Post-censor certificate censorship — it seems to be the fate of Tamil cinemas of late.
Even the biggest stars do not seem immune to the fell swoop of divisive groups that seem to have a strong say in whether a movie plays in the theatres or not. Will actor Vijay's next film, ‘Kaththi’, also have to travel this tortuous path?
The controversy that has risen centres around Subaskaran Allirajah, chairman of Lyca Mobiles, whose company Lyca Productions is co-producing the film along with Ayngaran International. He is facing allegations of having business links with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
In an attempt to clear the air, director A.R. Murugadoss tweeted on Wednesday that he, along with Karunamoorthy of Ayngaran International, had met pro-Eelam leaders — P. Nedumaran, director Seeman and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi’s (VCK) Thol. Thirumavalavan — to explain their position.
Mr. Karunamoorthy said the decision to meet the leaders was taken after certain photographs, in which Mr. Subaskaran is seen getting down from the Sri Lankan army helicopters, went viral on the internet, sparking spontaneous virtual protests from pro-Eelam supporters.
“The director felt we must explain our position as some continue to spread false rumours. These photographs were taken when Mr. Subaskaran visited a school in Mullaitheevu, where he had studied. He was on a tight schedule and used the helicopter to visit as many places as possible. He has been involved in a lot of welfare activities, not just in Sri Lanka but throughout the world. The rumours of him having links with the President are baseless,” he said.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, K. Karunamoorthy said, “All of them told me that there is nothing to worry about, if there is no truth in the allegations.”
When asked if he was convinced with the explanations offered, Mr. Thol. Thirumavalavan said he could not comment without listening to both sides of the story. “They expressed their points of view. I don’t wish to react without knowing the complete facts.”
Last November, British Labour MP Tom Blenkinsop had urged British Prime Minister David Cameron to investigate the Conservative party’s acceptance of donations from Lyca Mobiles.
