(Eds: Updating by adding Raja's reactions)Chennai, Oct 22 (PTI) The controversy over Vijay-starrer"Mersal" refused to die down today, with actor Vishal accusingBJP leader H Raja of advocating piracy by watching the movieonline, a charge rejected by latter.
Earlier in the day, referring to Raja's remarks, reportedin a section of the media, Vishal, head of the Tamil FilmProducers Council (TFPC) and general secretary of the SouthIndian Artistes' Association (SIAA), had also demanded anapology from him.
However, Raja clarified that he had only watched clips ofthe movie on his mobile phone and said he did not have thepatience to sit through a two-and-a-half hour film.
"Dear Mr H Raja, as a leader and prominent personality,you are advocating piracy and blatantly agreeing to it,"Vishal said in a statement.
The actor also said he wondered "how a political leaderlike you could watch a pirated version of a film (online)" andadded that it "sets a bad example".
This was "totally insensitive and uncalled for," saidVishal, who is known for his strong anti-piracy stand andactivities.
Demanding an apology from Raja on the matter, Vishal alsopressed the government to enact more stringent anti-piracylaws.
Raja, however, categorically denied having watched themovie, especially online as it was being made out. "I had notwatched the movie. I only watched the clips received on myphone," he told PTI.
Piracy is one of the major issues being faced by themulti-crore Tamil cinema industry, with films being uploadedon certain websites soon after their release.
The availability of pirated CDs and DVDs of new films isalso an issue.
Actor Vijay's fans have been reportedly circulating thecontentious scenes, allegedly mocking the central government'sGoods and Services Tax (GST), through mobile phones.
"I don't have the patience to watch a two-and-a-half hourmovie. This entire episode shows that whoever opposes the BJPare supporting Vijay, and this is expected," Raja said.
Diwali release "Mersal" has kicked up a row with the BJPtaking exception to references on GST in the movie.
BJP leaders, including Raja, a national secretary in theparty, state president Tamilisai Soundarajan and Unionminister Pon Radhakrishnan, have been demanding that the"incorrect" references be deleted from the big-budget flick.
However, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, his seniorcolleague P Chidambaram, DMK working president M K Stalin,veteran star Kamal Haasan and a host of Tamil cinema industryrepresentatives had supported the film crew on the issue.
In Puducherry, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy came to thedefence of the film, saying questions have been "justifiably"raised on the GST and the Digital India initiatives in themovie and there could be no objection to expression of one'sviews in a democratic set up.
"I am a member of the GST council and I have expressedmy strong criticism of the abnormal levy of GST on medicinesand on hotels at the council meeting," he told reporters.
"Will those unable to tolerate criticisms made by actorVijay in the movie against the GST seek action against me aswell for objecting to the abnormal levy of taxes at thecouncil meeting?" the Chief Minister asked.
Stating that movies, television and newspapers had everyright to express views and criticise policies and decisions ofauthorities, he claimed that there was no political motive,whatsoever, in the movie's dialogues.
"Let not BJP leaders labour under the mistake that theyshould always be lauded for anything and everything of the NDAregime even if the decisions of the Centre are injurious tothe people," Narayanasamy said.
The BJP had on October 20 objected to what it termed as"untruths" regarding the GST in just-released "Mersal", andwanted dialogues on the central taxation to be deleted. PTI SAAPRANB.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.