CHENNAI: Tamil film and Vijay-starrer ‘
Mersal
’ producer
Murali Ramaswamy met
BJP leaders, including state unit president Tamilisai Soundararajan, to clear the air over controversy raging since the release of the Vijay-starrer on
Diwali.
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“If need arises, we will remove the scenes that have been subjected to controversy,” stated Murali, referring to the parts which comment on the Centre’s Goods and
Services Tax
(GST) and the
Digital India campaign.
However, support for ‘Mersal’ continues to swell from political parties and prominent film personalities, including Kamal Haasan, Vishal, Pa Ranjith and P C Sreeram. In a statement, Murali of Sri Thenandal Films said, “The film is about a doctor who dreams of quality medical care for the common man. This film is not against the government.” Murali who met the BJP state president said that he spoke to other leaders of the party over phone.
Murali said, “We conveyed the intent of the film to BJP leaders. They magnanimously accepted our explanations. Their opposition to the film is just if seen from their side. If there are misleading scenes in the film, we are ready to remove them.”
South Indian Artistes’ Association president Nasser, in a statement, said, “Freedom of expression is called in to question when a film certified by the Centre-administered censor board is allowed to be modified or prevented from screening on the basis of objections raised by an individual.”
Tamil Film Producers Council
president Vishal stated, “An individual can develop his or her own view about a film. He may propagate his views about the film, but demanding cuts in the film is wrong. It will set a bad precedent.”
Actor
Vijay Sethupathi tweeted, “If there is no freedom of speech then don’t call India a democratic nation anymore. Time for people to raise their voice.”
Tamil Film Producers Council treasurer and producer of ‘Joker’ S R Prabhu tweeted, “Those who cannot tolerate criticism should not be part of a party or a government.”
Director of ‘Dharmadurai’ Seenu Ramasamy tweeted, “Freedom of expression is the basic right of a creator. That right should not be snatched away in the name of caste, religion, politics or business.”
On Friday, Kamal Haasan tweeted, “Mersal was certified. Dont re-censor it . Counter criticism with logical response. Dont silence critics. India will shine when it speaks.”