In recent times, Tamil films — including four of actor Vijay’s recent ones — cleared by the censor board have faced calls for boycott or ban by some political parties and lobby groups in the State.
With the industry already facing issues of various hues, S.A. Chandrasekhar, filmmaker and father of actor Vijay, says the trend of external forces scuttling a film’s release is a disease, and calls for an industry free from political interference.
When asked if he believes popular actors can translate their popularity into votes, like in the past, he says, “The political class is very clear about one thing: they do not want popular actors to enter politics anymore. Hence, they are proactively involved in creating trouble for those who they believe will pose a challenge.”
He wonders why Vijay’s recent manoeuvres — like converting his fan clubs into Vijay Makkal Iyakkam that supported the AIADMK in the 2011 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu — are making political parties nervous.
Indulging in welfare activities does not mean the stage is being set for a political entry.
“Every act is being construed as a step closer to a political entry. I don’t understand why. As of now, Vijay is fully concentrating on his film career,” he says.
Mr. Chandrasekhar says even until the late 90s, Tamil cinema was free.
“Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi wrote the script of my film, Needhikku Thandanai , from a jail cell. The publicity posters of the film showed Dr. Kalaignar behind bars. Even then, there were no problems,” he says.
The only way forward for the film industry is to unite against external pressures.
“The influence of political parties affects the functioning of Nadigar Sangam and Producer’s Council. It is in the best interest of the industry to make sure the film industry is politically free,” he says.
He is, however, coy when asked if Vijay will enter politics anytime soon.
“Growing up, I was deeply influenced by Periyar and the Dravidian movement. In many of my films, I have heavily criticised politicians and the police. I have raised Vijay as a man with social responsibilities. I cannot answer if he will enter politics, but I know he cares deeply about people’s issues,” the director says.
