Actor Vishal has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks at a farmers' protest in Thanjavur, saying the comments could have been avoided while acknowledging that such situations are an inherent part of political life.

Speaking to Kumudham, Vishal said he watched Udhayanidhi's interview while at a studio and noted that most channels did not air the full statement, with only a national television channel broadcasting it completely. "Some things can be avoided. Sometimes people speak because of the situation they're in. That's politics. Speaking from a prepared script is different from speaking spontaneously," he said, adding that even his own comments on cinema often invite controversy.

Vishal also drew on a personal connection to both figures involved, recalling his college days at Chennai's Loyola College. "We never imagined that one day our senior would send our batchmate to jail. Today, Udhayanidhi is there, Vijay has entered politics, everything has changed," he said.

He acknowledged that the police acted on what they believed was a mistake but noted that Udhayanidhi had since secured bail and the issue had become a matter of wider public debate. "Perhaps all of this could have been avoided. But if this is politics, what else can we expect?" he added.

The controversy began after Udhayanidhi responded to an audience member who shouted the name of a female Tamil actor during a speech criticising Chief Minister Vijay. His response was widely interpreted as a sexually suggestive remark, drawing sharp criticism. Multiple cases were registered and Udhayanidhi was questioned at the Sengipatti police station before being granted bail.