Vijay Sethupathi is riding high on the success of Chekka Chivantha Vaanam and 96 and is gearing up for the release of his next Seethakaathi. Barely a few days left for its release, Vijay Sethupathi’s Seethakaathi has run into trouble. The Indian National League, a political party, has raised objections over the use of the title Seethakaathi for the film.
In a statement issued by the district head of the INL, Abdhul Rahim, it has been stated, “Seethakaathi was a great scholar, patron of Tamil poets and a great philanthropist who lived around 1650 in Keezhakarai. Although he was a Muslim by birth, his original name was Sheik Abdul Kader, his humanitarian deeds made him a role model for all. He was also a well-known trader whose name and fame spread far and wide. He supported one of the poets of his time, Umaru Pulavar who was the author of the monumental work Seera Puranam on the life history of Prophet Muhammad in Tamil. Using the name of a great man such as Seethakaathi for an entertainment film is condemnable. We will not allow anything to adversely affect the historically important image of Seethakaathi and so we ask the film team to immediately change the name of the movie. Vijay Sethupathi is a good actor but we cannot allow an entertainment film to bear the name of such a great man.”
He also pointed out that the issue would be taken up legally if the filmmakers failed to react to the title issues raised by the INL.
Seethakaathi is directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan. According to reports, Vijay Sethupathi will be appearing in three looks in the film and worked out different looks for each of it. Hollywood technician Kevin Haney has been roped in to design Vijay’s look in Seethakaathi. It may be noted here that Vijay is teaming up with director Balaji Tharaneetharan after the grand success of Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kanom a few years ago.
(Content provided by Digital Native)