Rajinikanth's 'Darbar' to be edited,makers to remove scenes with references to VK Sasikala

Superstar Rajinikanth starrer Darbar released in aters on January 9 ahead of festival of Pongal and has received a staggering response from his fans and audiences from all over world. Bankrolled by Lyca Productions and directed by Ghajini fame A.R Murugadoss, film features Rajinikanth along with actor Nayanthara in a cop thriller drama. However, an issue has been raised over a scene in film where an indirect reference has been made to incarcerated VK Sasikala, a close aide of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha.

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In one of scenes of Darbar, in which Rajinikanth can be seen essaying role of a cop, an indirect reference to Sasikala enjoying VVIP life inside prison has been made. According to reports, Sasikala's lawyers had asked Lyca Productions and makers of Darbar to eir remove said scene or add a disclaimer regarding scene. In response to this, Lyca Productions have stated that makers of film did t mean to cause any offense with reference to jail and inmates and that are willing to remove controversial part from film. y added that scene had been included purely for entertainment and t to 'hurt' some people.

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Sasikala - a high-profile prisoner

VK Sasikala, a close aide of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha, has been serving a 4-year jail sentence since 2017 after being convicted in a disproportionate assets case. In July 2017, a report by Deputy Inspector General Prisons, D Roopa regarding irregularities in Bengaluru Central jail had taken country by storm. revelations about VK Sasikala being given VVIP treatment inside jail had made national headlines as y brought to surface several Class-A privileges that politician allegedly enjoys despite being reprimanded to custody for a high profile corruption case.

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Also read | Report confirms Jayalalithaa's close aide Sasikala received privileges in Bengaluru Central jail