Bhagyaraj steps down

In a dramatic turn of events, the writer, actor and filmmaker Bhagyaraj stepped down from the post of president of the South Indian Film Writers Association. He had taken a stand in the Sarkar story theft issue in which he had supported associate director Varun Rajendran against AR Murugadoss.  His resignation comes now in the wake of massive criticism from Vijay fans over his stand on the plagiarism charge.

Bhagyaraj had confirmed that the Varun story and the story of Sarkar was the same and during meetings on the issue he had also revealed the story of Sarkar for which he was heavily criticised. Sources also say he was upset with the way the media covered the entire episode. He went on record saying, “I was personally hurt with this issue, with all the criticism and baseless allegations. My own son (Shanthanu) is a Vijay fan and he is being targeted and abused on social media for no reason. Why should he be criticised?”

Actor Shanthanu had posted on his social media, “I still don’t know why the press is twisting the statement Appa gave! This is ethically wrong! Appa has not given any further statement on the story claims and screenplay rights! pls don’t manipulate for sake of news! #SarkarStoryIssue #KBhagyaraj. [sic]”.

Bhagyaraj had assumed charge in Writers Association about six months ago. He had this to say about resigning from his post. “With the support of all members, I was selected as the president of the Writers Association without a formal election. I gladly accepted the honour and vowed to work with integrity and honesty. Now, the union faced the Sarkar controversy. We felt there was genuineness in Varun’s claim and after consulting all the members in charge, we could settle the issue in a fair and amicable manner.”

“While working on this issue, I had to face to many uncomfortable circumstances. I feel that the major reason for this situation was that I did not compete in an election, but got unanimously chosen as the president. 

I also noticed certain irregularities in the association and there’s an urgent need to change the rules and regulations for its welfare. In the present scenario, I am afraid I will not be able to do these changes.   So, in the future, I will contest in the election as a candidate, win and work to the best of my abilities,” he added.

The actor-writer also left a note towards the end saying, “Considering the well- being of the association, I don’t want to disclose the details of unpleasant events that occurred to me. I spoke to Murugadoss personally, but he was keen on moving to court and facing the issue legally. So, without a choice, I was forced into a situation where I had to reveal the story of Sarkar, which is produced by a prolific production company like Sun Pictures. However, I realise it was my mistake and express my apologies for the same. 

The South Indian Films Writers Association refused to accept Bhagyaraj’s resignation and has asked him to continue as president. In a letter signed by Manoj Kumar, secretary, it said, “We consulted all the members and Executive Committee regarding your resignation. No one is willing to accept it. Hence, we hereby inform that you would continue in the post of president of the association.”