Protests over Sarkar break out across TN

Dialogues in the movie, imitating the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and criticising the state government for giving out freebies, has invited the wrath of the AIADMK leaders and supporters, with them demanding that the movie not be shown in theatres. They also protests outside theatres screening the film. 

The protests were witnessed across the state while in Chennai, agitations were held outside Kasi theatre in Jafferkanpet, Woodlands theatre in Royapettah and outside a private mall in Aminjikarai. A section of angry AIADMK supporters tore the banners of Sarkar and shouted slogans against Vijay. Massive cut-outs of the actor were also pulled down by the protesters, who also confronted the police who were stationed there for security. Posters of the movie were torched outside Devi theatre complex.  

Outside National theatre in Tambaram, stones were pelted at the theatre. However, Albert theatre management brought down the movie posters to avoid untoward incidents. Protests were also witnessed in Madurai, Coimbatore, Nagapattinam and other places.

State Law Minister CV Shanmugam on Thursday held discussions with Advocate General (AG) Vijay Narayan on the legal steps to be taken against Sarkar.  The discussion was held at the Secretariat after the movie created controversy for criticising various government schemes and for portraying the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, allegedly in a bad light.  Sources close to Shanmugam said that the Minister and AG explored all possible steps that could be taken against the movie as it has tarnished the image of both the state government and Jayalalithaa. However, it was decided that time would be given to the film makers to remove the controversial dialogues and then a decison would be taken. Shanmugam, while addressing the media, said, “As of now there are no plans for the State to approach the Court to ban the movie as they are waiting for the movie makers to take a call on deleting controversial scenes”.  However, Tirupur Subramaniam, a leading movie distributor and exhibitor, while addressing the media, said, “We contacted movie distributor, Thenandal Movies and film producer, ‘Sun Pictures’ and with their approval I can say that controversial dialogues will not be screened from Friday.”