responding to the question, Vetri Maaran said he prioritised storytelling over lip-sync, sharing how he addressed the issue with his team."Everybody asks me about lip sync, and I have only one answer. Not to you all, to my team, I ask them ‘Do you want sync or story?

I choose story. If you want sync, you have sync, and you can keep sync.

I want story,” he said. The filmmaker also spoke about his approach to the filmmaking process, saying he does not follow a fixed method and allows himself to work according to his instincts.

He explained that his approach to editing sometimes continues even after a film has been released."Someone asked me about my process. I don’t have any process.

I just try to be myself and try to stick to what I do. I like to edit, and sometimes, even after films are released, I keep editing,” he said.

Vetri Maaran also discussed his casting choices, explaining that he looks for actors who fit the characters he has envisioned rather than those who can conventionally play a particular role."I feel casting for the role is one thing, and casting for the screen is another. I always choose to cast actors who fit the characters I have in mind and have seen in real life, and not the conventional actors who could conveniently play those roles," he said.Known for acclaimed films such as Aadukalam, Visaranai, Vada Chennai, Asuran and Viduthalai, Vetri Maaran has earned recognition for his storytelling and realistic portrayal of characters and society.

His comments at the festival offered a glimpse into the creative choices and priorities that shape his filmmaking. Vetri Maaran is currently working on Arasan, his first collaboration with Silambarasan TR.

Set in the world of Vada Chennai, the film also stars Vijay Sethupathi and features Andrea Jeremiah and Samuthirakani reprising their roles from the 2018 film. The film is reportedly set to release in theatres in the first quarter of 2027.- Ends