Puthiya Tamilagam leader seeks ban on title Sandiyar for Kamal Haasan film

Puthiya Tamilagam founder K. Krishnasamy submitted a petition to Minister for Information and Publicity Rajmohan at the Secretariat in Chennai on Wednesday, demanding a ban on the title 'Sandiyar' for actor Kamal Haasan's upcoming movie. Dr. Krishnasamy argued in his letter that using this title could spark unwarranted unrest, pointing out that a similar attempt in 2003 caused a major controversy in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. He recalled that the title was eventually withdrawn after the intervention of the then Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, and the film was later renamed 'Virumandi'. He urged Mr. Rajmohan to inform Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay about the matter and revoke the permission granted for the movie's title, while also noting that another Tamil movie with a similar title was released without protests in August 2014.

Context

Movie titles and artistic works in India often face political and social objections from various groups who fear that certain terms might hurt community sentiments or create public friction. State governments have the authority to review film titles and certifications through information and publicity departments to maintain public order.