More than a month after actor Vishal was suspended from the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC), the body has informed the Madras High Court that it was willing to revoke its suspension if the actor apologised for his statement.
The case was adjourned to Tuesday after the High Court sought Vishal’s decision on the matter.
On August 17, Vishal, who is also the General Secretary of the Nadigar Sangam, gave an interview to Ananda Vikatan magazine that was allegedly “against the interests” of the Council. In an interview with the magazine, when asked about the Producers’ Council and its members, Vishal had said that the Council had not taken measures against piracy or tackled the problem of satellite rights. He added that the Council needed "unselfish" members who would solve issues with an open mind.
The TFPC had suspended Vishal’s primary membership on November 14 for three months stating that his explanation on the issue was found to be unsatisfactory.
Following the TFPC’s decision, Vishal moved the Madras High Court last year seeking an interim injunction restraining the Council’s president Kalaipuli S Thanu from enforcing the suspension. He has argued that his views were made with the intention of bringing to light the problems faced by the film industry. Vishal also pointed out that those occupying public office should be tolerant towards criticism and take it in the right spirit.
On Sunday, Vishal announced that actor Khushbu Sundar would contest for the post of President in the Producers Council elections. Elections to the TFPC is scheduled for February 5.
The team Vishal is putting together to take on the present office bearers is similar to what had happened at the Nadigar Sangam, when Nasser and co had taken on Sarath Kumar’s team.