Protests against ‘Madras Cafe’

After watching a special screening of John Abraham-starrer 'Madras Cafe', volunteers of pro-Tamil outfits denounced the film as 'anti-Tamil' and vowed to not allow its screening.

Sources in the Tamil film industry said the movie's pivot was the killing of Rajiv Gandhi and the events that culminated in his assassination.

Film director R K Selvamani said the film featured Malayalees as patriotic persons attempting to save a former Prime Minister.

Subsequently, the producers came forward to arrange a special screening for those who had apprehensions about it.

Although John Abraham later denied labelling anyone or group as terrorist in the film, it failed to cut ice with the groups.

Actor-turned-politician Seeman-led NTK alleged that the movie portrayed the LTTE and its leader V Prabhakaran in bad light.

While PMK chief Ramadoss wanted the state and central governments to ban the movie, others warned of agitations.

Even as promos of the film started flooding the media by early this month, pro-Tamil outfits like the Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK) besides Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) alleged that the film was anti-Tamil.