Defamation suit on 'Sivaji-The Boss' in Madras HC

Chennai, July 9 (UNI) A defamation suit seeking Rs 50 crore damages and a ban on the screening of Tamil Superstar Rajnikanth's latest blockbuster ''Sivaji - The Boss'' was filed in Madras High Court today.

In his petition, M Sathiyamoorthy of the Congress contended the film was defamatory in nature and aimed at tarnishing the image of AICC President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The film dealt with the exploitation of education system by private institutions which collected capitation fees.

Fifteen minutes into the film, hero Rajnikanth who plays the role of a US-returned software engineer, visits the place of Adikesavan, the villian and head of a private university, who is shown standing between the laminated photographs of Ms Gandhi and Dr Singh.

By portraying the senior Congress leaders with the villian, the image of the senior party leaders was tarnished, Mr Sathiyamoorthy contended and sought Rs 50 crore in damages and a ban on screening the film.

Information and Broadcasting Secretary, Censor Board (Chennai), Actor Rajnikanth, Film Producer AVM Saravanan, Director Shankar and TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu were cited as respondents.

The petition was likely to be taken up for hearing tomorrow.

UNI