Why Muthuselvi’s Dance Scene Matters | Raja Karuppasamy | ModhaRathri | Netflix |Tamil Movie Podcast

Welcome to the very first Mad About Stories podcast! For our debut episode, host Anuradha Nair sits down with Raja Karuppasamy, writer, director and actor of Modha Rathri, for a thoughtful and funny conversation about the film, filmmaking, relationships and the stories that shape us. Raja opens up about why he played Nitish, how he built the film’s characters, and the details woven into its scenes—from the motorcycle and temple bell to Muthuselvi’s unforgettable dance and scream. We talk about the pressures women face around marriage, family expectations and freedom, and why showing a woman’s anger can make people uncomfortable. Raja also reflects on empathy, speaking up against sexist comments, and the difference between standing up for women and standing with them. The conversation ranges from the challenges of getting Modha Rathri made and the industry’s early doubts about its story to Raja’s hopes for future films. He shares his love for Malayalam cinema, names films and filmmakers that have influenced him like The Great Indian Kitchen, and imagines a Malayalam remake of Modha Rathri—with Tovino Thomas as Marudhu, Basil Joseph or Naslen as Nitish, and Anishma Anilkumar as Muthuselvi. We wrap up with a rapid-fire round about favorite films, books, music and more. If you enjoy conversations about Tamil and South Indian cinema, character-driven films, filmmaking and the ideas behind the stories, subscribe to Mad About Stories for more. Follow us on Instagram Mad About Stories Instagram: www.instagram.com/mad.about.stories/ Director Raja Karuppasamy: www.instagram.com/raja_karuppasamy/ Like, comment and share this episode—and tell us which moment from Modha Rathri stayed with you. 🎬 Guest: Raja Karuppasamy 🎤 Host: Anuradha Nair 📺 Show: Mad About Stories Podcast #MadAboutStories #RajaKaruppasamy #ModhaRathri #TamilCinema #TamilFilm #FilmPodcast #IndianCinema #MadAboutStories #AnuradhaNair Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:46 Nitesh & Modha Rathri 11:44 Movie Industry Journey 23:29 Raja’s Favourite Malayalam Movies 26:51 What’s next for Raja? 33:16 Rapid Fire 35:47 Mad About Stories