Actor Suriya rose to prominence as Tamil cinema’s self-proclaimed voice of social justice. His 2021 film Jai Bhim, based on the custodial death of tribal victims under police torture, earned him accolades for championing the cause of the marginalized. His 2022 film Edharkum Thunindhavan, inspired by the Pollachi sexual assault scandal of 2019, positioned him as cinema’s crusader against sexual violence.

Yet as Tamil Nadu spirals into a crisis of unprecedented crime and state indifference under the DMK government since 2021, Suriya has transformed from propagandist into accomplice through profound silence. The contrast isn’t just striking; it reveals a calculated political allegiance that places party loyalty above principles.

The Pollachi Case: From Crusade to Compromise

The Pollachi sexual assault case of 2019 shook Tamil Nadu. A gang systematically lured, sexually assaulted, and blackmailed over 200 women through social media. In May 2025, all nine accused were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, with the court ordering ₹85 lakh in compensation to survivors. The case represented institutional failure, police negligence, and systemic vulnerability that made women targets for predators.

Suriya’s Edharkum Thunindhavan was released in March 2022, riding the wave of public outrage over Pollachi. The film, while addressing sexual violence, received mixed reviews for its preachy execution and diluted messaging. Critics noted it fell short of delivering a hard-hitting indictment of the system that enabled such crimes. Yet Suriya used the platform to position himself as the concerned actor, the voice demanding justice for women.

That voice has gone silent.

The Coimbatore Airport Gang Rape: November 2025

On 2 November 2025, three men abducted a 20-year-old MBA student near Coimbatore International Airport after attacking her male friend with a machete. The victim was gang-raped at knifepoint and later found unconscious. The accused, who had prior criminal records, were arrested after a police encounter where they were shot in the legs for resisting arrest. This brutal attack mirrors past horrors like the Pollachi case, revealing continued vulnerabilities in public safety.

As of 4 November 2025, Suriya has issued no statement, no condemnation, no letter expressing solidarity with the victim or demanding systemic accountability.

The silence is deafening.

A Pattern of State Criminality: The DMK’s Year of Violence

The Coimbatore case exists within a broader framework of violence that has engulfed Tamil Nadu under DMK rule. Since 2021, Tamil Nadu has recorded 25 custodial deaths resulting from police torture; a figure that exposes systemic brutality masked by administrative incompetence. This is double the number reported under the AIADMK regime’s final years, according to human rights organizations

Custodial Deaths Under DMK Rule

Under the DMK government, custodial violence in Tamil Nadu has escalated alarmingly. The brutal death of 27-year-old Ajith Kumar, who showed 44 injury marks post-autopsy, is a grim highlight. Between 2017-2022, there were zero convictions for custodial deaths, yet the torture continues unabated, with over 300 inmates entering Puzhal Prison with broken limbs in 2024 alone. The Madras High Court has slammed the police for their lack of transparency. Notably, actor Suriya, who championed this cause in his film Jai Bhim during the previous regime, remains conspicuously silent now that the perpetrators – the police, come under the direct purview of the Chief Minister himself!

The Anna University Sexual Assault (December 2024)

In December 2024, a 19-year-old student at Anna University was gang-raped by a repeat offender, exposing severe security lapses including non-functional CCTVs. While the perpetrator received a life sentence, actor Suriya, who built his public image on films like Jai Bhim addressing such injustices, remained conspicuously silent.

The contrast with his vocal activism during AIADMK rule is impossible to ignore.

Drug Crisis: Silence on a Spiraling Catastrophe

Tamil Nadu is increasingly being likened to Colombia for its escalating drug menace – in fact it is competing with Punjab to become the drug capital of the country. The state has witnessed multiple seizures of cocaine at Chennai Airport, transforming it into a smuggling hub. In October 2025 and early November, Chennai Airport continued to cement its reputation as a key smuggling hub for high-value narcotics in India, rivaling major international drug routes.

On 1 October 2025, officials seized 3.5 kg of cocaine valued at ₹35 crore from a passenger who reportedly had links to an international syndicate, with Bollywood connections being speculated but not officially confirmed.

A second major operation on 8 October 2025 resulted in drugs worth ₹52 lakh and cash of ₹51 lakh being confiscated by Air Intelligence and Customs.

On or around 12 October 2025, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Chennai Zonal Unit intercepted a mini truck near the Karanodai Toll Plaza and seized 320 kg of cannabis (ganja) worth approximately ₹2 crore. Two people, including the driver, were arrested. The ganja, which was hidden in a specially designed cavity, was being transported to Chennai from Andhra Pradesh.

On 31 October 2025, Tiruvallur police arrested a Nigerian national in Chennai for possessing 39g of methamphetamine valued at ₹75,000. The individual was also suspected of being involved in hawala transactions linked to drug smuggling.

The trend continued into November, with five individuals being arrested on 3 November 2025 and heroin, as well as large quantities of ganja, being seized during anti-drug operations.

Suriya, who positioned himself as the voice of Tamil Nadu’s youth through his socially conscious films, has maintained a conspicuous silence on this grave issue. There have been no statements, no activism, no use of celebrity to highlight the crisis. His activism was loud under previous regimes but conspicuously muted under the DMK government.

The Kallakurichi Hooch Tragedy: A Diluted Response

The 2024 Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which killed over 50 people, exposed the state government’s failure to prevent a repeat of a similar 2023 incident.

In response, actor Suriya issued a notably diluted statement. He used the euphemism “poisonous liquor” instead of “illicit hooch,” offered only token criticism of the “administration,” and praised the ruling party’s other schemes.

Compare this to his vocal condemnation during AIADMK rule and the contrast becomes glaring: his criticism is softer, his language gentler, his accountability dispersed when the perpetrators are political allies.

