Vishal appears before CBI in CBFC bribery case - 'Never ever thought...'

Tamil actor-producer Vishal on Tuesday appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Mumbai as part of the ongoing investigation against the Central Board of Certification (CBFC). 

Vishal took to social media to confirm the news and expressed disbelief about being part of a CBI probe. "Now on my way to CBI office in Mumbai for an enquiry regarding the CBFC case. Lol. Never ever thought I will be going to this office too in my life," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. 

"Just finished my visit to CBI office in Mumbai for an enquiry regarding the CBFC case. Was a complete new experience and am glad the way the enquiry is being conducted. Took some inputs too about how a CBI office would look like. Lol. Never ever thought in my life I will be going to this Govt office too. Need to step in to stand up against corruption in real life too and not just in reel life," he added. 

In September this year, Vishal released a video making serious allegations against the CBFC office in Mumbai . He alleged that he was forced to pay bribes to the members of the censor board to get a clearance for his previous movie, Mark Antony. Allegedly, he disbursed a sum of Rs 6.5 lakh as a bribe to secure certification for the Hindi version of the movie in North Indian states.

ALSO READ: CBFC reacts to Vishal’s corruption claims: Accusations bring a bad name to the board

Vishal also shared the details of transferring the alleged bribe money in two instalments. "Never faced this situation ever in my career. Had no option but to pay the concerned mediator #Menaga coz too much at stake since movie released today. Bringing this to the notice of Hon Chief Minister of Maharashtra and my Hon PM Narendra Modiji. Doing this is not for me but for future producers. NOT HAPPENING. My hard earned money gone for corruption ??? No way. Evidence down for all to hear. Hope truth prevails as always (sic)," Vishal said in his statement. 

Vishal's bold allegations sent a shock wave across the country, leading to an investigation led by the CBI. 

Mark Antony was released in cinemas on September 14 in Tamil and Telugu. Despite the mixed reviews, the movie managed to do well at the box office by raking in more than Rs 100 crore in global ticket sales. 

ALSO READ: After Vishal, Samuthirakani reveals bribing government officials for 'tax-free certificate '

Written and directed by Adhik Ravichandran, the film also stars SJ Suryah and Ritu Varma. The film is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.