Sri Thennandal Films, the producers of actor Vijay's latest film Mersal, have decided to remove the controversial GST dialogues from the movie. This moves comes after Tamilsai Soundarajan, the president of the BJP unit in Tamil Nadu, objected to certain dialogues in the film which criticise the Modi government’s recently implemented Goods and Services Tax (GST) and its ‘Digital India’ initiative. Hema Rukmani, the CEO of Sri Thenandal Films tweeted an official statement confirming that the film’s intention is not to hurt sentiments and that if required, they will remove the ‘offensive’ scenes.
The official statement issued by the film producers translates to-
Mersal, our 100th film, starring Vijay and directed by Atlee, is running successfully across the globe. On behalf of my organisation, I thank all of the fans for their support and for making this such a grand success. Ilaya Thalapathi Vijay has been working hard for the film for over a year, along with director Atlee and the crew. Despite numerous roadblocks and controversies prior to the release, Mersal fulfilled the hopes of the fans, by releasing on Deepavali. Crores of rupees, and the work of hundreds of employees’ for over a year is behind this movie. The controversies that have arisen over the last few days have caused us a great deal of heartache. The movie Mersal is not against anyone, nor does it portray any views against the government. ‘Medical care for the common man’, is the core of the film. To give good films that provide wholesome entertainment to the people, has been our motive over the years. If the movie has hurt the feelings of anyone, I consider it my personal heartache, and apologise. We met with the representatives of the Bharatiya Janata Party in person and explained our stand. Thamilisai Soundarrajan, and many others appreciated our direct approach. According to their point of view, their protest is valid. We are willing to remove scenes or messages that may be seen as misleading, or which might create misunderstanding. I thank Tamilians across the world, especially fans of Ilayathalapathy Vijay, on behalf of Thennandal Films, for making this Deepavali a Mersal Deepavali.Hema Rukmini, CEO Sri Thennandal Films
However, to the joy of film fans Hema Rukmani, the director at Thenandal Studios Limited said as of now there will be no cuts.
The controversial scene from the film has gone viral already.
Rejecting the references to GST, Sounderrajan had told reporters in Chennai yesterday that films and celebrities should refrain from spreading incorrect information amonst fans and public at large.
Incorrect references have been made in Mersal about GST... celebrities should desist from registering wrong information among people. Fans of the popular actor should not support such incorrect references. What do they (the filmmakers) know about GST and its economics? Such incorrect references should be removed from the film.Tamilsai Soundarajan, BJP President Tamil Nadu (as reported by The New Indian Express)
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