The Vengaivayal Atrocity: Selective Solidarity with Dalits

In the Vengaivayal atrocity, human feces were dumped in a Dalit community’s water tank – a direct attack on their dignity. This is precisely the kind of caste oppression that Suriya’s film Jai Bhim claimed to confront. Yet, the actor remained completely silent. His film had presented itself as a manifesto for Dalit rights and police accountability. Yet when actual Dalit communities faced this grotesque humiliation under the current regime, Suriya offered no solidarity, no statement, no activism.

The inescapable conclusion is that Suriya’s activism is performative – active when it serves political opposition to AIADMK, dormant when it might offend DMK allies.

Suriya – An On-and-Off Microphone

Suriya’s cinema presents a binary narrative: police are brutal, governments are indifferent, systems are rigged against the marginalized. Yet his actual activism operates within a competing binary: if the government wears DMK colours, silence is safety; if it wore AIADMK colors, volume is capital.

The victims of custodial torture, sexual violence, and state indifference deserve more than a champion who only speaks when it aligns with electoral politics. The actor who made Jai Bhim to challenge impunity now perpetuates it through his complicit silence.

His transformation from crusader to accomplice is a betrayal of the marginalized communities he once claimed to represent.

When Suriya finally breaks his silence, it will not be because he has discovered his conscience. It will be because the next election cycle demands a new narrative, and Tamil Nadu’s suffering has become politically convenient again.

Until then, his silence speaks volumes about the true nature of his activism: not principle, but propaganda.

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The post From Suriya To ‘Udhaya’ Suriya: A Journey From Protest To Propaganda To Silence appeared first on The Commune.

In the wake of stuntman Mohanraj’s tragic death during a fight scene, the conversation around mandatory insurance for stunt performers has resurfaced and with it, a sudden surge in praise for Tamil actor Suriya. Tamil media outlets and Dravidianist actor fans have been quick to portray him as a Kollywood savior of stuntmen, crediting him with silently funding insurance for years. But a closer look reveals the narrative might be more manufactured than sincere.

Veteran filmmaker and actor Chitra Lakshmanan recently addressed this very claim on his Q&A show on YouTube. When asked whether it was true that Suriya had been consistently paying insurance premiums for stunt artists, Lakshmanan bluntly refuted it, “The news that Suriya is continuously providing insurance for stunt artists is not true. He used to give the Stunt Artists’ Union 2 lakh rupees annually until a few years ago, but it is not known if he is still giving that 2 lakh rupees.”

Adding to the confusion, popular stunt choreographer Stunt Silva gave a contrasting account in an interview with Behindwoods. He claimed that Suriya, through his Agaram Foundation, has been arranging insurance for stunt performers for over a decade, contributing ₹10 lakh per year and praised Suriya for not publicizing this act, portraying it as proof of his character.

The conflicting reports raise an obvious question: What is the truth?

More importantly, why this sudden media blitz around Suriya? The praise from Dravidianist circles, especially DMK first family-owned outlets like Sun News seems well-timed to ignore. There have already been whispers that the DMK is grooming Suriya or someone from his family for a future political role, potentially even in the upcoming elections.

Whether or not this is the case, one thing is clear: praise, especially in emotionally charged moments like a stuntman’s death, must be grounded in verifiable fact — not crafted narratives. If Suriya has contributed meaningfully to the welfare of stunt performers, let it be acknowledged. But hype without transparency only invites skepticism and rightly so.

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The recent wave of admiration showered by the Dravidian ecosystem on actor Suriya and his Agaram Foundation, with Sun TV giving it prime coverage and notable Periyarist and anti-Hindu leaning figures like Kamal Haasan participating in the event, had many observers suspecting something strategic was underway. Now, the political intent behind the move appears to be gradually unfolding.

According to emerging reports, the DMK is considering fielding actor Suriya in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, potentially from a constituency in Coimbatore, with the goal of weakening the AIADMK-BJP alliance in the Kongu belt a region traditionally challenging for the DMK, and also to counter part-time politician Vijay’s TVK.

Historically, the DMK has formed the government six times: in 1967, 1971, 1989, 1996, 2006, and most recently in 2021. However, except for the 1967–71 period, the party has never secured back-to-back victories in state elections. Opposition parties frequently use this as a point of criticism, framing the DMK as incapable of sustaining long-term electoral momentum.

To counter this narrative and aim for a second consecutive term, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is reportedly going all-in for 2026. Though the AIADMK is currently fragmented and lacks a cohesive alliance, the BJP tie-up and rising popularity of actor turned politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), especially in western districts, pose a genuine threat. Some surveys even suggest TVK could garner over 10% of the vote share.

In light of this, DMK is targeting a sweeping majority possibly over 200 seats. However, the northern and western regions remain a political hurdle. With PMK’s internal rifts offering a potential opening in the north, DMK is also focused on shoring up support in the Kongu zone, where the party has historically struggled.

Previously, the party inducted Divya Sathyaraj, daughter of actor Sathyaraj to appeal to voters in the Kongu region. Now, attention has turned to actor Suriya, whose family including Sivakumar, Jyothika, and Karthi has a strong public image and wide reach, particularly in the region.

Sources suggest that if Suriya declines to contest, the DMK may consider fielding another member of the Sivakumar family. This should explain the recent Agaram Foundation PR event and also Suriya’s special show in Zee Tamizh where beneficiaries gave emotional testimonies.

Adding to the calculation is the Gounder community background of Sivakumar, which is a dominant caste in the Kongu region. The DMK reportedly believes this caste factor, combined with celebrity appeal, could help counter both the AIADMK-BJP alliance and the rising influence of Vijay’s TVK in districts like Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, and Nilgiris.

All signs point to the DMK preparing a major electoral move, and actor Suriya or someone from his family might just be the next political trump card.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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The post Suriya To Become Udhaya Suriya? DMK Reportedly Planning To Field Its Stooge In Kongu Region For 2026 appeared first on The Commune.

