After facing strong criticism from Muslim groups and widespread protests against the movie “Amaran”, authorities have stepped in to ensure the safety of theaters screening the film. Released on 31 October to coincide with Diwali, “Amaran”, starring Sivakarthikeyan, tells the story of the late Major Mukund Varadharajan.
While the film has been performing well at the box office, it has stirred controversy. According to reports, following objections to alleged defamatory remarks about Muslims in the movie, the police have been instructed to provide security at all theaters showing “Amaran” across Tamil Nadu. This measure is aimed at preventing any unrest and maintaining law and order during screenings.
Several Muslim organizations have voiced their opposition to “Amaran”, accusing it of spreading defamatory content about their community. These groups have called for a ban on the film’s screening and staged protests outside the film’s production office in Teynampet, Chennai. A.K. Kareem, the State Secretary of the SDPI (Social Democratic Party of India), claimed that “Amaran” promotes anti-minority sentiments and is intended to incite hatred against Muslims.
It is noteworthy to mention that SDPI, which the political arm of the banned terror out Popular Front of India (PFI), is an ally of the Edappadi K. Palaniswami-led AIADMK.
While BJP leaders, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi Stalin, and others have appreciated the film the AIADMK leadership has not even uttered a word about the film which is a tribute to Major Mukund Varadarajan.
On 7 November 2024, members of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) organized a protest outside the office of actor and producer Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International, the production company behind the film. Around 150 SDPI supporters gathered in Alwarpet, raising slogans against the movie. In response, police heightened security in the area. The protesters called on the Tamil Nadu government to withdraw its support for the film and demanded an immediate ban. They also burned an effigy of Kamal Haasan during the demonstration, which coincided with the actor’s birthday.
The film, in which Sivakarthikeyan portrays Major Mukund Varadharajan, focuses on the life and sacrifice of the late soldier. However, “Amaran” has also faced earlier backlash from some Hindu groups who believed the film, directed by Rajkumar Periyasamy, sidelined Varadharajan’s community. In response, Periyasamy clarified that the family of Major Mukund Varadharajan specifically requested the film not to emphasize his religious identity, instead wanting him to be remembered solely as a Tamilian and an Indian.
(With Inputs From TOI)
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