‘Industry is bleeding’: Actor Vishal’s strong message to CM Vijay over film minister choice

Actor Vishal has publicly expressed disappointment over C Joseph Vijay assigning the Film Technology and Cinematograph portfolio to Minister Rajmohan, saying the Tamil film industry needs leadership from someone with deeper industry experience during a difficult phase for producers and production houses.

In a strongly worded post on X, Vishal said CM Vijay, who has spent nearly three decades in the Tamil film industry, is better equipped to understand the challenges faced by cinema stakeholders. The actor said the industry is “bleeding” and requires urgent reforms and relief measures.

Vishal questioned how film bodies and associations would present their grievances to a minister with “lesser or no experience” in the industry compared to the Chief Minister himself. His remarks have triggered fresh debate in Tamil cinema circles just days after Vijay took oath as Tamil Nadu’s new Chief Minister following the historic victory of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The actor also urged the government to introduce key reforms that have long been demanded by the film fraternity. These include a government-backed online ticketing system, removal of local body tax and higher subsidies for small-budget films.

According to Vishal, viewers currently pay an additional Rs 30 per ticket, while Tamil Nadu remains one of the few states where the film sector faces multiple taxes despite the “One Nation, One Tax” framework under GST.

Vishal said several issues affecting producers and small films have remained unresolved for years. He appealed directly to CM Vijay to personally intervene and provide relief to the struggling Tamil cinema industry.

The actor clarified that his remarks were not intended to insult Minister Rajmohan but reflected his personal opinion on who should lead the department at a critical time for the industry.

Minister Rajmohan has been given charge of School Education, Tamil Development, Information and Publicity along with Film Technology and the Cinematograph portfolio.

Actor-director Raghava Lawrence came out in support of CM Vijay’s decision and urged the film fraternity not to react impulsively. Lawrence said, “I understand the concerns, especially given the current challenges faced by the film industry. However, Honorable Minister #RajMohan, as the Minister for Film Technology and the Cinematograph Act, deserves some time and a fair opportunity to settle into this role.”

He expressed hope that the minister would work for the welfare of the Tamil film industry despite ongoing challenges faced by producers and exhibitors.

Producer T Siva also defended the appointment, saying Rajmohan understands the cinema sector and maintains close ties with many people in the industry. Siva noted that the minister is active on social media and has also directed a film, making him a suitable choice for the portfolio.

“Honorable Minister @imrajmohan is not only highly popular on social media platforms but also possesses substantial experience in that field. He has even directed a film. Moreover, he shares strong friendships and close ties with many in the cinema industry. Given his deep understanding of the challenges and current circumstances facing the Tamil cinema sector, selecting him as the Minister for the Tamil Film Industry would be an exceedingly appropriate decision,” he wrote.

The controversy comes amid a major political transition in Tamil Nadu, where actor-turned-politician Vijay became the state’s 13th Chief Minister after his party secured 108 Assembly seats and emerged as the single largest party in the elections.

With ANI inputs