After police complaint against Vijay, health disclaimer added in Leo song Naa Ready

Ever since the release of “Naa Ready” lyric video from Vijay’s Leo, the Tamil star has been facing backlash from several quarters for allegedly promoting smoking, drinking and drug abuse. Pattali Makkal Katchi president Dr Anbumani Ramadoss issued a statement condemning Vijay for promoting smoking as the song features the actor having a cigarette between his lips throughout. Later, a social activist named RTI Selvam filed an online complaint against Vijay with Chennai Police Commissioner for allegedly promoting drug use among youngsters. In response to such opposition, the makers have now inserted health disclaimers in the song.

Now, all the scenes in the song which feature cigarettes and alcohol will bear the health warning. However, the makers have not changed lines like “Milli ulla ponaa podhum, Ghill Vella varuvaam paaru (The moment alcohol goes inside, Ghilli will come out)” which faced criticism.

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This is not the first time Vijay is facing backlash for smoking on screen. Anbumani Ramadoss criticised the actor back in 2007 when Pokkiri was released. Again in 2011, Vijay was at the receiving end of backlash for smoking scenes in Thuppakki. Not just Vijay, Rajinikanth and Dhanush are the other Tamil actors who were put in a similar spot. While Rajinikanth stopped such scenes after his film Baba (2002), Dhanush was seen smoking in Naane Varuven, which was released last year.

Meanwhile, Leo is all set to be released on October 19. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film also stars Trisha, Sanjay Dutt, Gautham Menon, and Myskkin in prominent roles. After Leo’s release, Vijay will team up with Venkat Prabhu for his next.