AR Murugadoss says police visited him; Vishal, Kamal Haasan tweet in support

While AR Murugadoss’ Sarkar is minting money at the box office, the film seems to have run into political opposition. Director Murugadoss on Thursday tweeted that police had visited his residence late at night. However, in the absence of the director, they left. The visit comes soon after the growing protests against scenes in the Vijay-starrer which criticised the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government in Tamil Nadu.

The film, immediately after its release, sparked protests by AIADMK cadre who found several scenes critical of the ruling government in Tamil Nadu and demanded the film’s removal. Several cadres staged a sit-in at a local theatre in Coimbatore on Thursday seeking a ban on the film.

Tamil Nadu law minister CV Shanmugham was quoted by Hindustan Times as saying, “The scenes relating to burning of items disbursed under government welfare schemes amount to inciting violence.”

However, Murugadoss later tweeted about the police visit to his residence at night, which has been criticised by several actors including Vishal, currently president of the Tamil Film Producers’ Council.

In addition, actor Kamal Hassan also tweeted that this ‘oppression’ by the state government will not last long.

Haasan has recently launched the Makkal Needhi Maiyyam party, and is planning on a political career.

Sarkar was released on 6 November, and is already reported to have made Rs100 crore worldwide.