Ruckus over shooting of Vijayakanth film in temple

The shooting of Vijayakanth-starrer "Sabari" at the Vedapureeswarar temple in Gandhi Street, Pondicherry (renamed Puducherry) has been suspended following protests by Bharatiya Janata Party, RSS, Vishwa Hindu and Hindu Munnani.

The protesters took exception to the shooting of the film in the temple as it affected the sanctity of the place.

The shooting of "Sabari" which is the 150th film of 'Captain' Vijayakanth, had been under way in Puducherry since about the middle of October. A few days ago, a sequence was shot in the temple precinct showing hero (Vijayakanth) visiting the temple with his mother and sister, accidentally meeting the heroine (Jothirmayee) there and introducing his mother and sister to her.

During the shooting, the devotees were not allowed to enter the temple through the Maha Dwaram (main entrance) and they had to get into the temple from south.

After the Deepavali break, the shooting resumed on Nov.2 (Thursday) and in a sequence being shot, Vijayakanth was entering the temple. During the shooting, the devotees were not allowed to use the main entrance.

On hearing of this, local leaders and cadres of the BJP and other Hindu organizations gathered in front of the temple and staged a vociferous protest. As the tension mounted, the shooting was suspended. Vijayakanth also left the place.

Later, protesters went inside the temple. Puducherry actor Ravi confronted them and questioned their action. This led to an altercation and police intervened and pacified both the sides and dispersed them.

According to the film crew, the entire set was erected in a corner of the temple and people who came to attend a function got up by a private party, surrounded the cine set curious to watch the shooting. This created confusion and disturbed the devotees. Residents also entered the temple to have a look at Vijayakanth, an actor-turned politician.

The BJP, VHP and Hindu Munnani members charged that the ongoing shooting distracted the devotees who came to offer worship at the temple and also affected the temple's sanctity.

BJP State president R. Kesavulu said the district administration should ensure that the devotees were not disturbed while giving permission to shoot films at places of worship. According to him, the HR&CE department staff had refused permission, but later higher officials had allowed the shooting.

BJP Youth Wing president U.R. Govindarajan pointed out that the shooting started on Oct. 16, but the permission was granted only from Oct. 20.

The production crew, however, maintained that they had obtained prior permission and they did not film the sanctum sanctorum or any other spots in the temple which are considered sacred. Click the Movie button below for more info:
Sabari