Virtue-signaling actor and a filtered DMK stooge Suriya along with his family is known for peddling propaganda against the Modi government’s policies like NEET, National Education Policy, farm laws etc while buttressing the DMK in the state.

Recently, DMK-aligned Dravidianist YouTuber Senthil Vel has exposed this that all anti-Hindu orators from the Dravidar Kazhagam have been given a platform within the foundation. More shockingly, Periyarists like Mathivadhani and Arulmozhi are reportedly conducting classes for the poor who come seeking aid.

This raises concerns that Suriya may be using his foundation as a tool to indoctrinate people with anti-Hindu and anti-India ideas, effectively recruiting individuals to propagate Dravidian ideology.

Senthil Vel stated in his video, “The Agaram Foundation doesn’t just provide education. Along with that, it teaches them about social justice. They keep volunteers to teach them in classes, and they go to those classes to study. If you had seen the attendees of that function, I’m telling about the friends I know, they are journalist who have been continuously speaking about education. Brother Karthigaichelvan, the news editor of News18 Tamil Nadu, participated in this event. My dear sister Maha came with her children. My loving sister Mathivadhani also participated, and Mathi regularly go there to teach those children, continuously giving them lessons on social justice. All these people travel with the students. So, social justice is being taught there, isn’t it? If you think about it, advocate Arulmozhi, and everyone who participated in that event, including actor Kamal Haasan, spoke against NEET on that stage. All these people are passionate about education for our children, wanting our children to study.”

The controversy deepens when considering the backgrounds of the individuals involved—all of whom have a history of Periyarist, anti-Hindu, anti-Brahmin, and anti-India rhetoric.

Dravidian Stockist Mathivadhani

M. Mathivadhani, Deputy General Secretary of the Dravidar Kazhagam, has repeatedly made derogatory remarks, including mocking Union Home Minister Amit Shah and disparaging those with the surname “Shah.”

Mathivadhani in a undated video be heard saying, “the Home Minister Amit Shah, everyone talked about him. It’s not just Amit Shah, even if it’s Shah, Shoe, or whoever comes, the BJP cannot win even a single seat in Tamil Nadu. Knowing they cannot get even a single seat, they are coming along with the ADMK. The ADMK also cannot win even a single seat because you are with the BJP. They went and asked Amit Shah why you didn’t provide the jobs for the two-crore people. Home Minister Amit Shah replied ‘Jhumla’. It means he said it casually (summa sonaru). In which country would this kind of joke happen? Would this mockery happen? Would people believe this? At a time when the youth are looking for employment, last week, not like 20 or 30 years ago, a news report came out last week in India Today stating that Tamil Nadu is the leading state in India in the manufacturing sector.”

அமித் ஷா இல்லை, ஷா, ஷூ யார் வந்தாலும் தமிழ்நாட்டில் ஒத்த சீட் கூட வாங்க முடியாது; திமுகவை தோற்கடிப்பது என்பது திமுகவின் திட்டங்களை தோற்கடிப்பதாகும்#Mathivadhani | #DMK | #MKStalin | #AmitShah | #BJP pic.twitter.com/BBkF5qaIvF

— PttvOnlinenews (@PttvNewsX) June 10, 2025

She has also used Periyar’s rhetoric to criticize judicial decisions, implying Brahmin bias in courts, and has drawn backlash for promoting divisive caste-based narratives.

In a previous incident, following a legal setback for the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government, she made similarly controversial remarks. On 21 May 2025, the Madras High Court comprising Justices G.R. Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayan issued an interim stay on the state government’s amendments that aimed to strip the Governor of the authority to appoint Vice-Chancellors in state-run universities. Reacting to the ruling, Mathivadhani referenced the words of E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (also called as Periyar) to criticize the judgment, insinuating that when Brahmins hold judicial positions, the verdicts tend to reflect caste bias. Her remarks drew widespread backlash for casting aspersions on the judiciary and promoting divisive rhetoric.

She stated “A country where the Paapan (derogatory slur denoting Brahmins) becomes the judge and the ruler is like a jungle inhabited by a ferocious tiger. That is why we are engaged in a tiger hunt. When the tiger leaps, one or two people are bound to get hit! – Thanthai Periyar”

பார்ப்பான் நீதிபதியாய், ஆட்சியாளராய் இருக்கும் நாடு கடும்புலி வாழும் காடேயாகும். ஆதலால், நாங்கள் புலிவேட்டை ஆடுகிறோம். புலி மேலே பாய்ந்ததில் ஒருவர் இருவர் அடிபட வேண்டியதுதான்!

-தந்தை பெரியார்

— S.M.Mathivadhani (@MMathivadhani) May 21, 2025

Similarly during the horrific Pahalgam attack that claimed 25 innocent Hindu lives, Mathivadhani blamed “Sanghis” and accused them of inciting religious tensions, further fueling communal controversy.

In a inflammatory post, she claimed, “The Sanghis have started to paint a religious picture to hide their defeat. Even before they could write condolence messages to those who suffered the loss, they had already started using religion to incite riots. They are the threat to India!” 

தங்களின் தோல்வியை மறைக்க மதச்சாயம் பூச தொடங்கிவிட்டனர் சங்கிகள்.

பேரிழப்பை சந்திருப்பவர்களுக்கு இரங்கல் செய்தி எழுதும் முன்பே, கலவரத்தை தூண்ட மதத்தை கையில் எடுக்கத் தொடங்கி விட்டனர்.

இந்தியாவிற்கு அச்சுறுத்தலே இவர்கள் தான்!#pahalgamattack

— S.M.Mathivadhani (@MMathivadhani) April 23, 2025

In 2024, Dravidar Kazhagam members reportedly attempted to assault a police officer who intervened during her anti-Hindu speech made by her during a religious procession.

