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The Hindu
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
When Tamil cinema and railways cross tracks
There's a track where Tamil cinema and the railways intersect in Madras. Several hit films and iconic scenes, which are etched in the memory of filmgoers, were shot on railway premises. These places provide perfect backdrop to several films, so much so, that they are remembered more for being set in these locations than their actors. A film song dedicated to the train itself featured in Gentleman, where Prabhudeva danced to the hit number Chikku Bukku Chikku Bukku Raile. The way the song, which also introduced music director G.V. Prakash as a child singer, sways in sync with the train's movement endeared both the song and the railway station to audiences. M. Senthamil Selvan, Chief Public Relations Officer of Southern Railway, said revenue from film shooting permission was a good source of non-fare income for the railways. The Public Relations Department is in charge of giving permissions for film shooting, which necessitates several formalities as passengers or train operations should not be affected. Southern Railway earned around ₹60 lakh from the fee collected for film shooting licences during 2024-25, he added. D. Om Prakash, Senior Public Relations Officer, Southern Railway, said some of the favourite films that were shot on railway premises were Alaipayuthey at the Tambaram railway station, Gentleman at the Egmore railway station, and Agni Natchathiram and Singaravelan at the Southern Railway Headquarters, located next to the Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station. Many film directors, including Mani Ratnam, Shankar, Myskin, and Fazil, feature trains along with railway stations either as a key setting or backdrop during memorable scenes. A notable example was Thodari, a film entirely set on a running train, not to mention Bharathiraja's classic Kizhekke Pogum Rail, which includes a song sequence on a moving train. Additionally, movies such as Chennai Express and Anbu Karangal have train-related sequences, though they may not be entirely train-based flicks. The Tondiarpet railway yard was featured in Kamal's hit film 'Vikram 2'. The Royapuram railway station, from where the first train in south India was operated, is a heritage station and is popular shooting spot in the Tamil film industry. 'Rail' Ravi, a retired officer from the railways, reminisces about the films that were shot on railway premises. Actor Sivaji in Pachai Vilakku stars as a train driver, with the film having been shot at the Basin Bridge railway station. Also, actor Kamal's hit films Anbe Sivam, Kurudhipunal, Vasool Raja MBBS, and actor Rajinikanth's Sivaji had scenes that were shot at the railway headquarters, he said. Interestingly, for the film Madrasapattinam, the producers, instead of renting the Chennai Central railway station, built an entirely new set of the station to bring the feel of the Pre-Independence era.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Coimbatore and the Freedom Movement
The leader who pulled an oil press Prisoner no. 1541 arrived at the Coimbatore Central Prison on July 9, 1908. He spent two years, four months, and 22 days in the prison, a difficult period in his life. VO Chidambaram Pillai, the lawyer-businessman who took the British head on by starting the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company, was arrested on charges of sedition and given two life sentences. Known as Kappalottiya Tamizhan, VOC grew to be a veritable leader in Thoothukudi, purchasing ships as a challenge to the monopoly of the British India Steam Navigation Company. After his arrest though, the company had to be shut down, and VOC himself suffered while in incarceration. We arrive at the prison he was lodged in, one overcast evening. Upon his arrival, VOC's hair was cut, and he was offered an aluminium plate to eat in; thick, white clothes to wear; his feet were chained, and he was lodged in a dark room and offered ragi koozh to eat. In a small memorial near the main prison building, is housed the wooden oil press that was operated by VOC himself. A board outside describes how the freedom fighter was tortured by the prison authorities. 'He was forced to pull the wooden oil press weighing 250 kilos in the hot Agni Natchathiram sun,' it reads, adding how even as he did so, VOC kept repeating 'Vande Mataram'. The leader was hence known with the epithet Sekkizhutha Semmal, that can be loosely translated to, 'the respected one who pulled an oil press.' Unable to see him suffer, his fellow prisoners staged a protest, resulting in the transfer of VOC to Kannur Central Prison in Kerala in 1910. Today, the memorial that houses the infamous press attracts political leaders who visit it on important occasions to remember VOC's contribution to the Freedom Movement. Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Podanur Until a few years ago, the tile-roofed house that belongs to the family of inventor and entrepreneur GD Naidu in Podanur, was just another building by the roadside. GD House, however, is no ordinary place. It played host to Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Coimbatore on February 6, 1934. Gandhi was travelling to collect funds for his Harijan Welfare organisation, and happened to halt there for the night. After going through his accounts late into the night and a two-hour sleep, he laid the foundation stone for Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya the next morning in front of the house. Back then, the Vidyalaya occupied the bungalow. GD House was renovated with its original architecture intact and was opened for the public as Mahatma Gandhi Memorial on October 2, 2022, the Mahatma's 153rd birth anniversary. It features an exhibition space that displays replicas of artifacts used by Gandhi, such as his charkha, footwear, spectacles, Ingersoll watch, among others. There are neatly-labelled photographs that detail his life story in a photo gallery in the premises. Photos from his childhood, his South Africa years, and his hand-written letters can be found as part of the display. A library houses books on Gandhi and there are also screenings of documentaries on his life. The Memorial also has a semi-open conference space, and a statue of Gandhi erected in remembrance of his visit 91 years ago. It is located at 11/10 A, Chettipalayam Road, Podanur. Visiting hours are from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Entry is free. Call 9087355068 for details. NG Ramasamy statue Most of us in the city might have passed by the statue of trade union leader and freedom fighter NG Ramasamy at the Singanallur signal. He can be seen in a dhoti and kurta, a thundu over his shoulders. A Gandhian, he is an important leader from Coimbatore who participated in the Freedom Movement. A mill master himself, NG Ramasamy worked tirelessly for the welfare of his fellow mill workers. He formed a trade union that also fought against the British. Ondipudur was then a hub for trade union activity, and Ramasamy held many secret meetings at night in the the outskirts of the neighbourhood to scheme against the British. Among the many plans he came up with, was disrupting flights at the Sulur Aerodrome and setting fire to liquor shops in the city. Despite his arrest the next morning, the trade union members acted as planned on August 13, 1942, torching a goods train passing through Singanallur on the way to Madras. Notably, after the aerodrome was set on fire, a thimir vari was imposed on people in the locality. NG Ramasamy participated in the Quit India Movement and was a staunch follower of Gandhi's principles. He was imprisoned in Vellore, dying very young following ill-health, and sadly, was not alive to taste freedom from British rule.
New Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Climate
- New Indian Express
Thoothukudi farmers say crops on 1.5K acres wilting, seek water
THOOTHUKUDI: Claiming that over 1,500 acres of banana plantation and 100 acres of betel creepers are withering due to soaring heat and inadequate water supply, farmers submitted a petition to Collector K Elambahavath seeking the release of water into the north channel. K Subudurai, Tamil Nadu Vivasaya Sangam Eral Taluk secretary, stated in the petition that the north channel branching off from Srivaikuntam anaicut on the river Thamirabarani has been closed for maintenance works, citing construction of bridges at Kalangudi, Mangalapuram, and Melamangalakurichi. Moreover, the Public Works Department (PWD) is laying stone blocks on the riversides between the head sluice of Arumugamangalamkulam tank and Kottaikadu village. However, the banana plantation and betel plants grown in 1,500 acres in Eral, Kottaikadu, Lakshmipuram, Valavallan, Korkai, Manalur, Ganapathy Samuthram, Arasankulam, and Selvavinayagapuram villages, directly fed by the north channel, are left dry. After the onset of Agni Natchathiram, the crops have also begun withering due to the scorching heat. Subudurai further said that officials are carrying out project works, ignoring the condition of crops directly fed by the channel. Despite there being plenty of water stored in Papanasam dam at 83 feet and Manimutharu dam at 85 feet, crops are withering off without water. These works can be stopped for two weeks, and the water can be released to save the crops. Also, it is time to release water for Advance kar from April 1 to July 10, which is the sole right of the north and south channel farmers in Thoothukudi. A few other farmers said that they are yet to recover from the financial losses caused by the December 2023 floods that devastated the Thamirabarani basin. The officials must consider visiting the agriculture fields and recommend for release of water to save the crops.
