Tamil comedian-actor 'Vaigai Puyal' Vadivelu extended his support to acclaimed filmmaker Mari Selvaraj on Thursday, December 21, for taking part in the Tirunelveli flood rescue efforts with Udhayanidhi Stalin, Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development. The hit director, who has made films Pariyerum Perumal (2018), Karnan (2021), and Maamannan (2023), accompanied the sports minister over the past two days, for the rescue efforts after the Thamirabarani river flooded due to continuous rains for the last 2 days, along with the districts of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi (Tuticorin). Although both Udhayanidhi Stalin and Mari Selvaraj were seen working with the authorities to help those stranded in the floods, a section of the people also criticized them, with Vadivelu now addressing the issue during a public appearance in Chennai.
Speaking about Udhayanidhi Stalin and Mari Selvaraj's efforts during the Tirunelveli flood rescue operations, Vadivelu said, "Our government is facing several challenges today. There was a cyclone here in Chennai. That changed into a big political topic. Now, there are floods in the South. But, it couldn't be converted to a political topic because the water flow is huge. Those who are doing politics, why aren't they doing the same there? They can't. They're shouting and one among them is saying, 'Why is that director going there? What business does that director have with this?' It's his hometown. Only he knows where there are potholes and pits on the roads in his hometown. Shouldn't he go there? If not him, who else will go? He only will know who will be needing and seeking help."
Vadivelu continued, "Another person is saying something like, 'Why is Udhayanidhi Stalin going there?' Who is he? He's the person who should go there and let the people know that he's there for them, and is living amongst them. All the ministers, MLAs, and officials are struggling in the water and they all are working together based on the orders from the top. I'm not interested in talking politics. I'm not speaking politics. Everyone has a part in this. But, some are questioning him for going there. 'What job does he have there? Why is he going there?' Where has he come from? Did Mari Selvaraj come here from America? They're talking unnecessarily. I'm trying to maintain my composure. I'm not talking about anybody in particular." He further stated, "One person is asking, 'What does Udhayanidhi know?' A reporter queried him that the work wasn't progressing at a faster pace. He responded saying, 'Have I come here to do a tour of this place? We are doing our work.' After all, the work is being carried out. On that one day, when the rain was pouring heavily, not a single person was seen outside. How will anyone be able to do anything when there's so much water? Will I be able to go? Nobody can go there. They feel for the hardships that the people are experiencing. And, this government is carrying out the work wonderfully."
Vadivelu played the role of Udhayanidhi Stalin's father in Maamannan under Mari Selvaraj's direction released earlier this year, which also starred Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil and National Award-winning actress Keerthy Suresh, with the music composed by Academy Award winner A. R. Rahman. Watch Vadivelu's speech in the video below:
