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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Five Kamal Haasan films that courted controversies
Thug Life, starring acclaimed actor Kamal Haasan, has hit the screens — barring Karnataka, where controversy erupted following his comments suggesting that Kannada originated from Tamil. For Mr. Haasan, such rows are not new; his films have frequently faced opposition over the years. What sets this episode apart is that, unlike past instances where the objections were over the film's content or title, this time, the controversy has nothing to do with the movie itself. Here is a look at five of his films that faced trouble in the past over the last two decades: Vishwaroopam The first part of this two-part film, produced by Raaj Kamal Film International, ran into trouble even a month before its scheduled Pongal release in 2013. Theatre owners objected to Mr. Haasan's proposal to release the film simultaneously on Direct-to-Home (DTH) platforms. As a result, the release was pushed beyond Pongal, and the actor-producer dropped the DTH release plan to resolve the conflict. However, just ahead of its theatrical release, a more serious controversy erupted. Several Muslim outfits launched major protests, accusing the actor of demonising their community and hurting religious sentiments. The Federation of Tamil Nadu Muslims Social and Political Organisation and the Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamaath were at the forefront. The night before the film's scheduled release, the Tamil Nadu government banned its screening for two weeks, citing a 'law and order' threat. An angry and upset Mr. Haasan, who was in the United States at the time, termed the opposition 'cultural terrorism.' 'I have been ruthlessly used as a vehicle by small groups who seek political profile. Icon-bashing is a great way to be noticed when you are not one yourself. It is happening again and again. Any neutral and patriotic Muslim will surely feel pride on seeing my film. It was designed for that purpose,' he said. Raaj Kamal Films International challenged the ban in the Madras High Court. Justice K. Venkataraman, in a late-night interim order, stayed the government's decision. But Mr. Haasan's relief was short-lived — the State government challenged the ruling the very next morning. The First Bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Elipe Dharma Rao and Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, restored the ban through an interim order. Then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa defended the ban, stating it was solely due to law and order concerns and not out of sympathy with the Muslim organisations. She later said: 'The government of Tamil Nadu will do everything possible to facilitate such an agreement. There is no question of curbing freedom of speech.' The producers and the protesting groups agreed to negotiations, requesting the government to oversee them. The film industry rallied around Mr. Haasan, who had, in frustration, declared he would go on self-exile. Eventually, a breakthrough was achieved. The Advocate General informed the High Court that the ban under Section 144 of the CrPC had been lifted based on agreements reached in a tripartite meeting between Mr. Haasan and the protestors, convened by the government. The film finally released in Tamil Nadu on February 7, 2013 — nearly a month after its original release date. Dasavatharam This 2008 film, where Mr. Haasan played 10 roles — surpassing the record of nine set by the legendary Sivaji Ganesan in his 100th film Navarathri (1964) — faced opposition from a section of Vaishnavites. The International Sri Vaishnava Dharma Samrakshanaa Society filed a petition in the Madras High Court, seeking removal of certain 'offending scenes.' Separately, the Kalyana Suba Samithi petitioned to block the film's screening. The Society argued that scenes depicting clashes between Saivaites and Vaishnavites distorted history and offended Hindus. 'It is contrary to past events recorded and registered in history. It wounds the feelings [of] every sect of Hindus,' it stated. The Samithi alleged that the film mocked Hinduism, particularly through scenes involving the revered Ramanujachariar. 'The movie shows tying of the Great Ramanujachariar with the deity for being thrown into the sea… By showing this scene, a hatred and conflict between Saivaites and Vaishnavites is sought to be created,' it claimed. 'The movie also shows that the great Ramanujachariar has killed several Saivities, which is not a fact.' However, Justices K. Venkataraman and M. Sathyanarayanan dismissed the plea, ruling: 'Freedom of expression guaranteed under Article 19(1) of the Constitution of India cannot be curtailed on mere assumption… that the said film contains certain scenes which will hurt the sentiments of the Hindus, more so the Vaishnavites.' Mumbai Xpress (also 'Mumbai Express') This 2005 black comedy, directed by veteran filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao — one of Mr. Haasan's favourites — faced flak for its English title. Earlier, in August 2004, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and Dalit Panthers of India (now Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi) had joined forces under the Tamil Paadhukaapu Iyakkam (Tamil Protection Movement), demanding an end to English titles in Tamil films. Mumbai Xpress became one of their first targets. Mr. Haasan initially dismissed the concerns, remarking: 'There is a train called Tirunelveli Express. Will these groups object to its name too?' He said, 'I do not foresee any problems. I know all