Ironically, Tamil Nadu celebrated a break-up this Valentine’s Day! Sasikala was asked to bid goodbye to her party members and head to prison, where she will spend four years for being convicted in the disproportionate assets case. This expected twist in the tale, has ended much confusion, while adding more drama to the volatile TN political scene.
The overwhelming majority of Tamilians are relishing the verdict as it has prevented Sasikala from becoming their Chief Minister. Several film stars, including Kamal Haasan, have come forward to voice out their thoughts on the issue. Do they feel at all that the ongoing political developments would affect any part of the film industry? DC finds out...
Parthiepan:
We have all wondered whether justice was on the side of the powerful or on the side of the truth. As a commoner, it is not my problem if Sasikala lost or OPS won. For me, the fact that justice has prevailed is what is important. We have always been conditioned to like the person who appears better at a given point of time. In that way, OPS has gained humongous support from the public. If OPS had not been forcibly asked to resign, many truths would not have been revealed, so in that way, I think even that was a good thing.
The mysteries surrounding Jayalaithaa’s death must be solved, and it must be done by OPS himself. If we become capable of ignoring a CM’s death, then we will become numb to many other vital issues. In addition to being an unmatched leader, he should also be an untainted leader. To prove himself worthy and clean, OPS must by elected through a re-election. I know that a lot of public money will go wasted by re-election, but it is a better option than to live the next four years with a lot fear and mystery surrounding us.
People have become politically active and it is a great thing to witness it. Everyone now realises that the public will not stay calm if there is injustice happening to them. No matter who was in power, Kollywood has always stood by their CM — and I expect the same this time around too.
Simran:
Whatever decision the Governor has to take must be taken as early as possible, as common people are suffering. There are several roads which have been blocked for several days and businesses have seen a hit. But, it is great to see that the people of Tamil Nadu have been so patient — I haven’t seen that in any other state. People here are also sensible and know what is happening around them. At least for their patience level, they deserve the best. Whoever comes to position, let it be for the best of Tamil Nadu.
Kamal Haasan:
The Ulaganayagan’s tweets during the jallikattu protests were one of the major talking points. He has done it yet again now with his take on the political scenario. From requesting his fellow actors to open up about the state’s perilous situation, to batting against Sasikala’s attempts to become CM, the legendary actor has been fierce in his remarks. And when the judgment broke, he was quick to quote a few lines from a song from his film, Manmadhan Ambu, which translates to “The messy situation, when all the wrong people win it all, is not forever; time changes and justice triumphs.”
Arvind Swami:
The Thani Oruvan actor is another celeb who has become politically active on social media. After the verdict, he posted a series of tweets asking the ‘acting’ chief minister O Panneerselvam to get back to his office and make the MLAs do the same. He said, “I would like to see our acting CM go to his office today and set an example for all MLAs to commence work. People b4politics.” He also added, “Now, please ask the MLAs to get back to civilisation and start working.”
Gautami:
I don’t think the Supreme Court’s decision would bring any change to the Tamil film industry. Also, I don’t see any restrictions that would be modified in the future. At this point of time, the restrictions can only be a wish list and there is nothing more to it.
She also tweeted, “#sasikala has been convicted for corruption. She has to answer for #Amma death also Both cases don’t carry equal sentencing #JusticeForAmma.” (sic)
KHUSHBU:
I feel the face of people in law is reinforced. We need to wait and watch. Sentiments aside, one needs to go by the law. Both OPS and Edappadi Palanisamy, the successor of Sasikala need to prove their majority on the floor. We really hope that whatever decision has been taken and whoever forms the government, they should take forward the state by all means, prioritise to address urgent needs like the drought situation, unemployment menace, law and order etc.
As far as I am concerned, if you ask whether it would bring any changes in my film scenario, I will say ‘no’ and I am not perturbed about it. Because, it is a known fact that for the past seven years, the movies produced in my home banner Avni Cinemax were not given tax exemptions by the ruling party!
VISHAL:
I am not really bothered about who comes to power. It is an internal fight. Having voted for them, the government should address the present problems in the society. My only request to them is to save the farmers who are dying every day, and find a solution to the acute water shortage that is prevailing. There’s nothing to talk about the movie scenario now.
(With inputs from Anupama Subramanian, Janani K & Niveda Manohar)
