New Delhi, Oct 21 (DHNS): Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday threw his weight behind Vijay-starrer Mersal.
The BJP objected to certain critical remarks against GST and demonetisation in the just-released film.
"Mr Modi, Cinema is a deep expression of Tamil culture and language. Don't try to demon-etise Tamil pride by interfering in Mersal," Rahul tweeted, as a controversy raged over the BJP action.
Before Rahul, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram took strong objection to the BJP targeting the film and the actor.
"BJP demands deletion of dialogues in Mersal. Imagine the consequences if Parasakthi was released today. Notice to filmmakers: Law is coming, you can only make documentaries praising government's policies," Chidambaram tweeted.
The comments also come against the backdrop of BJP leaders like H Raja alluding to the actor's religious background for the dialogues in the film.
Raja had referred to Vijay as "Joseph Vijay" to highlight the actor's religion.
Veteran Tamil actor Kamal Hassan tweeted in support: "Mersal was certified. Don't re-censor it. Counter-criticism with a logical response. Don't silence critics. India will shine when it speaks."
Tamil Nadu BJP president Tamilisai Soundararajan had demanded the removal of dialogues on GST, digital payments and temples from the movie claiming that they spread the "wrong" message.
BJP's objection
The BJP is objecting to a scene in which Vijay says Singapore, with 7% GST, manages to provide free medical services. In comparison, Indians don't get free medical services after paying 12% GST. He also mentions that there is no GST on alcohol.
There are also references to the recent deaths of children in a Gorakhpur hospital due to lack of oxygen cylinders.