Dravidianist Journo Karthigaichelvan

Karthigalchelvan is a Dravidian propagandist journalist and a Modi-baiter. He has come under fire for some of his buttressing attitude towards the DMK. He had a sycophantic interview with DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin in which he posed soft, easy and simping questions that felt more like scripted PR.

When your father buys you the exam question paper, pays off the examiner, but you still screw up writing the wrong answer for the question because you are a Dimwit

#TNwithModi pic.twitter.com/77sf7j3fav

— Arvintha (@ArvinthaB) January 19, 2024

A few years ago, he conducted a similar interview with the current Chief Minister, MK Stalin, which also faced public backlash for lacking tough questioning. In a compilation of multiple interviews featuring Stalin, he appears to follow a repetitive pattern, asking questions about his fitness routine, preparations for long journeys, sources of energy for campaigning, and how he readies himself for such activities.

Top class journalism from Puthiyathalaimurai. The Godfather of all #Andolanjivi pic.twitter.com/gMdK39hOG6

— Vishwatma ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) February 8, 2021

Pro-DMK Behavior Exhibited By Karthigaichelvan

During a debate on News18 Tamil in June 2023, moderated by Karthigaichelvan, when one of the panelists Advocate Tamil Mani accused Senthil Balaji of corruption, citing his admission to taking money for job placements. Karthigaichelvan defended Senthil Balaji, claiming the ongoing case made labeling him corrupt premature. Despite a DMK spokesperson’s insults, Karthigaichelvan tried to maintain neutrality, softly condemning Saravanan from DMK towards the end.

During a News18 Tamil Nadu debate in October 2022, Karthigaichelvan and DMK spokesperson Constantine Raveendran faced criticism for allegedly protecting CM MK Stalin over a fake news claim related to the Sterlite protest firing. Hindu Munnani’s A.T. Elangovan pointed out the incident where Stalin falsely implicated PM Modi, but Raveendran demanded proof, limiting Elangovan’s response. Karthigaichelvan claimed ignorance and declined to express an opinion. 

Unfortunately Illango from the Hindu Munnani was not able to get the clip so here it is……. pic.twitter.com/BFwxhXqDlu

— Vishwatma ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) October 28, 2022

Modi Hate

In the past, Karthigaichelvan had consistently expressed animosity towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2015, he shared a derogatory cartoon (now deleted) suggesting that the Union Government, led by Narendra Modi, was influenced by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Dear @CNNnews18 , your latest selection is a rabid anti Modi and anti RSS person.He is a dmk leaning jurno. Having him as ur editorial head will certainly take away your “neutrality”. Why this choice ? Wondering what is the compulsion! pic.twitter.com/ChfydyFNQi

— karthik gopinath (@karthikgnath) September 18, 2022

Karthigaichelvan shared cartoons mocking PM Modi, implying he acts as per Hindu or secular sentiments. One cartoon depicted Modi hitch-hiking on Karunanidhi’s wheelchair during a courtesy visit. Another mocked Digital India, accompanied by a euphoric caption “Hahahaha.”

CNN-News18 – Reconsider your decision. You can do better than hiring someone who was instrumental in spreading hatred against PM Modi in TN. These are just samples @CNNnews18 @News18TamilNadu @AnchorAnandN pic.twitter.com/W92RYZoyUk

— Krishna Kumar Murugan (@ikkmurugan) September 18, 2022

Once he was called out by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for deliberately trying to peddle anti-Modi propaganda saying that the Centre was waiving off loans taken by corporates.

India’s FM Nirmala Sitharaman Ji is confronting the Anti-BJP propaganda of this journalist.

Upon exposing he is diverting it, as a clarification

Such Agenda driven people are joining @News18TamilNadu @News18India

Should we boycott your news channel ? pic.twitter.com/nhn1JcxhAY

— Tinku Venkatesh | ಟಿಂಕು ವೆಂಕಟೇಶ್ (@tweets_tinku) September 18, 2022

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted widespread searches across Tamil Nadu on 6 March 2025 investigating large-scale financial irregularities linked to the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC). The operation, carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, uncovered a deep-rooted network of bribery, kickbacks, and systematic corruption amounting to a ₹1,000 Crore Scam. However not one news card was shared by him.

எதுக்குடா இந்த எச்ச பொழப்பு அறிவாலயம் கொத்தடிமை @karthickselvaa #DMKLiquorScam |#TNLiquorScam #DMKFailsTN |#Annamalai pic.twitter.com/FWg9CfgNkq

— நாட்டாமை (WarRoom Commander ) (@Agmarksanghi) March 14, 2025

His repeated promotion of anti-Modi propaganda, combined with his political leanings, raises serious questions about the ideological influence on students who attend classes at Agaram Foundation.

In light of these affiliations and actions, the involvement of such politically motivated individuals in educating vulnerable communities through Agaram Foundation is deeply concerning for the future of students exposed to this environment.

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The post DMK Stooge Actor Suriya’s Agaram Foundation Allows Anti-Hindu Dravidianists And DMK Propagandists To Teach Kids appeared first on The Commune.

What was billed as a celebration of 15 years of social service by the Agaram Foundation turned into a carefully curated public relations event for actor Suriya and his political allies. While the event aimed to highlight educational initiatives for underprivileged students, the presence of actor-politician Kamal Haasan and the nature of Suriya’s own speech made it difficult to ignore the underlying political messaging and image management at play.

Actor-politician and Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan, now Rajya Sabha MP at the mercy of the DMK, on Sunday 3 August 2025, abused Sanatana Dharma during his address at the 15th anniversary celebrations of the Agaram Foundation in Chennai, calling education “the only weapon that can break the chains of dictatorship and Sanatan”.

What DMK Stooge Kamal Haasan Said

Speaking at the event organised by actor Suriya’s education charity, Haasan emphasised the transformative power of education and called for deeper investment in knowledge systems and social empowerment.

