Mersal: Actor Vishal accuses BJP's Raja of advocating piracy

Chennai: The controversy over Vijay-starrer "Mersal" refused to die down on Sunday, with actor Vishal accusing BJP leader H Raja of advocating piracy by watching the movie online, a charge rejected by latter.

Earlier in the day, referring to Raja's remarks, reported in a section of the media, Vishal, head of the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) and general secretary of the South Indian Artistes' Association (SIAA), had also demanded an apology from him.

However, Raja clarified that he had only watched clips of the movie on his mobile phone and said he did not have the patience to sit through a two-and-a-half hour film.

"Dear Mr H Raja, as a leader and prominent personality, you are advocating piracy and blatantly agreeing to it," Vishal said in a statement.

The actor also said he wondered "how a political leader like you could watch a pirated version of a film (online)" and added that it "sets a bad example".

This was "totally insensitive and uncalled for," said Vishal, who is known for his strong anti-piracy stand and activities.

Demanding an apology from Raja on the matter, Vishal also pressed the government to enact more stringent anti-piracy laws.

Raja, however, categorically denied having watched the movie, especially online as it was being made out. "I had not watched the movie. I only watched the clips received on my phone," he said.

Piracy is one of the major issues being faced by the multi-crore Tamil cinema industry, with films being uploaded on certain websites soon after their release. The availability of pirated CDs and DVDs of new films is also an issue.

Actor Vijay's fans have been reportedly circulating the contentious scenes, allegedly mocking the central government's Goods and Services Tax (GST), through mobile phones.

"I don't have the patience to watch a two-and-a-half hour movie. This entire episode shows that whoever opposes the BJP are supporting Vijay, and this is expected," Raja said.

Diwali release "Mersal" has kicked up a row with the BJP taking exception to references on GST in the movie.