Actor Vijay who has been releasing one film every year is back once again this Deepavali with Bigil (his last two films, Mersal and Sarkar, released for Deepavali too). Vijay’s speech during the film’s audio launch seems to be an extension of his speech from Sarkar audio launch in which he made politically loaded references. As someone who is not on social media and as someone who rarely gives interviews or public speeches, Vijay has found such audio launches much to his liking, as a perfect space to connect with his fans.
Vijay’s much-awaited Bigil audio launch that was held in Chennai on Thursday and live telecast on Sun TV was attended by the film’s cast and crew and also saw performances of songs from the film.
From online-fan wars waged in his name to #PrayForNesamani viral hashtag to the death of Chennai techie Subhasri, the actor touched upon several topics during the short course of his speech.
Even while Vijay was all praise for his fans and their enthusiasm, he also gave them a few life advises - “Do not aspire to become like someone, make a space for yourself”. He also stressed once again on the banner culture, requesting his fans to avoid it, in the wake of Subhasri’s death. Subhasri was killed on September 12 after an illegal flex board put up by AIAMK former Councilor Jayagopal fell on her while she was riding her two-wheeler. After falling on the road, she was run over by a water tanker.
Vijay also used the opportunity to take a dig at the ruling AIADMK- “The lorry driver has been arrested and the banner maker has been arrested... but those who must be behind bars are still free.” More than a week after Subhasri’s death, Jayagopal is still absconding.
According to The Hindu, he had this to say about TN’s current state of politics, “You can't have someone who knows to braid and sell flowers, running a fireworks stall. People with the right skills must be employed in each industry. If people place the right person for the job in the right position, then all the issues will be solved.”
Given that Bigil is a film on sports Vijay took some time to address the issues plaguing sports in our country. “If you want to ace some game, play it in politics. But do not let politics enter sports,” he said.
On the #PrayForNesamani viral hashtag, Vijay shared that Friends was one of his most favourite films and that he could not control his laughter while filming the sequence with Vadivelu, Suriya and the others.
The actor also advised his fans against waging online hashtag wars, requesting them instead to use the power of hashtags for a social cause. It’s no secret that there is no love lost between Vijay and Ajith’s fans, with both groups taking their rivalry onto social media platforms. Addressing this, Vijay said, “Online fan wars are fine as long as they don't cross a line and continue to be fun. If they turn vicious and hurt people, it must be avoided. Social media has plenty of power which much be used for good. Starting hashtags on pressing issues such as at the time of Subasri's death can help bring greater awareness about an important issue.”
To his detractors, who tear down the banners his fans “lovingly put up”, Vijay said that even while it upsets him and angers his fans (naturally), he requested them to not assault his fans. “You can tear my photos but do not rough up my fans. This is my request, you can listen if you want to but if you don’t…” he said.
Music director AR Rahman, Director Atlee, producer Archana Kalpathi also spoke during the audio launch. The event will be aired on Sun TV this Sunday.