Jai Bhim director TJ Gnanavel finally REACTS to the controversy of Suriya starrer

Suriya starrer Jai Bhim got embroiled in controversies post its release. Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) alleged that certain scenes in the film tarnished the image of the Vanniyar community. The community even sent a legal notice to Suriya, Jyotika, TJ Gnanavel and Amazon Prime Video for defaming them. Suriya even received threats post which police security was provided outside his house. For the unversed, in the film, a calendar with the photo of ‘Agni Kundam’ is displayed in the background. Agni Kundam is a symbol that represents Vanniyar Sangam and the community. Now, director TJ Gnanavel released a statement written in Tamil on the controversy. In the statement, he wrote that it was never his intention to defame a particular community. He also added that it is unfair to blame Suriya for it.

As per India Today, his Tamil statement is translated as, “If we had noticed, I would have removed it before the film’s release. When the film released, many pointed out the calendar. Before the controversy erupted, we started making plans to remove the symbol and the calendar. I thought people would understand our intention when we made the change. As a director, I should take responsibility. It is unfair to ask Suriya to take responsibility for this controversy. As a producer and actor, Suriya portrayed the role to shed light on the problems meted out to the tribal community. I would like to apologise to him for all that he has been put through.”

He further stated that Jai Bhim does not target or shame a particular person or any community. “I would like to apologise to those who were offended. My heartfelt thanks to members of the film fraternity, political outfits, social activists, media and many faceless members who supported us during difficult times,” added Gnanavel.

Take a look at the statement here.

ஜெய் பீம் படத்தின் இயக்குனர் தா.செ.ஞானவேல் வருத்தம்
தெரிவித்துக்கொண்டார்…#JaiBhim Dir @tjgnan expresses regret.. pic.twitter.com/PpcUsRaWi3

— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) November 21, 2021

Jai Bhim released on Amazon Prime Video on November 2.

Also Read: Amid Jai Bhim controversy, Suriya thanks fans for standing by the team: I’ve never witnessed this before!