Chennai: Film industry remains divided over the statement made by national award-winning director Vetrimaaran about king Raja Raja Chola’s religious identity and its misrepresentation. Within days after the release of Ponniyin Selvan 1, director Vetrimaaran created a controversy by saying that Rajaraja Chola is misrepresented as a Hindu king.
Director Vetrimaran while speaking at the birthday celebration of VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan said, art is for people and that art should reflect people. Hence, we should handle the art form properly.
As per Indian Express, he said, "Our identities are already being erased. Be it cladding Thiruvalluvar in saffron, or presenting Rajaraja Cholan as a Hindu king, such things keep happening (in our society). This will also happen in cinema and many identities are (already) removed from the cinema. We should protect our identities."
After the speech, the film industry remains divided over the comment.
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To the question about Vetrimaaran’s statement, BJP leader Khusbhu Sundar said, “Ponniyin Selvan 1 is a visual treat and only Maniratnam can do it. Their (Vetrimaaran and others) view is like that. I don't like to speak about Vetrimaran. However, people should change such views.”
When asked about the speech to actor-turned-politician Sarath Kumar, who performed as Pazhuvettaraiyar, the actor refused to comment on it and said that he did his part as an actor.
Director Perarasu said, what’s wrong with showing Rajaraja Chola as a Hindu. Otherwise, is he a Muslim?, he asked.
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However, director-turned-politician Seeman supported Vetrimaaran’s statement. He said that showing Rajaraja Chola who’s our ancestor as a Hindu is like painting Thiruvalluvar in saffron. In those days, there was no religion.