Tamil-loving people, including Mr. Thirumavalavan (VCK chief). I have also read his writings. They are all my good friends' But trouble soon followed. DPI cadres staged protests at several locations. In Chidambaram, miscreants vandalised the Lena Theatre screen. Police had to provide protection to theatres screening the film. Still, Mr. Haasan stood firm: 'I cannot change the title as it is relevant to the story. The name makes no difference to me. It is the content that is important.' Jayalalithaa, then Chief Minister, also took a firm stance, saying her government would not allow any violence against the film industry. Over time, the protests fizzled out, and such campaigns against English titles faded from public discourse. Vasool Raja MBBS This Tamil remake of Munna Bhai MBBS came under fire from a section of doctors, who felt it portrayed medical professionals in poor light. The Tamil Nadu Medical Council filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking to block the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) from issuing a certificate to the film. They contended that the film's title insulted doctors. 'The words 'Vasool Raja' in Tamil are not a name, but it only means 'a man, who heeds collection of money by hook or crook, and, who is greedy of money and whose intention is only to earn money by unlawful means'. The film is offensive and hurting the entire community of medical practitioners, who have obtained MBBS degree. It is also likely to cause an unbearable harm to the students, who are undergoing MBBS course. The title is damaging in nature and it degrades the degree awarded by [Tamil Nadu] Dr. MGR Medical University,' the petition contended. Justice A.K. Rajan, however, declined to entertain the petitioner's plea. The judge said, the contention of the petitioner that the title is per se defamatory is not acceptable. 'The title does not suggest that the entire profession of Medical Practitioners as collection agents. The words 'Vasool Raja, M.B.B.S.' is in singular. It may at the most mean an individual. The petitioner has no objection to add the suffix 'Vasool Raja' to an individual like 'Kamalhasan, M.B.B.S.' Therefore, it is not possible to hold that the title of the film is per se defamatory,' he ruled. Sandiyar Production of this film began in 2003 but was soon disrupted after Puthiya Tamilagam leader K. Krishnasamy objected to the title, alleging it promoted caste violence. Then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa refused to intervene, stating: 'Protracted police protection cannot be given to a film unit which deliberately chooses a controversial subject.' Following a meeting with her, Mr. Haasan agreed to change the title. The film was eventually released in 2004 under the new name Virumaandi, ending the controversy.
India.com
4 days ago
- General
- India.com
Know Why Chennai City Is The Perfect Destination For Backpackers
Chennai, located in the southern part of India and serving as the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a lively city which masters the integration of traditional and modern practices. Dubbed 'Gateway to South India,' the city presents an ideal mix for backpackers through culture, history, and affordable travel. Even when visiting alone or in a group, Chennai has something distinct to offer its visitors. With that said, here are five compelling reasons why Chennai is the perfect destination for backpackers. 1. Affordable Accommodation Options Chennai's biggest draw for backpackers is the availability of affordable accommodation options. The city is well-known for its extensive range of budget hostels, guesthouses, and hotels as compared to the rest of India. Most of these facilities are located around popular visiting spots such as Marina Beach or the railway station. Moreover, certain guesthouses and hostels are available at the airport for those who need immediate rest upon arrival. In addition, sites like Airbnb and also cater budget-oriented travelers while ensuring comfort. 2. Rich Cultural Heritage Chennai has a rich history and culture that gives backpackers an opportunity to explore south Indian customs. There are also ancient temples like Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Parthasarathy Temple, along with some colonial era sites like Fort St. George. All these places are filled with history and do showcase brilliant architecture. In addition to that, backpackers get a chance to celebrate local festivals like Pongal or Navaratri and get a taste of the culture. 3. Delicious Street Food Scene For enthusiasts looking to traveling places with great food, Chennai is paradise on Earth. The city is famous for its South Indian dishes which include idli, dosa, vada, filter coffee, among many others. What makes this even more attractive for backpackers is the inexpensive prices of street food. Regions such as T. Nagar and Mylapore have great markets where you can get authentic food for very little money. Make sure you try the city's famous biryani and coconut based desserts. 4. Easy Reach Public Transport This city is very easy to navigate due to Chennai's decent public transport system. There are buses called MTC that serve most parts of the city and auto-rickshaws can be used for shorter distances. For train users, there is a Chennai Suburban Railway Network which covers important areas. With these features, traveling in the city becomes easier for backpackers who aim to explore the town without spending excessively on transportation. 5. Gorgeous Beaches and Nature Chennai is renowned for its wonderful natural features such as beautiful beaches and greenery. Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world, which makes it a favorite to many backpackers who want to enjoy the sun by the water. Other attractions in the area include, but are not limited to Guindy National Park, a small reserve with plenty of biodiversity located inside the city, and the beautiful Besant Nagar Beach. These places greatly aid in photography, bird watching, or just relaxing while enjoying the scenery. Wrapping Up Chennai has a unique bargain. It has a perfect blend of affordability, culture, and convenience making it ideal for backpackers. From historic monuments, beautiful beaches, street food, to the roaring arts in the city, there is truly something for everyone. Additionally, because of its position in South India, it makes the city a central point for traveling to other regions, hence extending the possibilities. So, grab your backpack and get ready to unleash the inner traveler within you to figure out what makes Chennai such a special place.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Fears of displacement linked to community ties and a fading way of life
1 2 Mumbai: Dharavi is not only a melting pot of various religions but of multiple cottage industries. The settlement likely came up in 1884 when the British moved tanneries and "polluting units" outside the main city limits. Tamilians were the first to arrive here after the original Koli inhabitants and the potters of Kumbharwada. Today natives of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar form a sizable number too. From leather to textiles, pottery to papads, trades are helmed by specific communities. Small home enterprises, many owned by women, roll out heaps of papads that are supplied to retail chains. Mysore Pak, a favourite South Indian sweet, is made and sold here as are bakery items and farsan. Men work as drivers for app cabs, or run shops or do menial labour. Extended families stay in close proximity, having built tall structures, sometimes circumventing the rules. The prospect of redevelopment does bring hope of better housing for those who will be rehabilitated there. However, others who fear displacement cite not only loss of homes, but businesses and community ties. The loss of intangible heritage involves community shrines, schools, even Rajinikanth fan clubs whose members would wait for Thalaivar's film to release at Aurora Cinema, and arrive to perform milk 'abhishek' on his giant posters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo "Dharavi's economy and society flourished with the arrival of Tamilians who built temples, theatres, businesses. Although many families have now migrated northward to Chembur, Virar, Nallasopara, Kalyan-Dombivli, the community still dominates the area. Various Sanghams belonging to different sub sects celebrate festivals like Pongal, Ganeshotsav and Diwali," said M Jesuraj, president incharge of the DMK in Mumbai. Maran Nayagam, general secretary of The Bombay South Indian Adi Dravid Mahajan Sangh, who was born and raised in Dharavi, cites a list of landmarks including a 150-year-old Ganesh temple whose existence is under threat. "Will it be preserved or rebuilt, and will its priests and caretakers be displaced or be able to continue worship?" Nayagam, who is chairman of an educational trust, says the local schools which provide cheap education to poor Tamil students are similarly sacred and valuable. Basheer Shaikh, secretary of a mosque, says Dharavi is a close knit community. "We all look out for each other. During the pandemic, our mosque and several other institutions and NGOs served food to hundreds of people. Nobody asked if you were Hindu or Muslim. We live like brothers, like a mini India." Rev. Prabhu J, pastor of Good Shepherd Church which has about 5,800 subscribers, says, "People of all faiths live in peace because of interdependence. They live in very close proximity, sharing common toilets and public spaces, living in narrow lanes where houses are set cheek by jowl. We share food and sweets during festivals. People lived in mixed communities. And the diversity is not limited to religion but within the same religion also. " Indeed, there are Thevar and Nadar enclaves among Tamilians within Dharavi. Rev Prabhu voices the fears of the flock. "Do you know, when Covid-19 struck, 20% of Dharavi's inhabitants were forced to return to their villages? They live in rented homes and were unable to pay rent. They live a frugal existence. Once redevelopment comes, they will shift to bigger spaces with better amenities, and outgoings and expenses will increase. Yet of course there is another segment which looks forward to bigger, better homes and improved quality of life. "
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
PMK rift widens as Ramadoss senior lashes out at son
Photo/Agencies The rift between PMK founder S Ramadoss and Anbumani Ramadoss grew nastier Thursday with senior Ramadoss levelling serious charges against his 56-year-old son, accusing him of throwing a bottle at his mother, calling him a liar, and failing to lead the party "in the right direction". Speaking to media in Villupuram, the 85-year-old claimed, "Everyone regards their mother as goddess. During Pongal, Anbumani's mother asked him if we had appointed his second daughter as the youth wing leader. In response, Anbumani lifted a bottle and threw it at his own mother. Fortunately, it didn't hit her, and it hit the wall. This is just a sample." This was in reference to Anbumani objecting to Ramadoss appointing his daughter's son, P Mukundan, as PMK's youth wing chief. Mukundan resigned his post Thursday citing personal reasons. Ramadoss accused Anbumani of lying "without shame", adding that his son was "creating internal power struggles". Anbumani convened a meeting of party netas for next three days starting Friday. He didn't issue a statement but decided to prove who is powerful in party, said sources close to Anbumani. Ramadoss said the party's executive committee has 19 members. