At the promo meet of Podhu Nalan Karudhi, that took place recently in Chennai, award-winning director Vasanthabalan took the opportunity to lash out against actor-producer Vishal for not being able to effectively curb piracy.
Vishal who is General Secretary of the Nadigar Sangam and President of Tamil Film Producers' Council (TFPC) had promised, as part of his election promises, that he and his team would work hard to root out piracy from Tamil film industry. However, with every film release, piracy rears its ugly head, uncurbed.
Director Vasanthabalan pointed out, “Sarvam Thaala Mayam and Peranbu which garnered good reviews was on TamilRockers on the day of release itself. TFPC President has been a ‘Thupparivalan’, he uses ‘Irumbuthirai’ to control things, but why can’t he do something to curb TamilRockers? Small movies in Tamil cinema are on the verge of extinction. But big films are getting released without any problems. I am afraid that my film too (Jail) will face the same fate. The films of some top heroes are running well in theatres, so everybody is keeping quiet. ”
He also raised that other language films like Malayalam and Kannada are not becoming prey for piracy. For instance the Kannada film KGF which released worldwide in various languages did not release on Tamil Rockers.
In reply to Vasanthabalan, director Mysskin came to Vishal's rescue saying, “I am not saying this because I need to do another film with Vishal. For over 4-5 months, Vishal is working hard to curb piracy and find the root cause of Tamilrockers. It is not easy to catch those pirates.”
Vishal had met the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Edappadi Pazhanisamy on February 5, requesting the government to take steps to bring down the Tamil Rockers website which has been putting up all the latest releases online.
He had met the CM along with the TFPC members to thank him for Government's support in organising 'Ilaiyaraaja 75'. During this meet he requested the CM to do away with piracy as well.
After being elected the President on TFPC, Vishal came up with the announcement that an anti-piracy cell would be created to curb piracy. The actor has been working towards this goal right from the day he took over as the President to no avail. Vishal also announced a Rs 1 lakh reward for anyone giving information about newly released films being copied at the theatres through mobile phones, cameras and other devices
Recently even the producers have asked theater owners in Tamil Nadu to install CCTV cameras to monitor shooting of films using mobile phones and devices.
(Content provided by Digital Native)