Last updated on March 11th, 2025 at 10:26 am
Actor Alencier Ley Lopez has stirred a debate in the film industry after sharing his thoughts on the acting styles of two of Indian cinema’s most iconic stars—Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan. The actor, known for his roles in Malayalam films, recently opened up about his experience working in the Tamil film Vettaiyan, where both Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan play pivotal roles.
In a candid interview while promoting his latest film Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal, Alencier revealed his surprise at the on-screen presence of the superstars, but not in the way many might expect. He openly criticized their “stylised” approach to acting, claiming that their performances lacked depth in comparison to more natural, grounded acting methods.
The film Vettaiyan, directed by T.J. Gnanavel, brought together Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan for the first time on screen. Alencier, who had a small role as a judge, was excited to witness the acting styles of these legends up close. However, his experience left him questioning their abilities as actors.
Talking about the scene, Alencier explained that he was flown to Mumbai for a single day of shooting. He recalled how he had to sit as a judge, with Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth on either side of him. Despite the grandeur of the moment, he admitted that he took up the role out of pure curiosity. Alencier had no interest in Tamil cinema or making a name for himself in the Tamil film industry; he simply wanted to observe the two actors.
Recalling his experience, Alencier said, “During my pre-degree days, I saw Rajini sir stop the blades of a helicopter with his bare teeth. I wanted to see how he acted in front of the camera. But when I saw him perform in Vettaiyan, it was all about the stylized body language. He made grand gestures, and it wasn’t as real as I had imagined.”
Alencier’s critique did not stop there. He went on to say, “Then, Amitabh Bachchan sir roared like a lion in his scene, and I had to act shocked. But I realized, neither of them knew how to act. It was all just stylized, exaggerated actions. I couldn’t compete with them because I had never learned those kinds of performances, nor did I have a baritone voice like Amitabh sir.”
The actor also expressed his admiration for directors like Dileesh Pothan and Sharan Venugopal, who are known for their more naturalistic, grounded approach to filmmaking. Alencier mentioned that he felt more at home in films that valued simplicity over showmanship.
The comments have caused a stir, especially among fans of Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan, who hold them in high regard as the stalwarts of Indian cinema. While Rajinikanth is known for his larger-than-life persona and signature moves, Amitabh Bachchan’s intense performances have earned him the title of the “Angry Young Man” of Bollywood. Alencier’s remarks bring attention to a growing divide in the film industry between those who favor traditional, realistic acting and those who lean into a more stylized, performative approach.
While some may find Alencier’s comments controversial, it’s clear that the actor’s words come from his own unique experience and perspective in the industry. His honesty has sparked a broader conversation about the different styles of acting and how they resonate with audiences.
For Alencier, it’s not about criticizing the legends for the sake of it but offering his perspective on what he believes makes a performance truly impactful. He also made it clear that this was his personal experience and not a general criticism of their entire careers.
As for Vettaiyan, despite the tensions surrounding Alencier’s comments, the film still managed to perform decently at the box office. Rajinikanth played the role of a senior police officer, while Amitabh Bachchan made his Tamil debut alongside a star-studded cast that included Fahadh Faasil and Rana Daggubati.
In the end, Alencier’s bold statements are sure to continue fueling debates in the industry. Will this spark a shift toward more naturalistic acting, or will stylized performances continue to reign supreme in Indian cinema? Only time will tell.
