Actor Sanjeev Venkat, known for his supporting role in films and Tamil TV serials, and for being a close friend to Vijay from their college days, said that the actor-politician is not afraid to hold a press meet amid the political row surrounding the Karur stampede incident. "Since I am not in politics, I don't have the knowledge surrounding the issue, but I am sure he will issue a statement to the press and meet them at the right time," he said, speaking at the press meet of his upcoming web series Veduvan.

Sanjeev has continued to back the actor since the incident took place in Tamil Nadu's Karur district on September 27, where 41 people, including women and children, lost their lives, with several others injured and still under treatment.

A few days after the tragedy unfolded, Sanjeev shared a few lines from 'Nee Singam Dhan' from Pathu Thala which roughly translates to 'To bring down your name, even if many elephants gather, you are a lion.' He also tagged Vijay and wrote, "Once a lion, always a lion."

Vijay and Sanjeev have acted in several movies together including Poove Unakkaga (1996), Minsara Kanna (1999), Friends (2001), Badri (2001), Pudhiya Geethai (2003), Sachin (2005), Thirupaachi (2005), Pokiri (2007) and Vettaikaaran (2009), among others.

Meanwhile, Vijay has promised a compensation of Rs 20 lakhs to the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakhs for those injured. He had issued a video statement last week explaining himself and his party, expressing condolences, and also being firm about the involvement of political sabotage in the incident. On Tuesday, he also spoke to the affected parties via video call, assuring them of all help needed.

Veduvan also stars Kanna Ravi in the lead. The extended cast of the crime drama features Sravnitha Srikanth, Aishwarya Raghupathi, Vinusha Devi, Lavanya, Rekha Nair, Parvathy, and Jeeva Ravi. Written and directed by Pavan, the series is scheduled to hit Zee5 OTT platform on October 10.