More than a week ago, Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, took the country by surprise when he announced the immediate demonetisation of Rs500 and Rs1,000 currency notes and the gradual introduction of new Rs500 and Rs2,000 notes.
There have been mixed reactions to the decision with some supporting it and others expressing doubts about its efficacy or condemning outright the chaos that has been unleashed in the economy.
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal jumped into the thick of the debate when he made it clear that he supports the move wholeheartedly.
Mohanlal put forth his view in a blog post in Malayalam. “I see it as a surgical strike with good intention – his speech as well as actions that followed. I don't worship personalities, but I idolise ideas which are honest. I see this decision as one such. Beyond the initial difficulties, I understand this is for a good cause,” a translated excerpt from the post read.
Like many others, Mohanlal, whose Pulimurugan (2016) recently became the first Malayalam film to collect Rs100 crore at the box office, also said that if people are ready to stand in queues for other purposes, why not for this?
“When such a big decision is taken, it won't be in ignorance," he wrote. "I understand the difficulties of standing in a queue. We stand in long queues outside liquor outlets, cinema theatres and religious places. There is no harm in standing in a queue for a good cause too, is what I think.”
Mohanlal was also of the opinion that the common man is not the only one affected by the decision. “This has equally affected celebrities like us too," he wrote. "But we are managing. If I need cash, I too will queue up like others. Personally, I am bearing all this because I know this is for the betterment of the nation. I salute the decision. Jai Hind!”
Mohanlal's post did not touch upon the problems being faced by daily-wagers, small traders and people without bank accounts and debit/credit cards. He did not also make any mention of the deaths, over 60 at last count, that have been reported from across the country of people standing in queues for hours at banks and ATMs.
The superstar is currently shooting for his next film in Surajgarh, Rajasthan.