Pa Ranjith, Vetri Maaran, Andrea Jeremiah join Chennai protest backing students; question CM Vijay over silence
ETimes | July 24, 2026 6:39 PM CST
Several well-known names from the Tamil film industry came together in Chennai on Thursday to support the students' ongoing protest. Director Pa Ranjith ’s Neelam Cultural Centre organised a protest at Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore. Many filmmakers, actors, musicians and members of the artistic community attended the gathering.
Tamil film personalities join students in ChennaiTaking to their Instagram handle, they posted pictures showing support for the students protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and called for greater political accountability. Many people are demanding action over the alleged NEET paper leak and raising concerns about the examination system.
Pa Ranjith questions Chief Minister Vijay During the protest, Pa Ranjith questioned Chief Minister Vijay for not speaking about the alleged police action against students protesting in Delhi. He said, “Has the Chief Minister not seen those videos? How can you remain a silent spectator when students are being assaulted? The government itself should provide a space for students to protest. We want a Chief Minister who stands with the people. The fight against NEET should not remain just a slogan. You (the Chief Minister) must join us in this struggle.”
Vetri Maaran calls for complete abolition of NEETDirector Vetri Maaran said the continuing protests show that the system has failed to address the concerns of students. He said, “If students are forced to come out and protest, it means the institutions meant to address their concerns are not functioning properly. That itself is an indicator of the government's failure. Our demand should not be for a 'fair NEET'. It should be for the complete abolition of NEET.”
He also shared a personal example and said, “I see the burden of NEET firsthand. My friend's children have had to sacrifice an entire academic year just to prepare for and clear the exam. NEET is taking medical education away from us and forcing us to stand helplessly before the government. We must unite and intensify the demand to abolish NEET. We will continue to stand for that cause.”
Andrea Jeremiah attends her first protestActor and singer Andrea Jeremiah said this was the first public protest she had ever attended. She explained that she had been following the developments over the past week and wanted to stand with the students. She said, “This is the first protest of my life. I've been following the developments over the past week. Though we may be far away from Jantar Mantar, we are all emotionally invested in this issue.”
Along with Pa Ranjith, Vetri Maaran and Andrea Jeremiah, directors Ameer, singer-rapper Arivu, music composer Sai Abhyankkar and several others also took part in the protest.
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