The controversial scene on GST in Tamil film ‘Mersal’ starring Vijay has gone viral on social media platforms particularly after the BJP registered its protest demanding its deletion.
The scene has become the dominant theme of social media conversations after a BJP minister took strong objection to the references to GST in the film and demanded its removal. The filmmakers have reportedly agreed to delete the scene. But this hasn’t stopped the scene from going viral.
In the clip (below) the protagonist Vijay is seen lashing out at the establishment while slamming the GST. In his monologue, Vijay is seen referring to Singapore, which levies only 7% GST and can afford to provide free healthcare services. However, India is unable to provide the same while levying a 28% GST. An angry Vijay, while speaking to reporters in the film, also talks about the children’s deaths in Gorakhpur hospital.
He also asks there was no GST on alcohol but people have to pay 12% GST for medicines.
Mersal received plenty of supports from non-BJP parties and Tamil film fraternity. Congress vice president, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a tirade against the Centre’s Narendra Modi government when he tweeted this, “Mr. Modi, Cinema is a deep expression of Tamil culture and language. Don’t try to demon-etise Tamil pride by interfering 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
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) October 21, 2017
Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan too had defended the inclusion of the GST scene in Mersal. On Friday the legendary actor had tweeted, “Mersal was certified. Dont re-censor it . Counter criticism with logical response. Dont silence critics. India will shine when it speaks.”
Mersal was certified. Dont re-censor it . Counter criticism with logical response. Dont silence critics. India will shine when it speaks.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) October 20, 2017
Scene that North Korean President Kim Jong-Un wants to delete from the Movie “Mersal”. (2017) pic.twitter.com/suBoE1s0ea
— History of India (@RealHistoryPic) October 21, 2017