Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Friday ruled out providing prolonged police protection for the shooting of the film Sandiyar, starring Kamal Hassan.
"There are so many film being produced in the state without any trouble. Why should the producer of this particular film deliberately choose a controversial subject and seek protection?" she asked.
Owing to limited manpower, the police cannot provide police protection for long periods, Jayalalithaa told reporters in Chennai.
Kamal Hassan had cancelled the film shooting scheduled for June 9 at Chinnamanur and Utthamapalayam as the Theni district police had expressed its inability to provide protection following threats by a dalit party, Puthiya Tamizhagam, to block filming.
Puthiya Tamizhagam chief Dr K Krishnasamy said the film would spread a 'sickle culture' as the script was based on an old communal clash in the southern district.
Kamal insists his new venture would not incite communal hatred or violence.
While cancelling the shooting, Kamal had said he would meet Jayalalithaa to seek protection for the shooting.
On Friday, Jayalalithaa said the district police had the right to deny protection if they expected trouble due to the film shooting.
The police is duty bound to protect the public at large, but not individuals for prolonged periods, she said.
