Director TJ Gyanvel’s Jai Bheem was recently alleged by Tamil Nadu political party Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) that several scenes in the film had maligned the image and targeted the Vanniyar community. Actor Suriya rubbished the allegations and said that the purpose of the film is not to underestimate any community.
Reading: Amid Jai Bhim controversy, Suriya thanks fans for standing by him: ‘This is love heavy’
Suriya starrer Jai Bheem has been directly premiered on OTT on 2nd November and the film got into many controversies soon after its release. Apparently, Vanniyar Sangam sent legal notices to Suriya, Jyothika, TJ Gyanvel and Amazon Prime Video on Jai Bhim controversy and demanded an apology along with Rs 5 crore compensation for defaming the community.
It all started with a scene from the film, which had a calendar with ‘Agni Kundam’ in the background, which incidentally also represents the Vanniyar Sangam and the community. Vanniyar Sangam has also sought removal of the ‘derogatory scenes’ apart from demanding Rs 5 crore in damages. However, this turned into a major controversy with Jai Bhim making an ‘international title’. Perhaps, Suriya’s fans and a handful of film critics took to Twitter to extend their support to the actor and filmmaker, using the hashtag #WeStandwithSuriya that is trending on social media.
Reading: Suriya’s Jai Bheem Row: Tamil Nadu Film Body Questions The Silence Of Superstars
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Meanwhile, TJ Gyanvel released a detailed statement in Tamil on November 21 offering an apology for any unintended injuries caused by the film. “It has been proved once again that the Tamil land will always welcome good efforts. Thanks to all the people who gave the biggest welcome to the film ‘Jai Bhim’. The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu appreciated the film and fulfilled the objective of the film by taking concrete steps to fulfill the long standing demands of the tribal people.
The film Jai Bhim was warmly received from all sides. Similarly, the negative comments that arose for this film were somewhat unexpected. I was unaware that a calendar hanging in the background would be understood in the context of a community. The calendar is intended to reflect the period 1995, and it is not the intention of any of us to show it as a symbol of any particular community. None of us registered the calendar during the shoot or during post-production. Even if we had noticed it before the release, we would have changed it immediately,’ he explained.
He further said that before anyone could ask, the view of the calendar was changed and he hoped that everyone would understand that he had no personal motive. ‘As a director I am fully responsible for this matter. It is unfortunate that actor and producer Suriya is being forced to take the responsibility,’ said Gyanvel.
His statement further read, ‘As a producer and actor in this film, Suriya aimed to take the plight of the tribal people to all. Meanwhile, as a director, I would like to express my apologies for the inconvenience caused to him. I firmly believe that film is an art form that brings harmony among all communities. I would like to reiterate that there is no intention to insult any individual or any particular community in the making of this film. For this I express my heartfelt condolences to those who were sad and hurt. And a heartfelt thank you to the film industry, politicians, social activists, movements, press and all the friends who supported us in difficult times.
Here is TJ Gyanvel’s statement:
The film Jai Bheem follows the real-life story of members of the Irular community in Tamil Nadu who were subjected to custodial torture in the mid-90s.
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