Monday Oct 08 2007, Chennai

Periyar: New attempts in Tamil cinema

Directed by - Gnana Rajasekharan

Produced by - Liberty Creations Limited

Music by - Vidyasagar

Casts - Sathyaraj, Jyothirmayi, Kushboo, Swarnamalya, Vennira Aadai Nirmala

Banner - Liberty Creations Limited

E.V.Ramasamy Naickar popularly knows as Periyar, is a legendary figure that dominated the public life of Tamilnadu over 50 years.He is a revolutionary leader, social reformer, atheist, and founding father of the Dravidian movement that dominates the political and social arena of Tamilnadu over 75 years.Director Rajasekharan is known for bold and new attempts in Tamil cinema.

First he made a film based on a famous and poignant novel Mogamul written by Thi.Janakiraman.The film received critical acclaim besides having a fair run at box office.Then he made a bold attempt to portray the life of legendary poet Bharathi in celluloid.Despite some flaws the film was widely accepted and appreciated.

Now he has made a film on another legendary figure of Tamilnadu.It is but natural that huge expectations surrounding such attempts as the film deals with the life that had a great influence on Tamil society.It is also a great risk as both the followers and detractors of the leader would closely scrutinize the movie, as the stakes on both sides are very high.So it is worth and fair to appreciate Gnana Rajasekharan’s courageous attempt before analyzing the movie.Periyar was a multi dimensional personality.

He was a good orator.He was an atheist.He fought for social justice and self-respect.He was vehemently critical on superstitions.His opinions triggered strong feelings against a group even as it consolidated many social segments.

It is very difficult to highlight all the elements and hence Rajasekharan has concentrated more on the leader’s social dimension.He has portrayed Periyar, like he did with Bharathi, as a social reformer.He has also tried to give a sketch of his life right from his young years till his death.Periyar’s journey of life, including his journey to Kasi and his brief stint in Congress party is portrayed in the film.The film brings to the fore the wonders created by his forthright approach in the lives of the downtrodden and those who were at the receiving end of the Hindu Caste system.

It also speaks about the birth of DMK.On personal front, the script covers his marriages and his friendship with persons like Rajaji who were in opposite camp.The director has successfully conveyed the intensity of the leader’s life without missing the humane moments.There are certain flaws in the film in terms of factual accuracy and omissions.Some political leaders and film personalities have gone on record listing the inadequacies and factual errors.

We must remember that putting everything in a single movie is not possible.Moreover, a Dravidian government has funded the film and hence it is understandable that Rajasekharan has no other go than being politically correct in his treatment.However, he could have easily avoided featuring young Periya in a duet.These kinds of films can definitely do without such gimmicks.Moreover, the stress could have been given to the later part of his life instead of dragging the film portraying his young years.

Most Periyar’s contribution came when he was old.The narrative is so flat that it fails to touch the right chord of the audience.The songs do serve as mini intervals.Vidyasagar’s background score leaves much to be desired.Lenin's crisp editing, and excellent camera work of Thankar Bachchan deserve to be applauded.

Performance wise, Sathyaraj has come out with flying colors in a role of his lifetime.He has got into the skin of the character and handled the role with ease.His portrayal of old Periya is better than that of young Periyar.The fact that Chief Minister of Tamilnadu M.Karunanidhi, a veteran leader of Dravidian Movement and a close associate of Periyar, has complemented the actor speaks for itself.

Kushboo and Jyothirmayi as Maniammai and Nagammal have done justice to their respective roles.The small characters like Stanly (as Anna) Kumar (Rajaji) have done well.Overall, Gnana Rajashekharan has done a commendable job in depicting a legendary leader’s life.Though there are some inadequacies in the narration the bold attempt should be appreciated and encouraged so that more such efforts would be made.