'What is wrong in using someone's face value or fame?' actor Hakeen Shah responds to Arattannan's role in Bazooka

The much-awaited Mammootty film Bazooka hit theatres recently and has been receiving a positive response. The film features a brief appearance by Santhosh Varkey, popularly known as "Arattannan," which has drawn considerable criticism. Now, actor Hakeem Shah, who played a prominent role in the film, has responded to the controversy.

"That was the director’s decision. Only he can explain why and how that came about. But for me, those were moments I thoroughly enjoyed. Just because someone gives reviews doesn’t mean they can’t be in films, right? The film isn't promoting their reviews.

What’s wrong with using someone's face value, fame, or public image? There are so many people doing Instagram reels who now act in films. They carry over their social media image into their film roles. So there’s nothing wrong with that.

When I watched that scene, I felt it was a moment that showcased how much the main character of the film deviated from or stayed true to his purpose. I personally feel it was a great decision," said Hakeem Shah in his response.

He was addressing a journalist’s question regarding whether it's appropriate to cast individuals like Santhosh Varkey—who post negative reviews on the very day of a film’s release—in films, especially when producers' and theatre owners' associations are urging that such YouTubers should not be promoted in any form.