The first look poster of Ilayathalapathy Vijay's new movie 'Sarkar', a re-make of Telugu hit 'Bharat Ane Nenu' was released recently. Even though the poster which featured Vijay smoking a cigarette went viral on the internet, many people criticized the actor for promoting the deadly habit. Now, Vijay Sethupathi, another noted Tamil actor has come forward to defend Vijay by taking a clear stand on this smoking debate.
During the audio launch function of the movie 'Junga', Makkal Selvan Vijay Sethupathi revealed that films in modern days are not promoting smoking in the manner films did in the 1980s. The actor added that he himself is a smoker, but he has not learned the habit after seeing movies.
"Films which are being made now are not promoting smoking like the movies which did in the 1980s. I did not start the smoking habit after seeing my father smoke. Filmstars who smoke in movies also did not inspire me to begin this habit," said Vijay Sethupathi during the audio launch.
"Even I used to smoke. I want to know whether Vijay is the only person who smokes on screen. Other actors are also smoking, right? Some people with vested interests are trying to create problems out of these and are trying to gain publicity. Each of us knows that cigarette smoking is injurious to health. People who wish to end this deadly habit should try to start targeting cigarette companies, not actors," added Vijay Sethupathi.
'Sarkar' is directed by acclaimed filmmaker A R Murugadoss who has previously made 'Thupakki' and 'Kaththi' with Vijay. The film has Keerthy Suresh and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar in the roles of lady leads, while the supporting star cast includes Prem Kumar, Yogi Babu, and Radha Ravi. Reportedly based on Telugu film 'Bharat Ane Nenu', it remains to be seen how far Vijay repeats the success of Mahesh Babu in the original film.
As per close sources to the movie, it has been learned that Vijay is playing the role of a US-returned IT professional who is very much interested in social service. But due to certain circumstances, he becomes the Chief Minister of the state. If these reports are true, then audience will see Ilayathalapathy playing the role of the chief minister for the first time on screen.
