Dr Krishnaswamy, founder of the Puthiya Tamizhagam political party, has expressed his displeasure at the title of Thevar Magan 2.
According to a report in Thanthi, Krishnaswamy, in a press statement, said he’d distanced himself from Kamal Haasan due to his film titles, but otherwise respects him as an actor. Krishnaswamy then strongly condemned the way in which the titles of Haasan’s films caused unrest among various communities in the state. “I watched the interview in which the sequel to Thevan Magan was announced. I hope you remember that the first film had created a clash between two major communities in the South. The caste seed that was sown 25 years back has still not come to an end; it resulted in caste wars in Tamil Nadu.”
Krishnaswamy, in his letter to Haasan, added: “If we had filed a suit for compensation for the damages caused to Devendrakula Velalargal, everything you owned wouldn’t have sufficed.”
Recommended
Krishnaswamy also accused the actor of trying to intensify the consequences of the “mistake” he had made earlier instead of rectifying it. He also demanded that the upcoming film be titled Devendrar Magan. By doing so, the public would know you as someone who believes in equality and is neutral, he said. Krishnaswamy also warned that if the condition is not met, Haasan may have to face stronger opposition than he did for Sandiyar.
Earlier in October, during an interview with a Tamil news channel, Haasan announced that a sequel to the 1993 film Thevar Magan will be made. The first film revolved around the Thevar caste in which veteran actor Sivaji Ganesan played the part of ‘Periya Thevar’, considered the head of the village. Directed by Bharathan, film starred Sivaji Ganesan, Kamal Haasan, Revathi, Gautami and Nassar in pivotal roles.
More recently, the Gautham Karthik-starrer Devar Aatam directed by M Muthiah was criticised for its content and name. Actor Siddharth, in a tweet, observed that a film should not glorify caste superiority in its title, dialogues or theme. However, there were claims that the film’s title has nothing to do with caste and was related to a folk dance called ‘Deveraattam’ similar to ‘Mayilaatam’, and ‘Oyilaatam’.
#TamilCinema must come down strongly on films that glorify caste superiority. Film titles, themes and dialogues that show a particular caste as blessed with unique attributes must be condemned. #Caste is a man made curse. We must unite & find the courage to end it's influence!
— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) October 30, 2018