“You Make One Film And Think Yourself As Intellectual, You’re Just A Film Director, That’s All”: Seeman Takes A Dig At ‘Lubber Pandhu’ Director Over His Remarks On Education At DMK’s ‘Kalviyil Sirantha Tamil Nadu’ Event

Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief Seeman has quipped with sarcasm to comments made by debut filmmaker Tamizharasan Pachamuthu, director of Lubber Pandhu, who spoke only education is the way to success during the ‘Kalviyil Sirantha Tamil Nadu’ (Tamil Nadu that Excels in Education) event held in Chennai on 25 September 2025.

Tamizharasan, speaking at the DMK government-organised event, urged young people not to be misled by exceptions to the rule, such as celebrities who found success without formal education. “We should always stand for education. They would say, ‘Did Sachin Tendulkar study? Did Ilaiyaraaja study? Did Rahman study?’ Many people will say this—don’t believe them. The number of people who succeeded that way is maybe 100. But the number of people who succeeded because they studied is enormous. You should follow that. An exception can never be a example.” he said.

Reacting sharply to these comments, Seeman mocked the filmmaker, suggesting that directing a single film doesn’t make someone an authority on life advice or public policy.

“They’re asking, ‘Did Ilaiyaraaja study? Did Sachin Tendulkar study? Did Rahman study?’ Don’t trust the words of those people. You haven’t listened to what I’m saying. If someone makes a film, they think they’re a great scholar and come offering advice. You don’t even understand what I’m saying. Who are you to stand on that stage and speak? You’ve directed a film and a director, that’s all. What’s the reason for that? Is it the education you received? What is the reason? You need to develop your individual talent. You don’t know what I’m saying. You don’t listen to the whole speech. They just hear a part, make a comment, and get applause,” Seeman said during a recent press meet.

Turning his attention to the DMK leadership, Seeman went on to question the educational background of key figures, including Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. Taking a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well, he added, “Okay, let’s talk about the educational qualifications of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. Look up the qualifications of Modi Sir, he just put behind him as M.A, tell me. Even brother Udhayanidhi speaks! ‘He studied with me as my classmates and became lawyer.’ He became lawyer by studying and I became the Deputy Chief Minister without studying.’ Isn’t that what he means by that?”

Seeman’s remarks reflect a deeper critique of the DMK’s attempts to use cultural events and celebrity endorsements to reinforce its narrative around education, particularly in the run-up to the 2026 Assembly elections. His comments also point to the recurring debate in Tamil Nadu politics over merit, education, and the use of popular platforms to push political messaging.

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