In an unprecedented move, Bharathiar University rented out its premises to a film crew to shoot their upcoming movie, which has evoked strong criticism from the academic community.
In fact the teaching faculty the non-teaching staff and even members of the syndicate, which is the highest decision making body, came to know about this decision of the university only when the crew started shooting the film on Tuesday morning.
Actor Sasikumar, Santhanam and dozens of supporting actress were busy shooting for the movie Brahman. The crew covered the university’s name boards, at the entrance and also atop the main building and put a banner saying ‘Indira Gandhi College for Women’ and began shooting. This is the first time that a film is being shot on Bharathiar University premises.
When contacted, registrar of the university PK Manoharan said that the film crew had got prior permission for shooting for one day.
He refused to answer why permission was given for film shooting now. “Only the Vice Chancellor can answer this question,” Manoharan said. University authorities have claimed that academic activity is not affected as it is the summer vacation.
Association of University Teachers vice-president C Pichandy said, “As the admissions have started, students and parents keep going to the university. So permission should not have been given for film shooting on the university premises.”