Even as the support for Mersal is growing by the minute, the filmmakers have

reached out to the Bharatiya Janata Party, which has taken offence to certain
dialogues in the Vijay starrer mocking the Central governments initiatives like
GST and Digital India. Producer Hema Rukmani has issued a statement apologising to
anyone who was offended by certain scenes in the film. The producers have also
offered to remove the scenes in question if required.
A statement by Mersal producer and CEO Sri Thennandal Films Hema Rukmini reads as
follows, Mersal, our 100th film, starring Vijay and directed by Atlee, is running
successfully across the globe. On behalf of my organisation, I thank all of the
fans for their support and for making this such a grand success. Ilayathalapathy
Vijay has been working hard for the film for over a year, along with director Atlee
and the crew. Despite numerous roadblocks and controversies prior to the release,
Mersal fulfilled the hopes of the fans, by releasing on Deepavali. Crores of rupees
and the work of hundreds of employees for over a year is behind this movie. The
controversies that have arisen over the last few days have caused us a great deal
of heartache. The movie Mersal is not against anyone, nor does it portray any views
against the government. Medical care for the common man is the core of the film.
To give good films that provide wholesome entertainment to the people has been our
motive over the years. If the movie has hurt the feelings of anyone, I consider it
my personal heartache and apologise. We met with the representatives of the
Bharatiya Janata Party in person and explained our stand. Thamilisai Soundarrajan
and many others appreciated our direct approach. According to their point of view,
their protest is valid. We are willing to remove scenes or messages that may be
seen as misleading or which might create misunderstanding. I thank Tamilians across
the world, especially fans of Ilayathalapathy Vijay, on behalf of Thennandal Films,
for making this Deepavali a Mersal Deepavali.
The statement comes a day after the BJPs objection to references to Goods and
Service Tax in Mersal became a full-blown political slugfest across the country.
The Modi government came under fire for allegedly being intolerant to dissenting
voices and freedom of expression.
Mersal has received a huge support from different walks of life. Kollywood
celebrities, including Kamal Haasan and Vishal, have come out in support of the
film and have spoken against re-censoring the film.
#Mersal@MuraliRamasamy4@ThenandalFilmspic.twitter.com/A3jq9bAejl
Hema Rukmani (@Hemarukmani1) October 21, 2017
Looks like Mersal producers, however, want to put an end to a raging controversy
that has brought a huge amount of attention to their film.
In the climax scene, Vijays character questions as to why the government cant
provide free healthcare even as it charges 28 percent GST. He also makes reference
to the Gorakhpur tragedy, where 60 children died in a government-run hospital due
to the shortage of oxygen supply in the BJP-ruled state in Uttar Pradesh.
The BJP leaders in Tamil Nadu demanded that the untruths about GST be removed
from Mersal, drawing flak from the opposition parties.