The Tamil film industry turned up in almost full strength on Tuesday to hold a protest against the conviction of J Jayalalithaa, calling the former chief minister “goddess of justice” and questioning the verdict of the Bangalore special court.

While one of the many banner posters put up by the film industry said “Injustice to the goddess of justice?”, another one, referring to the special court, said “Can mere mortals mete out such injustice to the goddess of justice?”

The day-long protest of the film fraternity, which ended at 5 pm, also passed a resolution that said Jayalalithaa was still the chief minister and hoped that she will come out clean.
More than 3,000 people representing the film industry organised the demonstration near the Marina Beach. Leading actors, directors, producers and more than 2,000 workers from different associations related to the film industry took part in the protest. However, seniors actors like Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan were not present at the venue, citing health reasons.

Film shootings and production work of all Tamil films had been called off on Tuesday.

The protest was jointly organised by the members of the Tamil Film Exhibitors Association, Tamil Film Producers Council and South Indian Artists Association and several unions representing workers in the industry.
Leading actors like Sarath Kumar, Surya, Prabhu, Bagyaraj, Srikanth and S J Surya, directors P Vasu, Chandrasekhar, Cheran, producers K T Kunjumon, Abirami Ramanathan and leading multiplex owners in the city were among those who participated in the protest. Banners and posters expressing solidarity with the AIADMK chief were put up across the city.

Actor Sarath Kumar, who was denied permission to meet Jayalalithaa at the Bangalore prison on Monday, said the demonstration was organised voluntarily and there was no compulsion or threat from anyone. “She has been supporting the film industry in many ways and that is what made us to extend our solidarity and support at this stage,” he said, referring to Jayalalithaa, a former actress herself.

Leading director-actor Cheran said the entire industry was saddened by the verdict. “We all hope that she will get acquitted soon and rule the state,” he said. Many young actors who visited the protest venue were seen leaving immediately.

Several areas across the state witnessed protests and hunger strikes on Tuesday. The Vellore Corporation Council ruled by AIADMK passed a resolution against Justice John D’Cunha, the Bangalore special court judge, and condemned his verdict that sent Jayalalithaa to four years in jail in a corruption case.




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