Mersal is just a film. Everyone has freedom of expression, says Madras HC
Posted on: 27/Oct/2017 2:51:45 PM
Justice Sundaresh and Justice Sundar of Madras High Court have appreciated the petitioner Ashwathaman about his social focus. If so, why is a single film targeted and why not stand for social cause and march against untouchability and other social evils prevalent, they raise questions, thus rejecting the petitioner’s PIL (Public Interest Litigation) that sought for revoking Mersal movie’s censor certification.
Offending the BJP
Mersal movie stars Vijay, Kajal Agarwal, Vadivelu, Samantha and Nithya Menon. It has affronted the BJP party with its dialogues about GST and Digital India.
As the movie is certified by CBFC, BJP leaders sought for an edit in the movie to cut away two scenes talking about the issues.
Mersal makes fun of Digital India
The petitioner who is a lawyer by himself claimed that the film makes fun of Digital India. The film claims that India has no money and making fun out of it, he said to the judges pointing out scenes in which comedian Vadivelu displays his wallet and points that no body carries money as it is Digital India now.
The judges, in their reply have raised a question asking whether to file a case against the opposition leaders who have also spoken against demonetization issue.
The petitioner stood by his complaint and pointed that the dialogues were wrong for which Judges ask why it should be made as a very huge issue!
Socially responsible? Complaint on smoking or drinking scenes!
In fact, there are a number of movies where the hero steals from the rich and share it with the poor. When you are so concerned about social welfare, step on to the court with plea against smoking or drinking scenes. Or you may come up with poor depiction of disabled people instead of coming with a complaint on Mersal, the judges say.
Everyone has the freedom of expression
The petitioner continued and went on saying that the dialogues were in no way pertaining to the flow of the film. Pointing out that the petitioner is just giving publicity to the film, the court said Mersal is after all a flick and not a reality! Everyone has the freedom of express, it added.
