The high-pitched battle between two camps of the Tamil film industry which are fighting for the reins of the South India Film Artists Association, or Nadigar Sangam, just got another twist with popular and influential film star Kamal Hassan deciding to throw his hat in the ring by announcing support for the Vishal camp.

Kamal Hassan has supported the nomination for Nasser, who is the Presidential candidate of the ‘Pandavar Ani’ consisting of Vishal, Karti, Ponvannan and Karunas.

“We met Kamal while he was at work and therefore couldn’t talk much but he gave us suggestions on what all could be done to modernise theatre and help artistes. He then proposed my name and it was seconded by actor Mohan,” Nasser told The New Indian Express.

TOI reports,

Kamal Haasan, who was dubbing for his upcoming film `Thoongavanam', met Vishal, Nasser, Karti and others on Thursday and proposed Nasser's candidature for the post of president of the South India Film Artistes' Association. Yesteryear actor Mohan seconded the proposal. Nasser will fight it out with incumbent president R Sarathkumar. “Extremely happy to see the legend (Kamal Haasan) supporting us and the cause we are standing up for,“ said Vishal.

Pandavar Ani is planning to hold a gathering of its supporters at actor Rajinikanth's Raghavendra Mandapam in Kodambakkam on Fridayevening. Observers were reading into the choice of venue, wondering if Rajinikanth too had thrown his weight behind the Ani. 

You can read an explainer about the entire controversy here.