“Don’t take anything else in your hands, only education. We cannot win without it, because the majority can make you lose. Majority fools (Moodargal) will make you lose; knowledge alone will seem defeated. That’s why we must hold on to it (education) firmly,” he said.

Haasan drew a clear line between performance in cinema and service to society, saying, “In cinema, we are crowned for our performances. But in social work, we are given a crown of thorns. It takes a strong heart to accept that crown. No one else will do this for us, we have to do it ourselves.”

He praised the Agaram Foundation for providing educational support to underprivileged children, stating, “True education and unconditional love are hard to come by. Apart from our mothers, institutions like Agaram Foundation are among the few places where we can still find them.”

Taking a direct swipe at the NEET policy implemented in 2017, Haasan said the exam had crushed the dreams of medical aspirants from marginalised communities in Tamil Nadu. “You can’t see doctors of such a batch next year. There is a reason for what I’m saying, as after 2017, they are unable to continue their efforts. Now do you understand why we oppose NEET? Since 2017, that law has made such children unable to get education,” he said.

“Even Agaram Foundation, despite its best efforts, cannot help students beyond a point because the law doesn’t allow it. To change the law, we need strength and that strength can only come from education,” he added.

Sharing a recent conversation with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Haasan said, “Yesterday, I told the Chief Minister that NGOs were not asking for anything like money, they’re only asking for permission to work. He assured me that steps are being taken in that direction. I am proud to be involved in this cause.”

Concluding his address, Haasan offered a reflection on leadership: “Leadership is that which disappears (with time) into the society and not that stands and rules. It took me 70 years to understand this.”

Haasan’s invocation of “Sanatan” also echoes a the DMK scion’s derogatory statements to “eradicate Sanatana Dharma in 2023 at a conference by that name which caused an uproar all across the country. Udhayanidhi Stalin had stated that ‘Sanatana Dharma’ must be eradicated like diseases caused by mosquitoes, linking it to caste discrimination. While multiple cases were filed against him, the Supreme Court later barred the registration of further cases on the matter.

DMK Stooge Suriya Makes His PR

Suriya’s speech was packed with emotional appeals, crafted in a tone of humility and gratitude, but layered with subtle self-promotion and political signaling. His repeated emphasis on how alumni of Agaram are now “giving back” through volunteerism, and how ₹300 a month could change a life, served dual purposes – maintaining the foundation’s crowd-funded image while elevating Suriya as a selfless philanthropist.

“I ask with all due respect… contribute at least ₹300 per month so that the right student can reach the right student and their life will also change like this,” Suriya pleaded, subtly shifting the focus from systemic educational failures to individual generosity – a tactic often used to draw attention away from government accountability.

Suriya said, “More than 6,000 students from extremely humble backgrounds have received an education and gone on to achieve great things. Many were orphans. Today, our former students are running the programme with empathy and social awareness.” He further added, “in 2026, there will still be first-generation students.” – While he says this, he does not question the reality of the so-called Dravidian Model that he supports. Why will there be first-generation students in the 21st century if the Dravidian model has done wonders?

With this event, we have seen two leading Kollywood actors hosting “educational support” events, each carefully crafted to serve personal agendas under the guise of social service. Both talk about NEET and why it must be abolished, the importance of education, social equality, and women’s empowerment – clearly aligned with political narratives, especially as the hosts, want to build up on their PR image.

While actor Vijay, has now formally entered politics was touted as “younger Kamaraj”, Suriya portrayed him as a selfless crusader for education, with supporters likening him to a “living Abdul Kalam” – a transparent attempt at image-building. While one used the platform for direct political positioning, the other indulged in high-gloss PR, reinforcing the idea that both events, though cloaked in the language of upliftment, were ultimately about self-promotion.

While Suriya makes great claims about the foundation, it is noteworthy that Agaram Foundation, a “non-profit” organization ironically applies its own stringent selection criteria to determine which students deserve financial aid. Despite promoting the cause of educational equality, Agaram uses a rigorous scoring system to shortlist applicants, directly contradicting its stated mission.

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The post DMK Stooge MP Kamal Haasan Derogates Sanatana Dharma, Peddles Anti-NEET Propaganda At Fellow DMK Stooge Actor Suriya’s Agaram Foundation PR Event appeared first on The Commune.

DMK stooge, Dravidianist supporter, so-called actor Suriya is turning a year older today. So, it is essential to bring to light the various achievements of this unofficial DMK mascot today. Right from being a flop star, DMK buttresser, propagandist who would open his mouth only to please his masters in the ruling government, Suriya has achieved a lot. Let’s check them out one by one.

Flop Star Suriya

Suriya, once a bankable star, became a flop star the moment he donned the Dravidianist robes. Truth be told, Suriya’s filmography is a masterclass in mediocrity. Right from forgettable disasters like Anjaan, Massu Engira Masilamani, Etharkkum Thunindhavan, to his most recent box-office duds, he has perfected the art of overacting and underwhelming scripts. Yet, his PR machinery ensures he’s hailed as a “versatile actor” – versatile in disappointing audiences, perhaps. Let’s take a look at the various flops he has delivered over the years.

Retro

Touted as a grand comeback, Suriya’s Retro turned into a critical and commercial flop, drawing widespread disappointment from audiences and reviewers alike. Despite high expectations driven by director Karthik Subbaraj, composer Santhosh Narayanan, and the viral buzz around the song “Kanimma,” the film suffered from incoherent storytelling, sluggish pacing, and overstuffed plotlines. Viewers criticized its erratic transitions, from Thoothukudi to Africa and the Andamans, and a lack of a clear villain. Tamil reviewer “Blue Sattai” Maran mocked the film’s narrative chaos and overacting, particularly targeting Suriya’s loud performance. Social media reactions were scathing, with many likening Retro to a bloated version of Kanguva and questioning Suriya’s judgment in film choices. The three-hour runtime, jumbled themes, and confused tone left even loyal fans disillusioned. What was meant to be a cinematic triumph has instead become the actor’s third consecutive box-office misfire in 2024-2025.

