‘Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth can’t act,’ claims veteran Malayalam actor Alencier Ley Lopez

Malayalam actor Alencier Ley Lopez, known for his role in Vettaiyan, has sparked controversy with his remarks about Indian cinema legends Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth.

The highly anticipated Vettaiyan, directed by T.J. Gnanavel, reunited the two superstars after 33 years. Rajinikanth plays a tough, gun-slinging cop, while Amitabh Bachchan portrays a righteous lawyer, setting the stage for an intense courtroom showdown. However, Alencier, who played a judge in the film, made unexpected statements about his experience.

During a promotional interview for Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal, a film starring Joju George, Suraj Venjarammoodu, and Alencier himself, the actor revealed that he was not paid for his role in Vettaiyan. His comments have since gone viral.

Speaking candidly, Alencier stated, “Do you know that I acted in Vettaiyan? I performed alongside Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan. They even gave me a ticket to Mumbai. I am speaking honestly, like an open book—I did not receive a single rupee as payment. They provided me with accommodation in a five-star hotel.”

While he acknowledged the perks of a luxurious stay, Alencier claimed that his role was limited to merely sitting as a judge for a scene, which he found amusing. “I never had any interest in Tamil films or conquering Tamil cinema. The only reason I agreed to act in this film was to see how these two legends perform.”

In the most shocking part of his statement, Alencier boldly declared, “I realised Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan don’t know how to act.” His critique took many by surprise, as he directly questioned the revered acting styles of the two icons.

Describing Rajinikanth’s dramatic courtroom exit, Alencier recalled, “Rajini sir performed his scene and walked out. Then came the next performance. And then, like a roaring lion, Amitabh Bachchan’s voice echoed through the courtroom. The judge (me) was startled. I immediately realised that I could never match up to their performances.”

However, his remarks were not entirely self-deprecating. Alencier continued, “I couldn’t compete with them because I don’t know stylised acting, nor do I have a deep baritone. All I can do is perform in films made by Dileesh Pothan, Sharan Venugopal, and Rajeev Ravi.” His statement appeared to take a jab at the larger-than-life performance styles of Bachchan and Rajinikanth, suggesting his preference for naturalistic cinema.

Acknowledging the backlash his words might provoke, Alencier admitted, “Honestly, I just used the opportunity to see how they performed, not to build a career in Tamil cinema.” Despite knowing that his comments could alienate him from the Tamil film industry, he appeared unfazed, standing by his observations.

His statements have ignited heated discussions among fans and industry insiders, leaving many questioning whether his critique was a genuine artistic opinion or a publicity stunt.

Vettaiyan is an action-drama directed by T.J. Gnanavel and produced by Subaskaran Allirajah under Lyca Productions. The film follows Rajinikanth as a senior police officer who, while investigating a teacher’s murder, mistakenly kills an innocent person in an encounter.

The star-studded cast includes Amitabh Bachchan in his Tamil debut, alongside Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, Rohini, Rao Ramesh, Abhirami, and Ramesh Thilak.

Despite high expectations, Vettaiyan performed modestly at the box office, grossing Rs 2.53 billion worldwide.

Alencier Ley Lopez is a renowned actor in the Malayalam film industry and a talented theatre artist. He made his film debut in 1998 with Daya and has since appeared in notable films such as Appan, Annayum Rasoolum, Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, Kali, and Kasaba.

Alencier’s passion for acting began at a young age, inspired by the Leyon Lopez Nadakaolsavam, and he started performing in theatre at five. He later co-founded a theatre troupe, Netaji Theatre, in his school years.

Alencier received the 2017-18 Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for his role as A.S.I. Chandran in Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum. He also won the Flowers Indian Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for the same film.

Sexual Harassment Allegations: Alencier was accused of sexual misconduct during the #MeToo movement in India. Actress Divya Gopinath alleged that he had behaved inappropriately with her during a film shoot. Though he denied the accusations, the claims led to widespread criticism and damaged his reputation.

Misogynistic Remarks at the Kerala State Film Awards: During the Kerala State Film Awards ceremony, Alencier sparked outrage with his comments about the trophy. He criticized the decision to award a female statue as a prize, saying, "Why should I receive a female statue? Give me a male statue with strength." His remarks were widely condemned as misogynistic, leading to significant backlash from the film industry and audiences.

Sexual Assault Charges: In September 2024, actor Alencier Ley Lopez was charged with sexual assault following a complaint by an actress who alleged that he had assaulted her in 2017 during the filming of "Aabhaasam" in Bengaluru.

She had first spoken out in 2018, revealing her identity on Facebook. The case, registered under sexual assault and trespassing, stated that the actress had informed AMMA's then-general secretary, Edavela Babu, who had reportedly responded that Alencier had already apologised.

Alencier’s case was part of a growing list of sexual misconduct allegations against Malayalam film industry figures, including Ranjith, Siddique, MLA Mukesh, Jayasurya, Edavela Babu, Maniyanpilla Raju, Baburaj, and director V. A. Shrikumar. Recently, actor Nivin Pauly had also denied similar allegations, vowing legal action.

Throughout his career, Alencier has often made blunt and unfiltered statements about the Malayalam film industry, criticising filmmakers, production houses, and actors.

His remarks have frequently stirred debates, with some appreciating his honesty while others see it as unnecessary provocation. He has also previously expressed discontent about the way awards are given in the industry, accusing the system of being biased and favoring certain individuals.