Never said no to Hindi: Vijay Sethupathi weighs in on language debate

 
In a recent press meet in Chennai, acclaimed actor Vijay Sethupathi found himself at the center of controversy as he responded to a reporter's questions about the long-standing issue of opposing Hindi in Tamil Nadu and shared his perspective on the ongoing debate surrounding south-north films.

### **Hindi Imposition and Language Learning**

During the event, the actor passionately expressed his views on the opposition to Hindi, making a clear distinction between opposing the language itself and opposing its imposition. Sethupathi emphasized that Hindi, as a language, was never opposed, but the resistance was against the imposition of Hindi on the diverse linguistic landscape of Tamil Nadu.

Responding to the reporter's inquiry about learning Hindi, the actor recalled a similar question posed to Aamir Khan and defended his stance. He clarified that the objection was not against individuals choosing to learn Hindi but against any forced imposition of the language. Sethupathi highlighted that people in Tamil Nadu are open to learning Hindi voluntarily, and the actor criticized the question's relevance, urging the media to understand the distinction between opposing imposition and learning a language willingly.

### **South-North Film Debate**

Addressing another significant topic, Vijay Sethupathi shared his perspective on the ongoing debate about the divide between south and north Indian film industries. The actor referred to an earlier instance during a teaser launch where he was asked about the existing barriers between the two industries. According to Sethupathi, someone on stage had noted that with the advent of OTT platforms, the metaphorical wall separating the south and north film industries had crumbled.

The actor's statement suggests a positive outlook on the impact of digital platforms, indicating that they have played a role in bridging the gap between regional cinemas. The discussion around south-north films has been a longstanding one, and Sethupathi's remarks hint at a changing landscape where content from various regions is finding a broader audience through online platforms.

In conclusion, Vijay Sethupathi's recent statements shed light on the nuanced perspective regarding the language debate in Tamil Nadu and the evolving dynamics in the film industry, emphasizing the role of digital platforms in fostering a more inclusive cinematic landscape. As the actor's film, directed by Sriram Raghavan, is set for release around the Pongal holiday, it remains to be seen how these discussions will influence the reception of the movie in theaters.