Actor Vijay Sethupathi’s Daughter Gets Rape Threat Over Muttiah Muralitharan Biopic Row

Actor Vijay Sethupathi’s Daughter Gets Rape Threat Over Muttiah Muralitharan Biopic Row
Mr Sethupathi yesterday withdrew from the film after criticism in the southern state over his portraying a man who “played fiddle when Lankan Tamils were dying”

Chennai: Tamil actor Vijay Sethupathi’s daughter received a rape threat on social media today, as controversy over her father’s initial acceptance of a starring role in “800” – a biopic on Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan – refuses to die down.
Mr Sethupathi, who has already quit the film, was told his daughter would be raped if he acted in the movie. Twitter user @ItsRithikRajh reportedly said “only sexual assault would make him (Mr Sethupathi) learn the hardship faced by Lankan Tamils”.

The account has been deleted; it is unclear if it was removed by Twitter or the user. Chennai Police have registered a case and an investigation is underway.

Mr Sethupathi yesterday withdrew from the film after fierce criticism from political leaders and others in the southern state over his portraying of a man who “played fiddle when Lankan Tamils were dying”.

The actor’s decision came after an appeal by Mr Muralitharan; the cricketer said he did not wish for a top artist to be affected because of him.

DMK MP Kanimozhi has expressed outrage over the barbaric and shocking threat.

“The perverse intimidation of Vijay Sethupathi’s daughter is not only barbaric but extremely dangerous to the very fabric of our society. Making women and children the soft targets is a cowardly act. The police should take stern action against the perpetrator,” Ms Kanimozhi tweeted.

“The only war cowards fight is against women and children. The threat against actor Vijay Sethupathi’s daughter is a shame. Trolling women and children should be punished,” she added.

Although Mr Muralitharan is a Lankan Tamil who has roots in India, pro-Tamil groups have branded him a “betrayer of Tamils” and alleged the cricketer supported the killing of Tamil civilians during the armed conflict between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government.

An estimated one lakh Tamil civilians were reportedly killed in bombing raids by Lankan forces during the final phase of the war against the LTTE.

Mr Sethupathi’s daughter isn’t the only high-profile victim of such bestial threats in recent days; earlier this month cricketer MS Dhoni’s daughter was similarly threatened after her father – who plays for the Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL – lost a match.

Thanks :NDTV