High drama as well as feisty campaigns are normally associated with the elections of Tamil Film Producers Council and Nadigar Sangam, the two high profile bodies of the Tamil film industry. Now, yet another body, Distributors Association, which normally functions in a peaceful and low-key manner, has also joined the list of associations, where each group is making caustic remarks on the other.
Arulpathi supporters
With elections being organised for Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur, Tamil Film Distribution Association, the two factions — one headed by Arulpathi, who has been the president of the association for several terms, and Gnanavel Raja, who stepped down from his secretary post in TFPC to compete here, have started mud-slinging each other. The association approximately has over 530 members and the elections are held once in two years. Arulpathi’s team is called ‘Jananayaga Murpokku Ani’ where Srinivasulu stands for vice president post and Jayakumar is contesting for secretary post. Gnanavel Raja’s ‘Namma Ani’ comprises him running for president, K.Rajan for vice president and Siddique for treasurer and many others for EC members.
Arulpathi
Popular producers including Thanu, T.Siva, T.Rajendar, Anbu Chezhian and others like S.Ve. Shekar, Cheran Suresh Kamatchi, Sounder and Radhakrishnan who came in support of Arulpathi lashed out on Gnanavel Raja and his team members. Thanu said, “Arulpathi is a straightforward person, who has been running the association effectively for a long time. He is well aware of the problems of distributors. In all fairness, only he is fit to be the head.” Thanu also questioned Gnanavel, who has resigned from TFPC to contest in this election. “I strongly feel that Gnanavel has inner motives to contest in this election,” he added.
Gnanavel Raja
Actor-turned-politician S.Ve. Shekar alleged that Gnanavel is lavishly spending on these distributor association elections for his own gain. “We have no qualification to talk about the ‘vote for note’ at RK Nagar elections — at least that is political arena. But in a film association like this, it is miserable to note that Namma Ani is bribing with gold coins and money to vote for them. Imagine what kind of intentions they must be harbouring when they spend so much on this election.”
Citing the predicament he had with Vishal and Gnanavel while releasing one of his films, T.Rajendar lashed out on them. “Gnanavel came to a responsible post in TFPC, but until today he has acted only irresponsibly. He will not do any good to the distributors.” Gnanavel Raja, in his speech, alleged that the present federation of distributors, which comprises six different distributors associations including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur Tamil film distribution association is functioning not for the welfare of their members, but for the benefit of a few.
He said, “Whenever a new film of a big actor is announced, these miscreants make sure that one of the members from any of these six distributors associations create an issue and complain and they would indulge in ‘katta panchayat’ at the federation. and that will be in favour of them. I want to get rid of those selfish people and want to make it a place where a fair trade takes place.” He heavily came down on financier Anbu Chezhian and alleged that he is behind all the mismanagement in the association. Gnanavel also said that he would be surprised if a similar situation arises for Ajith’s Viswasam.
