Raghava Lawrence defends Tamil Nadu CM Vijay for allocating film portfolio to Egmore MLA Rajmohan

After actor Vishal publicly questioned Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay for appointing Egmore legislator Rajmohan as Minister for Film Technology and Cinematograph Act, Raghava Lawrence defended the actor-turned-politician.

In a post shared on X, Raghava supported Vijay's decision.

He wrote, "Our Honorable Chief Minister and Nanba #CMJosephVijay surely would not have taken this decision without careful thought and consideration. Rather than reacting impulsively, let us give it some time and extend our support."

Furthering showing hope in Rajmohan's appointment, he wrote, "I’m hopeful that Minister Rajmohan will deliver his best for the welfare of the film fraternity."

Raghava further added that Rajmohan's appointment should not be judged and he should be allowed sometime to settle into this role.

"I understand the concerns, especially given the current challenges faced by the film industry. However, Honorable Minister #RajMohan, as the Minister for Film Technology and the Cinematograph Act, deserves some time and a fair opportunity to settle into this role," he wrote.

What did Vishal say?

On May 17, Vishal questioned Vijay's decision of allocating the film portfolio to Rajmohan and has also made few requests to him.

Taking to X, Vishal stated that he was "disheartened" by the decision because he believes Vijay himself would have been the best person to take care of the ministry, given his decades long association with cinema.

He went on to make a few requests to CM Vijay.

1. Kindly introduce govt ticketing window which will bring revenue to govt as well as relief to viewers who pay Rs 30 per ticket.

2. Kindly abolish local body tax as we are the only state in India to induce 2 taxes against the "one india one tax "rule.

3. Kindly increase subsidy for small films every year from the current meager amount given.

"I know this can be given as a representation to the CM but these are being requested for the last 9 years. Not demeaning Mr. Rajmohan, but it's just my opinion. CM can give us the much needed relief. God bless," Vishal wrote in the post.

Meanwhile, on May 16, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar approved the portfolio allocations for the nine ministers who were sworn in alongside Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on May 10. TVK's Egmore MLA Rajmohan became the minister for school education, Tamil development, information and publicity.

Rajmohan will handle the following portfolios: Archaeology, Tamil Official Language and Tamil Culture, Information and Publicity, Film Technology and Cinematograph Act, Newsprint Control, Stationery and Printing, and Government Press.