CHENNAI: The city police are considering registering of a criminal case against Vijay Sethupathi after visuals of the actor wielding a machete to cut his birthday cake went viral on social media. The 43-year-old later issued a statement apologizing for the incident which he said occurred at a shooting spot three days ago. Police said they are considering legal experts.
The celebrations involving the actor, who is elated after the box office success of his latest Kollywood movie ‘Master’ also starring Vijay, also included film director Ponram and a few assistant directors. Though the event was held indoors with limited attendees, a video of the ‘cutting’ was leaked on social media and soon sparked a big debate, with many people saying it set a poor example.
In his statement issued later, Vijay Sethupathi expressed regret. He said he had agreed to use the machete as it plays a vital role in his upcoming film with Ponram, but admitted that it was the wrong thing to do. “After many well-wishers told me this would set a bad example for the common people, I am issuing this statement. I vow to be more cautious in future,” he said.
But the storm triggered by the incident continues to rage. Many say that the city police, who had earlier arrested a few rowdies, small-time anti-social elements often termed ‘Pullingos’, lawyers and even newly married man for such celebrations, should use the same yardstick whule dealing with the present case. Karthikeyan, an advocate practising in the Madras high court, said, “The law is equal for all. Police should register a case against Vijay Sethupathi for using a machete to cut his birthday cake.”
Since 2018 when rowdy Binu Pappachan celebrated his birthday by cutting a cake with a machete at a farmhouse and was arrested, such celebrations have become common, say activists.