Mersal is the most anticipated Tamil release this year. Much like every Vijay film, Mersal opened to fabulous response from fans across the state. However, the film is in news for all the wrong reasons.

On Thursday, the Tamil Nadu BJP's president Tamilisai Soundrajan objected to scenes that criticised the Centre's GST regime and asked for cuts. She also slammed Vijay and director Atlee for spreading 'factually incorrect' information. Thanks to the BJP, now the controversial GST is trending on several social media platforms. In the video, Vijay says that Singapore has a GST of 7% and yet provide free medical services.

Scene that North Korean President Kim Jong-Un wants to delete from the Movie "Mersal". (2017) pic.twitter.com/suBoE1s0ea - History of India (@RealHistoryPic) October 21, 2017

Whereas in India, he says we pay 12 % GST for medicine, while there's no GST for alcohol. Later in that scene, Vijay also talks about the Gorakpur tragedy and power outrage at a hospital in Pondicherry. Vijay's fans also expressed their gratitude to the BJP for making the film a nation wide phenomena.

Anna listen if you correct a wise man he'll appreciate you but if you correct me I'll Censor you, Coimbatore.(2017) pic.twitter.com/fEIdd0HARi - History of India (@RealHistoryPic) October 21, 2017

PM Modi personally visited Vijay and requested him to ask his followers to stop trending #MersalVsModi, Chennai.(2017) pic.twitter.com/IhE8iQBeUb - History of India (@RealHistoryPic) October 20, 2017

Bro. Tamilnadu BJP has become Jokers. I think the movie team is using you guys for free publicity plus valid reason for trimming ??? https://t.co/SAN1vMspTf October 20, 2017

On Friday, veteran actor Kamal Haasan backed Vijay on Twitter and asked not to re-censor the film. Several celebrities like Arvind Swami, GV Prakash Kumar, SR Prabhu and others extended their support to Mersal team.

Mersal was certified. Dont re-censor it . Counter criticism with logical response. Dont silence critics. India will shine when it speaks. - Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) October 20, 2017

Directed by Atlee, Mersal tells the story of Vetri and Maaran, who fight against medical mafia. There's a scene in the film where Vijay explains why people prefer private hospitals over government hospitals.

Mersal had a record-breaking opening on its first day and collected over Rs 43.3 crore. Made on a budget of Rs 120 crore, the film is likely to enter the Rs 100-crore club over the weekend.