A video of actor Simbu handling a cobra during the movie shoot of his upcoming flick 'Eeswaran' has triggered a huge controversy.

The controversial video was leaked on the internet showing Simbu catching a love snake and securing it in a gunny bag with the help of two others. Snakes are not allowed to be used as performing animals in movies and if the charges are proven, it would be a violation under Wildlife (Protection) Act.

A formal complaint has been lodged with the forest department by a Chennai-based animal rights activist and former member of performing animals sub-committee that Simbu harmed wildlife and sought action against him. A separate complaint was also filed with the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).

Meanwhile, the director of the film, Suseenthiran has clarified in an official press release stating that the Forester Clement Edison called him for inquiry regarding the issue and he had explained that it was a fake plastic snake that was used for the filming which would be converted into a live snake through computer graphics.Suseenthiran further stated that the entire shooting process was carried out in the Dindugal area completely adhering to the Tamil Nadu government's guidelines and the evidence for the snake shoot will be submitted to the forest department soon.

Earlier today, Simbu took to his Twitter space and announced that the shooting process of the film was wrapped up and that the film’s teaser will be released on Diwali 2020.
 
Interestingly, Simbu's portions were completed just a couple of days ago in a span of 22 days, making it the fastest Simbu film to be shot in recent times.

Said to be a rural entertainer, Eeswaran also stars Niddhi Agerwal, Nandita Swetha, and Bharathi Raja.