Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker and TVK MLA J.C.D. Prabhakar made religious remarks that seemed to peddle a victimhood narrative while addressing the trailer launch of Prajapathi, a Christian biographical film based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, at an event held in Tamil Nadu on 25 July 2026.
These remarks are being made despite the fact that a Christian is the Chief Minister of the state and Prabhakar is the Assembly Speaker of the same government.
Presented by the Alleluia Prayer Fellowship, Prajapathi is a cinematic adaptation of a Christian stage production that has been performed for over 25 years. The trailer launch was attended by religious leaders, members of the film fraternity and public figures, including Prabhakar, who holds the constitutional office of Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
Addressing the gathering, Prabhakar said he had accepted the invitation despite having several other engagements because he considered the event significant in the present times.
“Despite having many other engagements, I gladly accepted the invitation to attend this event. I did so because I consider this gathering essential – a necessity dictated by the times we live in. We are rapidly moving towards an era where proclaiming the Gospel is becoming increasingly difficult; in such a climate, I sincerely hope and pray that this film touches the hearts of the people. They have put immense effort into creating a truly wonderful trailer. I extend my best wishes to everyone supporting this project.”
He went on to quote from the Bible while encouraging those gathered to publicly proclaim the Christian faith.
“Our dear brother spoke of being ‘tested and trusted.’ I would add another element: ‘tasted.’ The Bible says, ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good.’ It is precisely because we have tasted His goodness that we can stand boldly on this stage and proclaim it with a loud, confident voice.”
Prabhakar also urged people not to keep their God-given gifts to themselves and instead use them in service of the faith.
“God bestows a unique gift upon every individual, yet many choose to keep it hidden. We often see people holding back, thinking only of their own names, their children, and their families, believing that is enough or refraining due to fear and a lack of courage regarding the future.”
Recalling the group’s long history of Christian theatre, he praised their dedication and said meaningful work required commitment and sacrifice.
“They have been staging plays for twenty-five years. I recall seeing them perform at a play held at St. George’s School; the acting was truly magnificent. It was driven by a spirit of dedication and sacrifice. If one seeks to achieve something meaningful, to truly make a mark, one cannot simply go anywhere; one must pursue a path of true purpose and commitment.”
The Assembly Speaker also appealed for support for the project and its creator, Rupert, describing the film as part of a larger mission.
“Indeed, continuing on the journey toward the noble goal you have set for yourselves is a challenging task. He is the One who enables even the stammerer to speak and witness miracles; we have consistently seen in the lives of many that nothing is impossible for Him. In this spirit, Rupert has undertaken this challenging task, and it is our duty to stand firmly by his side and support him.”
Comparing Prajapathi with biblical films such as The Ten Commandments, Prabhakar said the film could carry the Christian message across India and beyond, while also pledging his own support.
“Producing and completing a film is indeed a formidable challenge. I recall how, in the past, we would repeatedly watch films like The Ten Commandments brought from abroad; many subsequent films also carried profound messages. Now, however, we have the opportunity to proclaim this Good News, originating from our own people here, to the entire nation of India and the world at large. Everyone must contribute to this mission; only through such collective contribution can a magnificent success be achieved. I wish to express here that, God willing, I too will lend a helping hand to this endeavor.”
He concluded his speech by quoting another Biblical passage.
“If you believe, you will see the glory of God. Nothing begun in faith will ever fail, for the God who grants victory is with us. I extend my greetings and take my leave. Thank you.”
JCD Prabhakar Initiated Assembly Proceedings With Bible Verses
In what appeared to be a first in the history of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Speaker John Christian Devavaram Prabhakar (J.C.D. Prabhakar) opened Assembly proceedings by quoting directly from the Christian Bible while occupying the constitutional Chair. Elected unanimously as Speaker on 12 May 2026 after his name was proposed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, Prabhakar cited three Biblical passages – Job 9:10, Proverbs 3:27 and Mark 12:31 during his inaugural address, stating that these verses had “never left” his heart.
At a felicitation event organised by the Tamil Nadu Christian Churches Federation on 9 June 2026, Prabhakar addressed representatives of the Christian community and said the State government was committed to the welfare of minorities. He urged those present to “pray” for Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and assured them that he would take up several demands with the government, including easier NOCs for churches, burial grounds, welfare measures for Christian evangelists, subsidies for pilgrimages to Israel, and closure of liquor shops on Good Friday. Prabhakar also remarked that while the government was elected by the majority, “there are abundant signs demonstrating its genuine concern for the minority population” and urged the community to “make the best use of this opportunity.”
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