It was rather abruptly that the protests against Kaththi started, seeking a possible ban on the movie. The protesters believe that the production company that is financing the film, Lyca Productions, is indirectly tied to the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse, who has been condemned by Tamilians around the world for his genocidal war crimes against the Sri Lankan Tamil population.
This is because Subhakaran, the man at the helm of Lyca, is believed to be a close personal aide to Rajapakse. The allegations went to the level of claims that Rajapakse himself has shares in Lyca.
Though Ayngaran International came out with an official statement to the press denying the rumours and highlighting the charitable activities Lyca had done for the Tamils in Sri Lanka, it did little to calm the troubled waters.
AR Murugadoss, the director of Kaththi and Vijay too said in an interview that these allegations were baseless and that they would never work with someone who was against Tamils. Again, the brewing unrest seemed untouched.
So yesterday, ARM, Vijay and Ayngaran International’s people met with leading Sri Lankan Tamil activists Pazha. Nedumaaran, Seeman and Thirumaavalavan to clear the air. They also confirmed that they would meet with Vaiko to settle the matter at that end.
Let’s hope this puts this issue to rest once and for all..
Kaththi stars Vijay in the lead essaying dual roles, and Samantha as the female lead. Bollywood star Neil Nitin Mukesh plays the antagonist in this one, making his official entry in to the southern film industry.
Anirudh Ravichander has composed the music for this flick and the soundtrack contains a ‘love kuthu’ song sung by Vijay.
Kaththi is aiming for a Diwali release.
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