Tamil Nadu's Naam Tamizar and MDMK may have sought a ban on John Abraham-starrer political-thriller "Madras Cafe", but the actor-producer believes in the right of freedom of speech, and says he won't fall prey to "bullying tactics".
"Madras Cafe", said to be fictional story based on real events that took place during Sri Lankan civil war, is only John's second production after the highly appreciated "Vicky Donor". Its vein is much different.
"People say I am a new producer, just one-film old... But I believe somebody should bring something different. Somebody should take a stand and take up a subject like this ('Madras Cafe' and project it. These bullying tactics of groups and parties... I do not accept it," John said at a press conference here Monday.
He said: "We will make such films in future aswell, and I don't see any problems with such films."
Describing the film as gritty and realistic, John also said that since the Central Board of Film Certificaton has granted the movie a U/A certificate, there must not be a problem.
"I am allowed to exercise freedom of speech as itis a democratic country," said the actor, who was flanked by the film's director, Shoojit Sircar, and actresses Nargis Fakhri and newcomer Raashi Khanna.
He even said that there was never an intention to promote "Madras Cafe" via the medium of controversy.
"It is an honest and credible film, and we hope it runs on word of mouth," said John.
The movie releases Aug 23.