Although the Tamil film industry strike was formally called off on Tuesday night, some prominent names in the industry have called for the continuation of the strike until May 3 when the Centre is set to submit draft ‘Scheme’ on Cauvery water sharing to the Supreme Court.
Some social media users appeared to endorse the call.
Actor Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of DMK working president M.K. Stalin, tweeted on Wednesday that it was only fair to postpone the release of new Tamil films after a few in the film industry, supporting the call by Tamil nationalist parties, successfully protested against the holding of the IPL matches in Chennai.
“Is there anything wrong in what I said? If IPL shouldn’t be held, then I think new movies shouldn’t release either. The release could be postponed while shooting of movies could be restarted so as to not affect the lives of workers,” Mr. Udhayanidhi told The Hindu.
He said the Producers Council could wait for 15 more days. “Just like ‘mouna porattam’, this is also one way of showing our solidarity with the people. It should be considered,” he said. “People say that I am making this demand because I don’t have movies lined up for release. That’s not true: Kanne Kalaimaane is almost ready for release and two more movies that I have bought are ready for release,” he added.
Tamizhaga Valvurimai Katchi leader P. Velmurugan said he will support the move to protest against release of new films if Udhayanidhi spearheaded it.
Director Ameer, who vociferously protested against holding of IPL matches at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city during the Defexpo 2018, said the office-bearers of Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) must take this decision voluntarily.
“It’s a fair demand, no matter who makes it. Those at the helm of TFPC should do this voluntarily. There is no need to stop work, let shooting happen as usual,” said Ameer. He said the release of films in cinemas alone can be postponed until the constitution of the Cauvery Management Board, as a pressure tactic. “By doing this, they can earn the goodwill of people.”
Vishal’s take
Reacting to the demand, actor Vishal, TFPC president and general secretary, Nadigar Sangam, said TFPC will not force producers not to release their films after the issues were resolved. “It is completely up to our producers, they are free to not release movies,” he said.
He added, “The State government played an important role resolving the strike after 45 days. It wouldn’t be right for us to say we are going to postpone the releases to May 3. And it will be unfair to stop producers who want to release their movies.”