Kanguva

Despite immense pre-release hype and a ₹400 crore budget, Suriya’s multilingual epic Kanguva turned out to be a monumental flop. Audiences emerged from theatres angry, exhausted, and disillusioned. Many slammed the film for its incoherent story, deafening sound design, and Suriya’s non-stop high decibel shouting through the film. One viewer compared the experience to being in a “mental hospital,” while another said the only redeeming moment was 30 seconds of silence in the climax. Frustrated fans criticized the 3-hour runtime, poor 3D visuals, and complete lack of substance. Even Suriya loyalists admitted disappointment, calling it a career-damaging misstep. Viewers unanimously agreed: Kanguva was more torture than entertainment.

His previous outings like Edharkkum Thunindhavan, Mass, Kaapaan, etc turned out to be disaster at the box office.

Hate-Peddler Suriya

His film Jai Bhim was criticised for its portrayal of the Vanniyar community, leading the Saidapet Court to direct the Chennai Police to file an FIR against Suriya, his wife Jyothika, and director T.J. Gnanavel. The Rudra Vanniyar Sena petitioned the court, alleging that the film falsely depicted the main antagonist, SI Anthony Sami, as a Vanniyar, using their sacred ‘Agni’ symbol, when in reality, the officer was a Christian. Despite the backlash, the filmmakers replaced the symbol with an image of Goddess Lakshmi, which was also criticized as a manipulative move. The community and social media users accused Suriya of deliberately maligning the Vanniyars for political mileage, particularly by aligning with the ruling DMK.

In Soorarai Pottru, the character based on Air Deccan’s G.R. Gopinath, a Brahmin and capitalist, was misleadingly portrayed as an EV Ramasamy/Periyar follower and “socialist capitalist,” distorting the real-life persona.

In Jai Bhim, a controversial scene shows a Brahmin lawyer named Sankaran (played by MS Bhaskar) praising Suriya’s character Chandru, only for Chandru to respond with veiled distrust, implying Brahmins are manipulative. This was seen as a pattern in Suriya’s films of subtly vilifying Brahmins to align with Dravidianist political narratives.

Hypocrite Suriya

In this section, we will take a look at the various hypocrisies exhibited by Suriya (along with his wife).

Preach About Donating Money To Hospitals, Schools; Go On Expensive Seychelles Vacay

Suriya and his wife Jyotika were seen vacationing in Seychelles in June 2025. Jyotika, who once questioned temple donations in favor of funding schools and hospitals, flaunted an extravagant trip costing lakhs.

Suriya-Jyothika’s ₹70 Cr Luxury Move to Mumbai

Suriya and his wife Jyothika purchased a ₹70 crore luxury apartment in a gated community in Mumbai in 2023. This move starkly contradicted Jyothika’s 2020 awards ceremony speech, where she urged the public to donate to hospitals and schools instead of temples, citing poor infrastructure in public institutions. Suriya, who also heads the Agaram Foundation and often champions DMK-backed causes like anti-NEET rhetoric, has been accused of virtue-signalling. While the purchase of a high-end residence is a private decision, it exposed the gap between the couple’s public preaching and private choices, reinforcing perceptions of hypocrisy.

Suriya’s Caste Identity vs On-Screen Anti-Caste Messaging

Despite his public posturing against caste through films like Soorarai Pottru, actor Suriya Sivakumar is listed in official company records as “Rakkia Gounder Sivakumar Suriya,” clearly retaining his caste title “Gounder.” He serves as director of both 2D Entertainment Pvt Ltd and Rakkia Cinemas Pvt Ltd. Interestingly, his brother and fellow actor Karthi Sivakumar, also a director, does not use a caste title in official records. This contrast between Suriya’s documented identity and his on-screen ‘anti-caste’ narrative raised questions about the sincerity of his social messaging and ideological consistency.

Suriya’s Great Hindi Flip-Flop: From Anti-Hindi Crusader to Mumbai Cheerleader

Suriya, a vocal critic of Hindi imposition in Tamil Nadu, has now embraced Mumbai life, praised the city and exploring Hindi film opportunities, revealing a glaring contradiction in his public persona. Once adamant about Tamil exclusivity, Suriya had condemned the inclusion of Hindi in schools and portrayed anti-Hindi sentiment in his film Jai Bhim. But after relocating to Mumbai with his wife Jyotika and children, the actor now calls the city “full of opportunities” and is actively engaging in Hindi media promotions.

In a Curly Tales interview, he comfortably conversed in Hindi, relished panipuri, praised Hindi films like 12th Fail, and even gleefully responded in Hindi when asked about imli. Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, he had earlier warned that learning a third language was burdensome and would be “imposed” upon the public. This blatant hypocrisy – preaching Tamil purity at home while leveraging Hindi for personal and professional gain elsewhere – has not gone unnoticed.

Suriya’s move to Mumbai, interest in Bollywood, and public use of Hindi directly contradict his long-standing anti-Hindi rhetoric. What he condemned for Tamil students, he now celebrates for his own children.

Suriya and Jyothika’s Temple Run – Hypocrisy Much

Following the box-office disaster of Kanguva, actor Suriya and wife Jyothika, longtime critics of temple donations, took a visible turn toward spirituality, visiting several major temples across South India. This sudden wave of devotion, coinciding with their film’s failure, has drawn criticism as a staged PR act rather than genuine faith. The couple, previously hailed by Dravidianist media for advocating healthcare and education over religious giving, now appear to be repositioning themselves in response to public backlash. Their change in tone seemed to be driven by damage control, especially after Kanguva’s poor reception and Jyothika’s widely criticized defence of the film online.

