'Controversial' GST scene from 'Mersal' goes viral: Did BJP shoot itself in the leg?

If the BJP could have done one thing to ensure that everyone watches the scene, it was to have insisted that it be deleted.

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The BJP might have flexed its muscle to bear down upon the producers of Tamil film Mersal to delete a scene that takes a jibe at GST and healthcare, but the move has only backfired on them.

The scene that could be deleted or muted has spread like wildfire on social media. And with subtitles!

Scene that North Korean President Kim Jong-Un wants to delete from the Movie "Mersal". (2017) pic.twitter.com/suBoE1s0ea

— History of India (@RealHistoryPic) October 21, 2017

In the scene, the character Vijay plays in the film can be seen questioning why medicines have a GST of 12% while alcohol, which kills many, doesn't. The actor also compares India to Singapore which has 7% GST and offers "free medical care". The scene makes an obvious reference to the Gorakhpur tragedy in which several children died due to the lack of oxygen cylinders.

Raging on about the condition of healthcare in the country, Vijay's character goes on to list similar incidents - wherein a baby died due to rat bite and four people undergoing dialysis passed away because of a powercut. The actor also declares that it's the fear of such government hospitals which becomes the investment of private ones.

Even those who had dismissed Mersal as the regular "commercial" film are now backing the movie because of the BJP's censorship move. The BJP has objected to the scene saying the comparison with Singapore is wrong and that Vijay's facts are wrong.

The editor of the film Ruben, posted that he was the editor - an assertion that has gone viral, making it clear that the BJP had no right to edit the film further.

AdeiPadathukku naan dhaan da editor-u #silaakkiDummaa

— Editor Ruben (@AntonyLRuben) October 20, 2017

Kamal Haasan has also come out in support of the film, pointing out that there was no need for "re-censorship". The hashtag #MersalVsModi has become something of a warcry on social media.