The repercussions of actor Ajit’s speech at Kalaignar’s felicitation function organized by Kollywood are heard more strongly indeed.  Ajit’s speech got a standing ovation from none other than superstar Rajnikanth, who was seated next to Kalaignar. The speech however, hasn’t gone down well with most of the film fraternity. It has even gone to the extent of issuing Red Card against Ajit and Rajini.
A flurry of incidents has made things worse. Here goes a brief account of what happened in the last few days:

First FEFSI President V.C. Guganathan decided to take up the issue and take on the actors. His speech at the audio launch of ‘Padaga Salai’ was unambiguous. He said that none of the artistes should disobey FEFSI’s diktats.  He also added that nobody should confuse ‘compelling’ with ‘threatening’ and likened FEFSI to a political party and said that members of FEFSI should pay heed to its ‘instructions’.  In case of non-compliance by any of the members of those instructions, Guganathan added that FEFSI was very much within its limits to ‘initiate’ action against the particular member.

On the other hand, stunt choreographer had stated in an interview to a Tamil weekly that Rajnikanth was a ‘buffoon’, following which his house was pelted with stones by some persons the following evening.  Thangam’s wife suffered minor injuries in the incident which was closely followed by throwing of stones inside Rajni’s Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapan at Kodambakkam.

Earlier, Nadigar Sangam issued a statement condoning Guganathan’s ‘arbitrary’ actions and his reported criticism of some of the ‘established stars’.  It urged the Tamil Film Producers’ Council (TFPC) to intervene and sort out the matters with FEFSI.

Meanwhile, FEFSI decided on many things at a recent meeting, said to have been attended to by representatives of Nadigar Sangam, Producers’ Council, Theatre-owners’ Association and some other filmy bodies.  The unanimous decision at the meeting was in favour of adopting a ‘non-cooperative attitude’ towards Ajit till he tendered their unconditional apology for their actions. The resolution also strongly condemned Rajinikanth for his support to thespeech.

While Ajit has in his recent interview reiterated what he said in the function, Rajini is yet to come out with any reaction. Meanwhile, TN Congress Party leader EVKS Elangovan has come out strongly in support of Ajith hailing his voice for freedom of the actor to choose the cause he or she would like to support. Crucially anyone from DMK including the CM hasn’t commented on the developments. It may be recalled that Ajith had met the CM last week, reportedly to explain his views on the issue.

Watch this space for more updates on the issue that seems to be a potentially Kollywood potboiler.