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Dermatologist: Don't Use Lotions On Dark Spots! Use This Household Item Instead Miami M.D. Undo "Anbumani neither listens to them nor allows them to express their opinions. I wanted PMK to align with AIADMK for the 2024 LS polls. Anbumani had already discussed and finalised alliance with Edappadi K Palaniswami (AIADMK general secretary). But suddenly, Anbumani and Sowmya came over and cried, insisting on an alliance with the BJP," Ramadoss added. "They cried for so long, I had no choice but to give in. An AIADMK-PMK alliance would have been a natural one. Had it happened, PMK might have won three seats, while AIADMK could have won six or seven," he added. Ramadoss said he was no longer responsible for Anbumani's actions as PMK's working president. He criticised his son's leadership and indicated plans to convene a general council meeting. The meeting is meant to be a threat to remove Anbumani from his post, said sources. Ramadoss accused Anbumani of distancing himself from PMK's core principles. He recalled that Anbumani asked him what wrong he had done and whether it was justified to remove him from his party position.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Father-son rift within PMK widens, Ramadoss accuses Anbumani of failing to lead party
Anbumani and Ramadoss CHENNAI: The rift between PMK founder S Ramadoss and Anbumani Ramadoss got nastier on Thursday with the 85-year-old father accusing his 56-year-old son of throwing a bottle at his mother, telling lies and failing to lead the party 'in the right direction'. 'Everyone regards their mother as goddess. During Pongal this year, while sitting and chatting at home with the family, Anbumani's mother asked him if we had appointed his second daughter as the youth wing leader, would he have kept quiet. In response, Anbumani lifted a bottle from where he was seated and threw it at his own mother. Fortunately, it didn't hit her, it hit the wall. This is just a sample,' Ramadoss told reporters at his farmhouse in Thailapuram near Tindivanam in Villupuram district. This was in reference to Anbumani objecting to Ramadoss appointing his daughter's son P Mukundan as PMK's youth wing president. Mukundan resigned from the party post on Thursday, citing personal reasons. Ramadoss accused Anbumani of lying 'without shame'. 'He (Anbumani) is lying and creating internal power struggles.' Anbumani convened a meeting of party functionaries for the next three days starting Friday. He did not issue any statement but decided to prove who is powerful in the party, said sources close to Anbumani. Ramadoss said the party's executive committee has 19 members. 'Anbumani neither listens to them nor allows them to express their opinions. I wanted PMK to align with AIADMK for the 2024 elections. Anbumani had discussed and finalised the alliance with Edappadi K Palaniswami (AIADMK general secretary). But suddenly, Anbumani and Sowmya came to Thailapuram and cried, insisting on an alliance with BJP,' Ramadoss said. 'They cried for so long that I had no choice but to give in. An AIADMK-PMK alliance would have been a natural one. Had it happened, PMK might have won three seats, and AIADMK six or seven,' he said. Ramadoss said he was no longer responsible for his son's actions as PMK's working president. He criticised Anbumani's leadership and indicated plans to convene a general council meeting. The meet is meant to be a threat, to remove Anbumani from the post, said multiple sources. Ramadoss accused Anbumani of distancing himself from PMK's core principles. He recalled that Anbumani asked him what wrong he had done and whether it was justified to remove him from the party position. This is entirely an act aimed at distracting both the people and party members. 'He is trying to hide his mistakes and seek sympathy from party workers,' Ramadoss said. 'To be honest, it wasn't Anbumani who made a mistake. It was I, who made the mistake of appointing Anbumani a Union cabinet minister at the young age of 35, going against my own principles. If Anbumani is going to paint me as the culprit and seek sympathy from the cadre, then I have no choice but to respond. I will openly list out all the accusations against him,' said Ramadoss. What should have been discussed within four walls was brought into the public arena by Anbumani, said Ramadoss. 'Who shattered the growth of the party? For the past 45 years, I have run this movement with discipline and dignity, just as Anna (late chief minister C N Annadurai) envisioned. But Anbumani has ruined it. I have silently endured many insults and mockery from opponents for the sake of the people. But when the very calf I raised attacked me in the chest, I lost my balance,' he said. He said Anbumani has repeatedly been an obstacle to the party's growth and has made many mistakes. 'I had asked Tamil Kumaran, son of PMK honorary president G K Mani, to be involved in the movement's development. I gave him an appointment letter. But Anbumani tore it up immediately and told him over the phone to resign from the position. Tamil Kumaran had come to attend the general body meeting with his wife and children. But Anbumani called me that morning and said he should not be allowed to participate. How embarrassed and hurt would that family have been,' said Ramadoss.
