Politician opposes English names for Tamil films

Chennai, Jan 20 (IANS): A political party in Tamil Nadu has taken exception to actor Kamal Haasan and director S.J. Surya naming their new films in English and threatened to prevent their shooting and halting their screening if the names are not changed.

Kamal Haasan's new film is titled "Mumbai Express" and Suryah has named his film "BF" for best friend.

Thol Thirumavalavan, general secretary of the Dalit Panther of India (DPI), said: "If these titles are not changed, we would prevent them from shooting the movie, (and) halt their screening throughout the state."

Speaking at a book release function, Thirumavalavan said though he had reverence for the acting skills of Kamal Haasan, he was unhappy with the name of his forthcoming film.

"Kamal is adamant against any change of name in spite of several pleas," he said.

About the title of Suryah's film, Thirumavalavan said: "Everyone knows what he wants to convey through the title of the film, but he could have done the same in Tamil."

The Dalit leader was of the opinion that English names hurt the sensibilities of Tamils and said he would not allow the abuse of language in Tamil cinema irrespective of the person's stature.