Suriya’s Love-Hate Relationship With Hindi – Hate In South, Love In North

Suriya who is well-known for opposing Hindi in Tamil Nadu and portraying anti-Hindi sentiment in films like Jai Bhim, recently embraced the very language he once criticized. While he previously claimed it was difficult to teach Hindi even to his own kids and warned of “imposition,” his recent move to Mumbai tells another story. During promotions for Kanguva, he comfortably spoke in Hindi, praised Mumbai’s culture, and even enjoyed panipuri while speaking in Hindi in a YouTube show. He enthusiastically responded “Bahut bahut accha”. Suriya’s shift exposes his hypocrisy: opposing Hindi at home while embracing it elsewhere for career gains.

Jai Bhim Glory, Parvathi’s Neglect

While Jai Bhim earned actor Suriya and his team international acclaim, awards, and crores in revenue, the real-life inspiration behind the film, Parvathi Rajakannu, continues to live in abject poverty. Despite portraying her struggle on screen and winning accolades like the Huading Award and significant cash prizes, neither Suriya, director T.J. Gnanavel, nor the production house sought Parvathi’s consent or ensured meaningful financial support. A token ₹10 lakh fixed deposit was promised, but in contrast to the film’s ₹50+ crore revenue from Amazon, Kalaignar TV, and film festivals, it is paltry. Parvathi, whose husband was a victim of custodial death, still lives in a hut, with no trace of the justice or dignity the film claimed to champion.

Hindi Hate For TN, Hindi Love For Profits

Suriya, who had been opposing the National Education Policy (NEP) in 2019, had criticized the three-language policy as an imposition of Hindi on Tamil Nadu’s students, calling it anti-poor and harmful to rural education. He even questioned how government schools could manage to teach a third language when he found it difficult with his own children. However, in a recent promotional tweet for his film Kanguva, Suriya wrote in six languages, including Hindi, prompting widespread backlash. Interestingly, he also publicised the Hindi version of Jai Bhim. It was also pointed that in Jai Bhim, a north Indian character is slapped for speaking Hindi, and this was seen as exploiting linguistic faultlines. Suriya’s selective activism is tailored to convenience and box-office returns.

Suriya Silent As Tamil Nadu NEET Toppers Shone

Four students from Tamil Nadu made it to the top 10 ranks of NEET 2023, including a Scheduled Caste student, Kaustav Bauri, securing an impressive third rank. Their success has sparked statewide celebration and bolstered support for the NEET system, often criticized by the ruling DMK and its supporters. However, Suriya, one of the loudest voices against NEET, conspicuously remained silent, triggering backlash online. He was called out for his failure to congratulate the achievers, especially after years of vocal opposition, where he termed NEET an anti-poor and anti-Tamil exam. In 2021, he urged public resistance via the AK Rajan Committee and branded NEET as discriminatory. Now, as Tamil Nadu students disprove those claims with their excellence, Suriya’s silence stands out sharply, undercutting the credibility of his previous activism.

Husband-Wife Duo Attend Ambani Wedding

After their public virtue-signalling on issues like Hindi imposition and prioritizing hospitals over temples, the husband-wife duo were seen attending Anant Ambani’s lavish wedding. Suriya had earlier opposed the National Education Policy for promoting Hindi, but promoted his film Kanguva in six languages, including Hindi, and even moved to Mumbai in 2023, while promoting Jai Bhim in Hindi too.

Double Standards For Agaram

Suriya, who vocally opposes NEET claiming it unfairly filters out medical aspirants from underprivileged backgrounds, runs the Agaram Foundation, a “non-profit” organization that ironically applies its own stringent selection criteria to determine which students deserve financial aid. Despite promoting the cause of educational equality, Agaram uses a rigorous scoring system to shortlist applicants, directly contradicting its stated mission.

No Hindi For TN Kids, Hindi/IB For His Kids

In what comes across as the nadir for hypocrisy, Suriya shuns Hindi education and the NEP implementation for Tamil Nadu school students. He even moved to Mumbai for better education for his children who study under the IB curriculum.

Propagandist Now Silent

Suriya was extremely vocal on social issues during the AIADMK government’s tenure up until 2021. But the moment the DMK came to power, he became deafeningly silent. Here are some instances of his total hush.

Anna University Sexual Assault Case

Suriya, known for his vocal stance on social justice issues, especially through his film Jai Bhim,came under fire for his silence on the recent Anna University sexual assault case. While he previously issued strong statements on incidents like the custodial deaths of Jayaraj and Bennix during the AIADMK regime, his lack of response to a heinous gangrape at Anna University campus sparked accusations of selective outrage. It is argued that Suriya, who often champions causes aligned with Dravidianist narratives, deliberately chose silence on this issue since the accused had alleged links to the ruling DMK.

Ajithkumar Custodial Death Case

Suriya was once vocal about police brutality during the AIADMK era, was widely praised for highlighting custodial deaths in Jai Bhim. Cut to 2025, the DMK stooge has chosen silence over outrage in the case of Ajithkumar, a 27-year-old temple security guard who died in police custody in Sivaganga under the DMK government. Despite previously condemning similar incidents, Suriya has offered no comment on this case or the growing number of custodial deaths, 25 since 2021, under CM Stalin’s watch. While Suriya had loudly criticized injustices under the previous regime, his current silence is being interpreted as ideological loyalty to the ruling DMK.

Suriya did not open his mouth even during the 2023 custodial death of a 26-year-old Scheduled Caste (Pallar community) youth.

