Can't act in sequel to Imsai Arasan 23 M Pulikesi, says Vadivelu

One of Tamil film industry's top comedians, Vadivelu, has told the South Indian Artistes Association (SIAA) better known as the Nadigar Sangam, that he will not be able to act in the sequel to the hugely successful Imsai Arasan 23 M Pulikesi, being produced by ace director S Shankar's S Pictures.

The actor said this in his reply to the Nadigar Sangam, which had sent him two letters, seeking an explanation from him. It may be recalled that director Shankar had filed a complaint with the Tamil Film Producers' Council (TFPC) that the actor, after having agreed to play the lead in the sequel of the immensely successful film, was refusing to act now. The TFPC referred Shankar's complaint to the Nadigar Sangam, which in turn sent two letters to Vadivelu, seeking a response to the allegations levelled against him. 

In his reply, Vadivelu has said, "I agreed to act in the sequel of this film on 1 June 2016. I was assured that they would complete shooting this film by December 2016. They said I should not sign any other films during this period. I agreed and as I had given them an assurance that I would not act in any other films, I let go off many opportunities. However, they did not even begin the film by December 2016. Despite this being the case, keeping in mind the state of the film industry and for the sake of the producer, I gave them dates and acted as per their wishes. At this stage, S Pictures removed my personal costume designer. Moreover, they lodged a complaint with the producer's council [TFPC] in which they have tried to portray a wrong picture, saying that the popularity that I enjoy today is only because of having acted in the first part of this film. If I had refused to act as per the agreement, why did they not lodge a complaint before December 2016? They have lodged a complaint with malafide intentions a year after the agreement period has ended. 

Vadivelu further said, "After having signed this film, I did not accept any other films despite getting many such offers during 2016-2017. As a result, I have suffered mentally and financially. The Nadigar Sangam's move to compel me to act in this film before hearing my side of the story is against the rules. As Nasser is acting in this film, he is not in a position to work for the welfare of the Nadigar Sangam. If I continue to act in this film, all other films that I have signed will be affected. I hereby state that I am unable to allocate anymore dates to work in Imsai Arasan 23 M Pulikesi 2 due to financial, family and emotional reasons."