DEHLI (Web Desk)- The newly formed Tamil Nadu government under Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has triggered fresh debate after assigning the Film Technology and Cinematograph portfolio to Egmore MLA Rajmohan. Rajmohan was entrusted with several key departments, including school education, Tamil development, archaeology, official language, culture, information and publicity, stationery and printing, and matters related to film technology and the Cinematograph Act.
However, the decision drew criticism from actor Vishal, who openly questioned whether someone without deep roots in the film industry could effectively address the long-standing concerns of Tamil cinema. Taking to X, Vishal expressed disappointment that Vijay, a veteran actor with over three decades of experience in the industry, did not retain direct oversight of cinema-related affairs himself.
Vishal argued that the Tamil film industry is currently struggling with multiple financial and structural issues, particularly affecting producers and small production houses. He emphasized that the industry needs urgent reforms and appealed directly to the Chief Minister to step in personally. Among the key measures he proposed were the creation of a government-run ticketing platform to reduce extra charges on moviegoers, the removal of local body tax on cinema tickets, and an increase in subsidies for low-budget films. According to him, these demands have been repeatedly raised for nearly a decade without meaningful action.
Despite his criticism, Vishal clarified that his comments were not intended as a personal attack on Rajmohan but rather reflected his belief that Vijay’s firsthand knowledge of cinema could bring faster and more practical reforms. He ended his message by wishing the new administration success while hoping for meaningful support for the entertainment sector.
Actor Arun Vijay responded differently, cautioning fellow actors against publicly questioning government decisions so early in the administration’s tenure. Without directly naming Vishal, Arun Vijay stated that elected leaders should be allowed the space to govern and that Rajmohan deserved an opportunity to prove himself before facing criticism. He also expressed confidence that the minister, despite not being from the film industry, would understand the concerns of cinema professionals and work toward solutions.
This exchange highlights the growing expectations surrounding Vijay’s political leadership after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, achieved a dramatic electoral breakthrough by defeating long-dominant rivals like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. With comparisons already being drawn to legendary actor-politicians such as M. G. Ramachandran, J. Jayalalithaa, and N. T. Rama Rao, every decision of the new government is now under intense public and industry scrutiny.
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