Vishal, president of the Tamil Nadu Film Producers’ Council, and general secretary of the Nadigar Sangam, has issued an official statement in support of Vijay, Mersal, and against the cuts demanded by BJP.
In his statement, Vishal says, “I congratulate actor Vijay, director Atlee, and the producers of Mersal, for delivering socially relevant messages to the public, through the film. I see the demand for cuts in the film, and the pressure put on the producers, by leaders of the BJP, as a threat to freedom of expression. Hollywood films criticise and make fun of the President of the US. That is a right and freedom given by democracy and rule of law.
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One cannot satisfy everybody, every time. If a political party can dictate terms and determine what is acceptable or not in a film, why do we have a censor board? Once a film has gone through the censorship and certification process, and has been released, no one else has the right to demand further cuts. We all have the right, and freedom to express what we think and feel. As people with concern for the society, we (film professionals) too have the same right.”
The statement comes on the back of public support for Mersal, a trending hashtag #MersalVsModi, and backing and support from other film industry professionals including director Pa. Ranjith.