‘Amaran’ Director Rajkumar Periasamy Busts Dravidianist Thirumurugan Gandhi’s Propaganda

Director Rajkumar Periasamy of the film ‘Amaran’ has blasted out the coalition of leftists, Islamists, and Dravidianists for their inability to tolerate the growing wave of nationalism among the public. He specifically took aim at Thirumurugan Gandhi, the founder of the May 17 Movement, who is known for his support of extreme leftist and separatist ideologies. Gandhi recently made a baseless accusation about the film, claiming that the depiction of Indian Army soldiers shouting “Jai Bajrangbali” was part of a Hindutva agenda.

Produced by actor Kamal Haasan and starring Sivakarthikeyan, ‘Amaran’ was released last Diwali to positive reception from the public and continues to perform well at the box office. The film was screened at the Sri Ganapathi Theatre in Ooty, where a large number of viewers gathered to watch it on Sunday, 10th November. During his visit to the Ooty Ganapathi theatre, Director Rajkumar Periasamy received a warm reception from ex-servicemen and local residents of Nilgiri district, who greeted him with fireworks and a procession.

Dressed in traditional attire, Periasamy addressed the audience, praising the film’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He emphasized that the film’s emotional narrative, rather than its commercial elements like songs or sub-plots, resonated with the viewers. He expressed gratitude for the heartfelt reception and spoke about the cultural significance of the Nilgiris, noting that the community still values its traditions.

Periasamy explained that ‘Amaran’ was made without any intention of promoting personal politics. He asserted that the film is grounded in the real-life struggles and sacrifices of soldiers, focusing on the authenticity of the story, writing, and performances. He further clarified that the film had received full approval from the Indian Ministry of Defence and the ADGPI. In fact, the ADGPI (Additional Directorate General of Public Information) of the Indian Army had viewed and approved the film’s script, as ‘Amaran’ is based on a military story and no such film can be released without the Ministry’s consent.

Regarding the controversy over the war cry “Jai Bajrangbali” used in the film, Periasamy explained that each regiment in the Indian Army has its own specific war cry. He pointed out that “Bolo Bajrangbali ki Jai” is the official war cry of the Rajput Regiment, and using this was a matter of historical accuracy, not political agenda. He stressed that the film was not driven by his personal political beliefs and that he, as a director, was mindful of the social responsibilities his work entails.

Periasamy dismissing the misinformation spread by individuals on social media, stated that, “For this movie on 1st October, the ADGPI and  Ministry of Defense have provided their approval, clearance, and appreciation after watching the movie. We cannot release a movie related to the army without them watching, giving their opinion, and clearance.. (they are like standard). It will be very difficult to give an explanation for someone who speaks of somewhere. In my view, everyone speaks based on the information they know, but they should cross-check whether it is correct or not before speaking. The people standing surrounding me are all army officials. For every regiment, there is a motto and a war cry. The Madras Regiment is near us, and they will say ‘Veera Madrasi Adi Kollu Adi Kollu.’ There is ‘Durga Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Bolo Bajrangbali ki Jai’ used by the 44th Rajput Regiment battalion as a war cry, which I can’t change. If I change it, then it will be wrong. As far as I’m concerned, this is not the movie where I can put my own opinion and political views. I too have many opinions, but as a director, I’m very clear not to impose opinions through my characters. “

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