Ajith 'Vidamuyarchi is on - Chinmayi takes on Kamal Haasan for double standards

According to insiders from Lyca Productions, the producers of Ajith's film AK 62, also known as 'Vidamuyarchi,' a large set is currently being constructed in Chennai, and the shooting is scheduled to commence on June 2. These sources have dismissed the rumors suggesting that Ajith had second thoughts about working in the movie due to the recent raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the company. They deem these speculations unfounded. The initial report that circulated claimed that Ajith, being an honest taxpayer, had ceased working with Producer A M Rathinam after their production house was raided. The film 'Araambaam,' starring Ajith, was released on October 31, 2013, and just before its release, the company faced a raid by the authorities, along with Actor Santhanam and Producer Gananvel Raja. Subsequently, Ajith went on to appear in two more films, namely 'Yennai Arindhal' and 'Vedhalam,' both released in 2015. The sources further revealed that Lyca Productions did not issue any denial regarding these rumors since they originated from a YouTube channel known for its anti-Ajith stance and targeted approach. As Lyca Productions funds and distributes their films independently, they do not feel obligated to address such speculations. As for Ajith himself, he typically refrains from reacting to such rumors and instead brushes them off with laughter.

Singer Chinmayi has highlighted the hypocrisy of Actor-Politician Kamal Haasan, resulting in a strong backlash from fans. Trolls and hate messages have been pouring in, although a few individuals are supporting her and admiring her courage to speak up. The controversy originated five years ago when an unnamed singer spoke out about experiencing sexual harassment from Lyricist Vairamuthu. Chinmayi, a renowned artist who has received the Padma Shri and national awards, shared her own encounter during a performance in Switzerland. She alleged that she and her mother were instructed to stay behind after the show and "cooperate" with Vairamuthu, prompting her to swiftly leave the premises. Subsequently, she was directly asked to cooperate or face consequences from a politician who threatened to label her as someone who spoke ill of him. Following these events, Chinmayi discovered that her name had been removed from the Dubbing Artistes Union, with the justification being her failure to pay membership fees. Consequently, her dubbing career, where she lent her voice for Telugu-to-Tamil translations and notably voiced Samantha, came to an abrupt end. Although she obtained a court stay order, she is currently unable to secure any work opportunities.Regarding her singing career, nobody is approaching her to sing. Chinmayi has continuously raised the issue, causing A R Rahman, who frequently collaborated with Vairamuthu, to stop working with him. Many people believed that if ARR and Vairamuthu had joined forces for Ponniyin Selvan, it would have created a completely different atmosphere. Kamal did not remain silent about Chinmayi's tweet concerning Vairamuthu. He stated that it was up to the person mentioned in the tweet to respond. Given the close relationship between Kamal and Vairamuthu, this response was significant, as some individuals believed that the actor should have spoken up for his friend. Rehana, Rahman's sister and a music director herself, revealed that Rahman was incredulous upon learning about the allegations. Many people questioned Rehana about inviting Vairamuthu to her wedding after the incident, to which she explained that her in-laws were unaware of the incident, and not inviting him would have raised suspicions as to why she didn't extend an invitation to the acclaimed lyricist, who wrote the lyrics for the song composed by ARR and earned her a national award.

Will Singer Chinmayi tweet on Illaiyaraaja bring Vairamuthu back ?

 

Singer Chinmayi in a tweet asked how Illaiyaraaja could agree to score music for director Susi Ganesan's upcoming film as the latter is a MeToo accused. The singer kickstarted a MeToo charge on National award winner - lyricist Vairamuthu of  behaving improperly with her, a few years back. It is said that Mani Ratnam avoided using Vairmuthu for the upcoming film Ponniyin Selvan on this ground. Music is scored by A R Rahman. Illaiyaraaja and Vairamuthu combo that grew together to win many awards and notch many hits parted ways a decade back. Ironically it was A R Rahman who gave Vairamuthu a new lease of life through Roja and also brought to light the voice of Chinmayi.

Susi Ganesan  a former journalist turned director worked with Mani Ratnam and went to do independent films. His last release in Tamil was Thiruttu Pataley 2 (2017) and after that he was doing a Hindi film that is yet to be released. Leena Manimekalai an author and film maker had alleged that Susi Ganesan had misbehaved with her when she went to interview him for a media house. Director slapped defamatory charges on her and had her passport impounded. After a court order, it was returned. Amala Paul who worked in the Thiruttu Payalaey 2 too alleged that she too had suffered sexual harassment from Susi.

Susi Ganeshan announced the title of his next film Vanjam Theerththaayadaa, a real life story based in Madurai. Outrage broke out in Twitter over collaborating with a sexual abuser. Will Raaja Sir kick out Susi or go ahead with the project ?. If Raaja drops Susi then it means that he believes MeToo allegations and that includes his ex pal Vairamuthu , is one angle  if he goes ahead , it means. He feels that MeToo allegations are baseless and so also the one against his ex pal. It could pave way for a reunion of two music legends, says music industry.

After Chinmayi questioned the norm in giving an award from a semi- Kerala Government organisation to Vairamuthu, the lyricist returned it back.  As Mani Ratnam dropped Vairamuthu from Ponniyin Selvam , will Raaja show Susi the door ?. Singer - composer Karthik is one named by multiple women in MeToo campaign . He however scored for a segment in anthology produced by Mani Ratnam and directed by Gautham Menon and also for the latter's film Joshua. GV Prakash too uses Karthik for his compositions. Here the difference is that  Karthik tweeted - I fully support #MeToo and if there's truth in anybody's grievance, I shall be more than willing to apologise or face legal action because I don't want to ever leave a sour taste in anyone's life. (sic)". Karthik recently joined the dubbing union with whom Chinmayi is having a running feud. Mano is another singer who joined the Dubbing Union.