The trailer also shows a Tamil rebel group leader Anna played by Tamil actor Ajay Ratnam. Call it a coincidence but the actor bears a very close resemblance to the LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. The look and the costume are similar to the rebel leader as well.
The Tamil group Naam Thamizhar have already expressed their objection to the film's release as they are alleging that the film is showcasing the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) in bad light. The group has also demanded that they should be allowed to preview the film before the release. However, the film's director Shoojit Sircar has denied the allegations.
`Any fictional story will take things from real events. And for this film it is the backdrop of Sri Lanka, so, obviously, it refers to all those who were part of that time -- from the rebels, to civilians, to the peace force and the governments of Sri Lanka and India. Please watch the film before arriving at any conclusions.`
Earlier Shoojit Sircar had said that `There is a fictional rebel group in the film but we don't call them the LTTE and unless you see it you can't pass judgment.`
Well! Simply calling the rebel group by a different name may not save the day for Madras Cafe if there is any protest post release. As of now, the makers of the film are very happy that the film has been cleared by the Censor Board and is releasing on the scheduled date of 23rd August.
'Madras Cafe' starring John Abraham and Nargis Fakhri has been directed by Shoojit Sircar and is slated to release nationwide in theatres on 23rd August. It is co-produced by JA Entertainment, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Rising Sun Films.