Will Madras Cafe reach the Coffee table?

Chennai, Aug 21: Of course, it will and it should. Not as a viewer do I say this, but as a free citizen of a country, willing to face some harsh truths with Madras Cafe. True, it might not be receiving accolades among the political circle, but who cares!

Anyways, it is their vested interest that speaks every time they start a ruckus over nothing. With the trend that Chennai is setting during the release of Kamal Haasan's Vishwaroopa and Vijay starrer Thalaivaa, the sloganeering and the 'demand for ban' is in sync.

Nevertheless, belonging to a democratic country that encourages (mind it...not supports) free media, I would take my liberties to criticize the 'leave-politics-target-films-now' attitude of the Tamil Nadu politicians here. But let us first understand what is wrong with the movie.

Nothing actually, its just that the upcoming spy thriller highlights the political and military histories of the neighbouring countries and covers the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and Lankan rebel group LTTE's activities through the eye of an agent (played by Abraham). The howl and the cry only ascertains our doubts there must be something that the government wants hush-hush and the media is trying to pull out.

Well, well, my question to the politicians is why waste your time and energy crying hoarse about the entire thing? In fact, it was the same MDMK and 'Naaam Thamizhar Katchi' (We Tamils Party) who had cried WAR then also. The film will be released anyways (like Vishwaroopam and Thalaivaa did). Better concentrate on your next agenda for a bandh.

What the film industry says

"I respect everybody's opinion. I respect Mr Vaiko's point of view and Mr Seeman's perspective. But it is very important that they also respect our opinion. This is a democracy. If the Censor Board has no objection with the film's content and has given us an U/A certificate, then I don't think there is anything wrong with the film. They are most welcome to go and raise their objections. And in our part, we will definitely take the film to the audience," said John Abraham, the lead in the film Madras Cafe.

Shoojit Sircar, the director of the film, was equally disappointed and said,"As a director, I can only make a film and show it. Like a political party, we cannot just begin any protest against what is being done to us. Freedom of speech is important in a democracy. None is above Censor Board and they don't have a right to ban any film unless the President or Supreme Court has passed any orders."

He further added,"Whatever is happening in Tamil Nadu is wrong. I request them not to speculate much about the film. Let the people watch it and then decide. They can't force people not to watch the film. It is against the law."