In a region rich with cinematic history, Modern Theatres, established by T.R. Sundaram in 1935, stands as a significant landmark on the road from Salem to Yercaud. Recognised as South India’s first major cinema establishment, Modern Theatres Cinema Company boasts a legacy of over 150 films in languages including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, and more. Notably, it holds the distinction of producing the first-ever colour film.
Modern Theatres played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of prominent figures such as former Chief Ministers Karunanidhi, MGR, and actor Shivaji Ganesan. The studio’s impact on Tamil cinema is undeniable, marking a turning point for these influential leaders.
Presently, the only remnant of Modern Theatres Studio is the memorial arch located at the foothills of Salem-Yercaud Hill. This arch has gained recent attention due to a proposal by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to install a statue of former Chief Minister Karunanidhi at this site.
Chief Minister Stalin’s “fond memories” of the location, shared on social media during his visit in February this year, prompted him to initiate discussions with Modern Theatres family who claim ownership of the land.
It is alleged that despite repeated calls from District Collector C. Karmegam and five rounds of discussions, the family has not announced a decision regarding the installation of Karunanidhi’s statue.
Adding complexity to the situation, the highway department claims ownership of the land on which Modern Theatres is situated, citing its location on the national highway. Recent developments include the installation of a notice board by highway officials and the demolition of constructions on a plot of land in the Korimedu area, where the Modern Theatres family.
Expressing their side of the story, the victim, Modern Theatres’ family asserts that they have yet to decide on the statue’s installation. They accuse District Collector Karmegam and government officials of engaging in “anarchic activities” without their consent. The family urges immediate intervention by the Chief Minister to safeguard their rights, emphasising ongoing consultations for the Karunanidhi statue.
Speaking to reporters, wife Vijay Varman (owner of Varma Constructions which claims ownership of the land) said “In February, our CM visited Salem. He took a selfie before the arch when he came for a government meeting. Next day, the Collectorate had called me and my husband. We went and they told that the incumbent CM Stalin had expressed to install the statue of his father and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister at the spot as that is where his cinema-cum-political career started. The Salem Collector kept following up with us after that meeting. We would’ve met him some 5 times. As preemptive move in case we didn’t give them the land for the statue, the Collector created an issue by demolishing constructions in the land owned by us in Korimedu without giving us any notice with around 70 police and government officials. Their plan is to acquire that land so that we hand over this Modern Theatres arch land.”
She also blamed said that all this is being done at the behest of the Salem Collector and urged CM Stalin to intervene.
(With inputs from ETV Bharat and Sathiyam News)
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