Mersal producer has rubbished media reports that they had agreed to delete the scene making references to GST in the film after BJP’s objection.
A tweet by Hema Rukmani said, “No scenes cut or muted in #Mersal Enjoy #Thalapathy swag. Poomanathu Pichaatha thunai #SilakkiDum #TSL100 #PeaceBro @ThenandalFilms.”
No scenes cut or muted in #Mersal Enjoy #Thalapathy swag. Poomanathu Pichaatha thunai #SilakkiDum #TSL100 #PeaceBro @ThenandalFilms
— Hema Rukmani (@Hemarukmani1) October 21, 2017
Sri Thenandal Films also posted a two-page statement on Twitter that read, “We met senior BJP leaders face to face and discussed the film. We also told them that the aim of the film was not to cause hurt to anyone. They accepted our explanation generously.”
#Mersal (1/2) pic.twitter.com/MbUyCO0gT6
— Sri Thenandal Films (@ThenandalFilms) October 21, 2017
#Mersal (2/2) pic.twitter.com/YvU2LRybEY
— Sri Thenandal Films (@ThenandalFilms) October 21, 2017
Meanwhile 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.”
This is the scene from movie Mersal based on GST which BJP wants deleted & doesn’t want anyone to see it.Please don’t watch or retweet. ? pic.twitter.com/P11d9bELFg
— Partap Singh Bajwa (@Partap_Sbajwa) October 22, 2017