Two photo journalists of The Hindu were attacked by the members of a film unit on Wednesday morning in Triplicane. The unit was shooting for Enthiran2.0 , directed by Shankar and starring Rajinikanth.
The photographers were assaulted when they questioned the unauthorised blocking of roads for the shooting.
When photographers S.R. Raghunathan and G. Sribharath were leaving Eswara Dass Street in Triplicane en route to R.K. Nagar on assignment, they questioned the film unit why they were shooting on the street at that time as the police permit allowed film shooting in public places only between 11.p.m and 6.a.m.
In a complaint, Mr. Raghunathan said as he tried to take his bike out of his home, some persons standing outside his house blocking the passage reportedly told him that no one was allowed to cross Eswara Doss street.
He asked if they had the necessary permission to shoot on the street as they were causing hindrance to free movement of public on the small lane. Infuriated over their questioning, bouncers attached with the film unit attacked them. Following a complaint lodged by Mr. Raghunathan, the Ice House Police registered a case and detained a few persons in connection with the incident. Immediately after the incident, journalists assembled before the police station demanding action.
An apology
Later, director Shankar came to the Chennai Press Club and tendered an apology to journalists for the incident. “This incident happened without my knowledge. I feel sorry (for that). We will ensure that such incidents do not recur again,” he assured journalists. Following the apology, the journalists decided to withdraw the case against the unit members.
