Skin Deep Cinema ft. Retro

 

In "Retro" the character Rukmini played by Pooja Hegde appears noticeably dusky. It is clear that makeup has been used to alter her skin tone. At first glance this might seem like a creative choice to suit the setting of the character. But the decision to darken an actor's skin for a role raises serious questions. It is not just about this one film. It is about a pattern within the industry that shows something deep.

If the story truly required a dusky skinned woman then the director could have simply cast someone who naturally fits that look. There are many talented actors who are dusky. When such roles are instead given to others and their skin tone is modified, it shows a troubling mindset. This is not a question of performance or popularity. It is a question of intention and integrity.

Some may argue that casting decisions are made based on market value. That a familiar face helps the film reach more people. But should that matter when the message being sent is so flawed? When a filmmaker like Karthik Subbaraj who is known for raising voices for the oppressed, chooses to represent them through altered images rather than real people, it feels like a contradiction. He has spoken about the struggles of the working class and the Sri Lankan crisis. But when it comes to colour the representation is very wrong.

This is not the first time Tamil cinema has done this. Across films we have seen actors being made to look darker for roles that speak of marginalised communities. Instead of giving these roles to those who are naturally in that skin tone, the industry often chooses to paint it on others. It becomes a disguise rather than genuine representation. It is difficult to ignore this when it keeps repeating film after film.

Some may call this cinematic choice or artistic liberty. But cinema is not just art instead it is an influence. It tells people who deserves to be seen and how. When a film that claims to fight for justice chooses to alter skin tone instead of casting someone who lives that reality, it is no longer representation instead it is an erasure. It is easy to speak about oppression on screen but it takes courage to cast it truthfully. Until that courage shows up behind the camera, no message on screen can claim to be honest.