Oct 24: Adding fuel to fire over the Mersal movie controversy, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader H Raja has dragged the religion of Tamil actor Vijay. Taking to Twitter, the politician shared a picture of the popular actor’s voter ID showing his full name as Joseph Vijay.
The BJP leader posted the voter ID of the actor with caption – “Truth is bitter”. However, he did not explain which truth is bitter for him.
Truth is bitter pic.twitter.com/woFdxOntRn
— H Raja (@HRajaBJP) October 22, 2017
This is not the first time that Raja raked up the religion of the actor over the issue. He had earlier written, “Joseph Vijay’s hatred for Modi is Mersal”.
He had also raised questions over a dialogue in the movie that said hospitals must be built before temples. Raja claimed that as many as 17,500 churches, 9,700 mosques and 370 temples were constructed in the last 20 years. “Out of these what should be avoided to build hospitals?” he asked. However, he did not provide any proof for his claim.
The BJP has been on an offensive against the movie, directed by Atlee Kumar, since its release on October 18 in theatres. Tamil Nadu BJP chief Tamilisai Soundararajan had demanded removal of the dialogues relating to GST, digital payments and temples from the movie as they allegedly spread a wrong message.
There was also a war of words between senior BJP leader GVL Narsimha Rao and Bollywood actor-producer Farhan Akhtar. Speaking on the issue, Rao had told a television channel that “most of our film stars have very low general knowledge”.
Reacting to this, Farhan Akhtar expressed his anger on Twitter, saying “how dare you, sir?? And to all the film people in his ranks.. here’s what he thinks of you”.
How dare you, sir?? @GVLNRAO
And to all film people in his ranks.. here’s what he thinks of you. #shame https://t.co/6C8v6hZa23
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) October 22, 2017
Farhan ji, Expressing an opinion is not a dare. Respect stars4work. Pl do take criticism in stride. No intolerance please!!@FarOutAkhtar https://t.co/Fn1igWvKHi
— GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) October 22, 2017
The movie and the actors, meanwhile, also got the backing of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, who has been hinting on making a foray in politics. He had extended his support to the movie team on Twitter and lauded them for addressing “important topic”. "Important topic addressed... Well done!!! Congratulations team Mersal," Rajinikanth tweeted.
Important topic addressed... Well done !!! Congratulations team #Mersal
— Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) October 22, 2017
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and senior party leader P Chidambaram had also hit out at the BJP for demanding cuts in "Mersal".
"Mr Modi, Cinema is a deep expression of Tamil culture and language. Don't try to demon-etise Tamil pride by interfering in Mersal," Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet which was retweeted by Chidambaram.
The makers of the film have, however, said that if needed they would delete scenes that have caused “misunderstanding”.
Claiming that the BJP leaders have accepted their explanation, Sri Thenandal Films head Murali Ramaswamy said, "From their perspective, their opposition is just. If opinions (expressed in the movie) that may lead to misunderstanding need to be removed, we are ready for that too."
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Comments
Usully I dont watch Tamil movies, but Mersal definatly I'l be watching, not for entertainment but for its success. #MersaltowardsSuccess#
BJP once again proves that they can live only by spewing communal hatred venom and cannot take criticism of any kind. The increasing publicity of the issue will only backfire on them.
I am a keralite and i must say the bjp is again using religion to divide people and spew hate. Why? because none of what Raja said is relevant, let me explain. 'joseph vijay' is acting as a hindu doctor in the film and that jab about 'not temples but more hospital' is directed to some govt.s in north who are building statues and temples with state money. And a movie doesnt have to be based on facts or truth, the movie can transmit any message and its up to the viewers to decide if what said in the film is right or wrong. BJP should dictating people. And BJP won't come in power in kerala, not in a million years. Period.
Movies are either for entertainment or information but not political propaganda. Movie with political agenda is fair game for criticism
Congrats to Vijay and #Mersal Team, but my doubt is this 150cr included GST or not? : D
BJP do not have separate attitude for Tamilnadu. The only thing required is that they should be told to not to disturb converts in tamilnadu.
BJP interferes into the freedom of expression. Artists have the freedom to speak social issues, if they are factually incorrect, let the politicians campaign against. They cant re-censor the film which has certified by the central censor board. There is nothing wrong on the dialogues on GST, demonetisation, inefficient hospitals etc.. all are facts, some may be stretched a bit..
BJP's attitude in TN triggers people's anger further.
Political party donations to have 28% GST. How much money BJP have received as political donations ? BJP, do you dare to pay GST on the receipts of the earnings ?
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