Mersal filmmakers mull cuts as film draws BJP ire and public support

A political controversy is afoot in Tamil Nadu, over this week’s big Diwali release Mersal. The state’s BJP unit has objected to references in the film that portray “untruths” about the central government’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Digital India campaign, and wants them axed.

“The film producer should remove the untruths regarding GST from the film,” Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan said on Friday, according to PTI. The state BJP unit has threatened to hold protests over the matter.

The film shows Vetri, superstar Vijay’s character, commenting that while a country like Singapore charges just 7 per cent GST and provides free healthcare, India, which has high GST rates, can’t afford to do the same.

While the filmmakers are considering editing the portions, the controversy has led to criticism of the Modi government on Twitter and elsewhere. The hashtag #MersalVsModi trended on Twitter with support for the film.

“I don’t think there is a need to remove portions in Mersal that address GST and other issues. When these scenes were played in the theatre, people clapped and appreciated it. Politicians should take the hint and reconsider these issues,” director PA Ranjith told the media, a report in The Indian Express said.

But senior BJP leader H Raja has alleged that Mersal reflects actor Vijay’s “hatred for Modi” while the party’s Tamil Nadu president Tamilisai Sounderrajan said: “Intentionally they want to criticise the central government… They cannot appreciate the efforts of PM Modiji.”

The film has also drawn the ire of the Indian Medical Association of Tamil Nadu, which says it shows medical professionals in poor light.