In an alarming turn of events, Nandhan, a film that exposes the deep flaws within the much-touted Dravidian model of governance, is reportedly not running in a single theatre in Chennai. Directed by Era Saravanan, the movie sheds light on the harsh realities faced by marginalized (SC) communities in Tamil Nadu, revealing the disconnect between the ruling Dravidian parties’ claims of social justice and the lived experiences of the oppressed.
The film’s narrative draws from real-life incidents, detailing how Scheduled Caste (SC) members in various villages across Tamil Nadu have been systematically denied their basic rights despite holding elected positions in local governance. Nandhan portrays the struggles of Panchayat councilors from marginalized communities, who are often denied the opportunity to hoist the national flag at public government functions—an act that symbolizes not just exclusion but systemic discrimination. Through its raw depiction of caste oppression, the film courageously addresses an issue that has been long ignored by those in power.
One of the key themes Nandhan tackles is the institutional hurdles faced by SC panchayat leaders in securing fundamental civic necessities, such as cemeteries for their communities. The film recounts the story of a man who has spent three years fighting, unsuccessfully, to get approval for a cemetery in his village—a right denied to him due to the dominance of upper-caste power structures.
Moreover, Nandhan amplifies the voices of those who have faced severe physical threats, beatings, and even stabbings simply for daring to contest elections against dominant caste candidates. These incidents, heartbreakingly told by the film’s protagonists, reveal the dangerous conditions that SC leaders endure while the state government promotes a superficial narrative of social equality.
Despite Nandhan receiving a positive response from viewers during a special screening – many of whom were moved to tears by its powerful storytelling, the film has encountered heavy opposition seemingly from the ruling DMK government. Some believe this resistance is rooted in its daring critique of the Dravidian model, which has been upheld by the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) as a beacon of social justice. The film suggests otherwise, showing how the model has failed to uplift SC communities, who still face systemic discrimination, exclusion, and violence.
Kollywood, which has seen many such themes focusing on the Brahmin-bashing alone has not voiced concerns about the suppression of Nandhan. Attempts to stifle this film’s screening raise uncomfortable questions about the nature of censorship and the power wielded by the ruling DMK in the state. Ticket booking apps like Book My Show do not show the film screening in Chennai. Critics call this move an act of “real fascism,” asserting that it is designed to silence any critique of the ruling government’s claims.
Director Era Saravanan deserves recognition for his brave attempt to tell the story of those who have been failed by the system. Through Nandhan, he exposes the ugly realities behind the Dravidian movement’s hollow promises of equality and empowerment. The film gives a voice to the disenfranchised, making it a powerful piece of political cinema that demands to be seen.
#Nandhan movie isn’t running in a single theatre in #Chennai ! Threat?
In this free country any attempt to expose the fake Dravidian Model will be scuttled.
Dear Kollywood, this is real fascism. Fight it if you have guts; don’t harp on imaginary enemies.. https://t.co/iWtLH5kP3g
— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) September 27, 2024
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