I knew Mersal dialogues will create a controversy; thanks to all those who stood by me: Vijay
Vijay is currently on a high after giving Tamil cinema’s biggest ever blockbuster Mersal. The movie directed by Atlee was released last Diwali and it went on to do phenomenal business all across the globe. But the success came with its share of problems as the ruling BJP called for boycotting the film alleging that the makers have shown some of their controversial schemes in poor light. However, the problems created by BJP proved to be a blessing in disguise for the makers of Mersal. The issue caught nationwide attention which helped it to do some tremendous business.
Last day, Vijay was awarded the best actor for his performance in Mersal at the Ananda Vikatan Cinema awards. Speaking at the event, Vijay said he always expected the backlash for the controversial dialogues. He went ahead with it despite knowing the huge uproar that it would create. He believed that it would lead to the greater ‘good of the people’. Vijay also thanked everyone who supported me through the entire episode.
The BJP and its supporters were miffed with the criticisms made against some of their schemes like digital India and GST pricing. Mersal, scripted jointly by Atlee, KV Vijayendra Prasad and Ramana Girivasan, has an usual revenge story but comes with a very relevant social message about the importance of a proper health sector in the country.
The protagonist in the film fights for free medical facilities to all, regardless of their financial background. In a particular scene, the character played by Vijay compares the standards of health sector in India and Singapore. He says that despite charging only 7% GST, people there get free medical treatment. But in India where people are charged 28% GST, we don’t get any free treatment. There is another scene where Vadivelu’s charcater mocks the digital India scheme and how people had to stand in long queues during the demonetization period.
