I have no intention to seek publicity by insulting anyone: Suriya

The actor rejects Anbumani’s charge that Jai Bhim insults Vanniyars

Suriya Sivakumar rejected PMK youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss’s charge that the actor’s recent film, Jai Bhim, had insulted the Vanniyars. He said he and the film crew had no intention to insult any community; in fact, changes were made to the film immediately after a few such instances were pointed out.

In a statement, Mr. Suriya said, “I am doing my best to improve the lives of fellow human beings. I have the support and love of people belonging to all sections across India. I have no need or intention to seek publicity by insulting anyone.”

He said that while he agreed that freedom of speech should not be used to insult any community, the right to freedom of speech should be protected from attacks. “The film is not a documentary, and it begins with a disclaimer that the story is fictionalised, based on a real incident. It also states that the incidents and the names do not refer to anyone or any incident in particular,” he said. “Those who do not really care about the vulnerable will use their power against them. In this respect, caste, religion, language and race doesn’t matter. There is evidence to prove this throughout the world.”