Director Pa. Ranjith spoke about his upcoming film Kaala with Rajinikanth. He also spoke about the decision by Mersal producers to remove the scenes that criticised the Goods and Services Tax and the Digital India initiative.
In a video posted by Thanthi TV, Ranjith spoke about the continuing violence and discrimination faced by members of the oppressed communities and Dalits, reservation, the growing void between the government and the larger public, regional versus national identity, the BJP’s appropriation of Dr BR Ambedkar, and Kaala. Maalai Malar also carried a quick report on the press conference.
Kaala, starring superstar Rajinikanth, Easwari Rao, Huma Quereshi, Anjali Patil, Nana Patekar, Samuthiraikani, and others, is nearing completion. As Silverscreen earlier reported, Rajini had finished shooting for all his portions, and Pa. Ranjith and the rest of the unit have a few pickup shoots to wrap up. Ranjith said that the film will likely to release in April 2018. He said, “Production is going on. There’s six more days of shooting. Film will release soon, after 2.0 is out.” 2.0 will release in January. So we can look forward to two huge Rajini releases within months of each other.
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Responding to a reporter’s question about Mersal, Pa. Ranjith said that there was no need to cut the scenes that referred to the central government’s GST scheme, or to the demonetisation and ‘digital’ economy. Ranjith said, “No! It was not necessary to cut those, whether it was GST or other important topics mentioned in Mersal. The film only shows the troubles faced by the public. In fact, it reflects the opinion of the public, this is what they’re saying. Which is why audience is applauding and cheering those scenes. It is time for politicians to listen to the public and reassess their policies.”