Hans India
03-05-2025
- Climate
- Hans India
Govt issues advisory as ‘Agni Natchathiram' begins in Tamil Nadu tomorrow
Chennai: The peak summer phase in Tamil Nadu, known as Agni Natchathiram or Kathiri Veyil, will commence on Sunday, May 4, and continue till May 28. These 25 days are typically marked by intense heat, with temperatures already soaring past 100 degrees Fahrenheit in several parts of the state. This year, the summer heat has been intensifying since March, with a sharp spike recorded in early May. As Agni Natchathiram approaches, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast worsening heatwave conditions, especially in coastal districts, with temperatures expected to rise by up to 5 degrees Celsius above normal. In light of the soaring temperatures, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) has issued a detailed advisory urging the public to take precautions. The department recommends drinking plenty of water throughout the day and avoiding direct sun exposure as much as possible. 'Residents are strongly advised to stay indoors between 12 noon and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its peak,' the advisory stated. It also encouraged using umbrellas or hats for protection and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during peak hours. The health advisory further warned against leaving children or pets inside parked vehicles, as internal temperatures can rise dangerously fast. The public has been advised to limit the intake of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to dehydration. To reduce heat buildup indoors, residents are encouraged to avoid cooking during peak heat hours. Walking barefoot on hot surfaces and consuming high-protein or expired foods should also be avoided, as they can increase bodily stress in extreme temperatures. For hydration, the DPH suggests consuming homemade drinks such as lemon water, buttermilk, lassi, and fruit juices with a pinch of salt, along with fruits and vegetables rich in water content.
Hans India
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Hans India
Coastal TN to face intense heat in May, temperatures may rise by 5 degrees Celsius
Chennai: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast a significant rise in temperatures across the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu during May, with the mercury expected to soar 5 degrees Celsius above the average. The peak summer heatwave period, known locally as 'Kathiri Veyil' or 'Agni Natchathiram,' will begin on May 4 and is expected to last for 25 days. The RMC has warned of intense heat conditions, particularly in coastal areas, urging residents to take all necessary precautions. In response, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) has issued a series of safety guidelines to help the public cope with the extreme heat. It has advised residents to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and to avoid direct exposure to the sun as much as possible. "Residents are urged to stay indoors between 12 noon and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its peak,' the DPH stated. It also recommended using umbrellas or hats for protection and avoiding strenuous physical activities during the hottest part of the day. The health advisory warned against leaving children or pets inside parked vehicles, noting that temperatures inside can rise rapidly, leading to fatal consequences. The public has also been advised to limit the intake of artificial soft drinks, coffee, tea, and alcohol, as these beverages can contribute to dehydration. To minimise heat buildup indoors, the DPH advised avoiding cooking during peak heat hours and suggested refraining from walking barefoot on hot surfaces. Residents were also urged to steer clear of high-protein foods and expired items, as they can increase the body's stress under high temperatures. For hydration, the department encouraged the consumption of homemade drinks such as lemon water, buttermilk, lassi, and fruit juices with a pinch of salt. Eating fruits and vegetables with high water content was also recommended. Special precautions were advised for infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with heart conditions, and outdoor workers. The advisory stressed the need for regular monitoring of vulnerable individuals, particularly those living alone. Outdoor workers were instructed to limit sun exposure, avoid heavy physical tasks during peak heat, take frequent breaks in shaded areas, and drink water every 20 minutes. The public has been urged to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or signs of heat stress.
