A pre-recorded event where actress Jytoika was being facilitated with an award became a talking point during this Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic after a video of the actress stating that she couldn't bring herself to visit the Brihadeeshwara Temple at Thanjavur (she doesn't mention the name) went viral. Jyotika was addressing the need to donate more to hospitals and schools and her stand-point that people should choose this over temples did not sit well with a certain section. 

However, the actress's recent film directors like JJ Fredrick (Pon Magal Vanthal) and Era. Saravanan came to her defence, with the latter even posting a detailed explanation in the issue's context.

#அக்கறைமட்டுமே.. வலியுறுத்த விரும்பியது மருத்துவத்திற்கும் கல்விக்கும் கூடுதலான அக்கறை செலுத்த வேண்டுமென்றுதான்.. நல்ல விஷயத்த அரசியல் ஆக்கவேண்டாமே 💐🤗#IgnoreNegativity #SpreadLove #தஞ்சைபெரியகோவில் #Jyothika #StayHomeStaySafe pic.twitter.com/aZBQ5sO2nk

— Jj Fredrick (@fredrickjj) April 21, 2020

But the public opinion on this issue remained divided as 'religion' continues to be a sensitive subject in a polarized country like ours. 

The problem is That people dont understand what she really meant. Her motive was to emphasize on the fact that the schools & hospitals should be as maintained as the temples. Nothing Wrong in that. Religion is there 2 give peace & not fight #jyothika

— Dhushanthy (@Dhushanthy2) April 21, 2020

Yaarum theatre kum pogatheenga...antha kaasa hospital ku katta kodunga🙌🏻...kovil undiyal la podra 10rs vida. Theatre la kotra kaasu thaan athigam😁....athu innum periya palangalai kodukkum hospital ku

— ᴳᵘⁿᵃᴮᴷʳᶦˢʰツGUட்_NAண்பன் (@GunaBKrish) April 22, 2020

Thank u for posting this video.. Nowadays it's becoming a trend to bash if anyone talks about religion.. She told to donate schools & Hospitals as Temples.

— Parilover (@Parilover2) April 22, 2020

Her motive may be good, but when speaking in public, she should speak carefully about sensitive issues!

— Arun Mohan Chennai (@_arun_chennai_) April 22, 2020

#jyotika why madam? why this much aversion? Hospitals and temples are like two eyes to the society. Lift one and drop another is not correct. Also avoid teasing religions. Thanks

— Balasubramaniam (@balatiruppur) April 22, 2020

She said something what these gravity defying overhyped toxic machismos have ever had the guts to say. Hats off Jyotika... https://t.co/V1EW5WCJOS

— Guppy (@guppystweet) April 23, 2020

I know about #Jyotika mam and I personally got a chance to meet her. Her intention is to do some good for #Tanjore people.. No need to clarify anyone.. Ignore negativity..

— Kamalesh (@kamaleshvinoth) April 23, 2020

its investment. money doesn't come from sky they work for it and they are using that money to educated kids and help gov school..what she said might make u feel wrong but there is truth in it...as she said keep hospital and temples balance..🙏 she didnt talk anything abt religion

— Ayushmaan Bhava (@SuriyaMaara) April 21, 2020

Still thinking about wats wrong with what Jyothika said 🤔? #Jyotika

— Gautam (@Gautam12568942) April 23, 2020

Etha solitu yen kadaisiya Nan antha koiluku pogalanu sonanga. Apa atha Grand Temple ah Kevala padurathura mathri erukula..

— Prabhaharan💙 (@Iamprabhatj) April 23, 2020

•பிரதமர் திரு. @narendramodi அவர்கள் கூறியதும் #Jyotika Anni அவர்கள் கூறியதும் ஒன்றுதான்.

இவை இரண்டும் வரவேற்று பாராட்ட வேண்டும் இதில் எந்த தவறும் இல்லை.

அரசியல் செய்ய நினைத்தால் அசிங்கம் படப் போவது நீங்கள் தான் 🤟#WeStandsWithJyotikaWords pic.twitter.com/K33utamdTR

— Suriya Fans Club™ (@SuriyaFansClub) April 22, 2020