Suriya’s Silence on Tamil Nadu’s Escalating Drug Crisis

Despite the alarming rise in drug-related crimes and youth intoxication in Tamil Nadu, Suriya, who often positions himself as a socially conscious star, has maintained a troubling silence. From seizures worth ₹111 crore in Pudukottai to heroin and cocaine smuggling at Chennai airport, the state is increasingly being likened to Colombia for its drug menace. Incidents of violence, public intoxication, and community unrest involving youth under the influence have become disturbingly frequent. Yet, Suriya, who once vocally opposed policies like NEET and produced films on social justice themes, has not uttered a word on this grave issue. This silence is stark, especially as drug networks target working youth, including IT professionals. Suriya’s activism was loud under previous regimes but conspicuously muted under the DMK government.

Suriya’s Silence During Chennai Rains

In the wake of Cyclone Michaung’s devastation across Chennai and surrounding districts in 2023, Suriya came under fire for his conspicuous silence. Despite his public image as a ‘socially aware’ celebrity and past vocal criticism during the AIADMK regime, Suriya, along with his brother Karthi, refrained from commenting on the severe flooding and mismanagement under the current DMK government. Though the brothers donated ₹10 lakh to relief efforts, many see this as insufficient given their previous political outspokenness. While ordinary citizens suffered from power outages, waterlogging, and poor disaster response, Suriya, a DMK mouthpiece, remained mute.

Suriya’s Deafening Silence on Vengaivayal Atrocity

Suriya remained silent on the horrific Vengaivayal incident in Pudukottai, where human faeces were found dumped in a water tank used by Dalits. While Suriya previously made headlines for producing Jai Bhim, a film highlighting police atrocities against Dalits, he offered no statement or solidarity for the Vengaivayal victims. His earlier activism under the AIADMK regime – on NEET, the Subhashree banner death, and police brutality – contrasts sharply with his current inaction under the DMK government, of which he is seen as a loyal supporter.

Suriya Praised Jallikattu Verdict, Omitted ADMK’s Role

Suriya, who is known for his silence during DMK rule, praised the Supreme Court’s 2023 verdict upholding Jallikattu and Kambala, congratulating the DMK and Congress-led Karnataka governments. However, he was criticized for omitting the crucial role of the AIADMK government, which passed the ordinance legalizing Jallikattu, and the BJP-led central government, which approved it. Suriya’s tweet came shortly after AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami indirectly called out actors who selectively speak based on the ruling party. Suriya’s irony was also pointed in praising the Congress, despite the party’s previous efforts to ban Jallikattu, including a 2016 manifesto call for prohibition and support from Manmohan Singh and Jairam Ramesh. Many accused Suriya of playing DMK’s mouthpiece while ignoring the party’s historical role in curbing the traditional Tamil sport.

DMK Stooge Suriya

As a reader, you might wonder why this separate section is needed to prove how loyal Suriya is to the ruling DMK. Here are some instances where Suriya buttressed the DMK that even Dobby’s loyalty will look small.

Deflected Blame During Kallakurichi Hooch Tragedy On To Victims

DMK cheerleader Suriya drew criticism for his delayed and diluted response to the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy that claimed over 50 lives. Following public outrage and comparisons with actor Vijay’s hospital visit, Suriya released a letter that avoided directly blaming the DMK government. Instead, he used the term “poisonous liquor” – a Dravidianist media euphemism, rather than “hooch” or “illicit liquor.” His letter subtly praised the DMK’s educational schemes, offered token criticism of the “administration,” and equated the failures of both DMK and ADMK, deflecting accountability. While acknowledging repeated incidents and failures, he urged the rehabilitation of addicts and vaguely expressed belief in CM Stalin’s decision-making. Suriya was slammed for gaslighting victims, soft-peddling DMK’s role, and using monkey-balancing to protect his ideological allies. His letter stood in sharp contrast to his past vocal activism under previous regimes.

Virtue Signalling Family

Be it Suriya or Jothika or Suriya’s family, they have been consistent at only one thing – virtue signaling to the citizens of Tamil Nadu. Suriya’s family, notably his wife Jyothika and brother Karthi, have repeatedly indulged in virtue signalling aligned with DMK narratives.

Free Police Protection for Absent Suriya

Suriya’s Chennai residence has been under government-funded police protection since 2021, following controversies surrounding his film Jai Bhim that year. Despite relocating to a ₹70-crore apartment in Mumbai, armed police continue to guard his unoccupied property in Chennai, at no cost to him. An RTI filed by activist Krishnamurthy revealed that the arrangement, initiated by the Police Commissioner citing security threats, was upheld based on a ministerial recommendation. This has drawn sharp public criticism, especially given Suriya’s past vocal stances against the previous AIADMK regime and his silence under the current DMK government.

Suriya & Family Receive VVIP Treatment During Keeladi Museum Visit, Make Students Stand In Hot Sun

Suriya and his family received VVIP treatment during a visit to the Keezhadi Museum in Madurai, drawing public ire as schoolchildren were reportedly made to wait outside in the scorching sun. Suriya, his wife Jyothika, children, and father were accompanied by CPI(M) MP Su. Venkatesan during the 2 April 2023 visit. Despite the museum’s public opening time of 10 AM, entry was restricted for over an hour to accommodate the celebrity family’s exclusive tour. Photos of waiting schoolchildren went viral, triggering criticism online about elitism and double standards.

Mask Has Slipped Long Back, Suriya

Suriya Sivakumar stands exposed as a textbook case of ideological opportunism and selective activism. From playing the messiah of the oppressed in films to parroting Dravidianist propaganda in real life, his actions reveal a disturbing chasm between on-screen advocacy and off-screen integrity. Whether it’s his anti-Hindi grandstanding followed by a move to Mumbai, or his silence during real social crises under the DMK regime, Suriya’s pattern is clear – outspoken only when politically convenient.

Ultimately, Suriya is no longer just a fading actor or a selective activist – he is a full-time DMK mascot draped in hypocrisy.

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The post Suriya Turns A Year Older: Still A Flop Star, DMK Stooge & Serial Virtue Signalling Hypocrite appeared first on The Commune.

DMK cheerleader and flop start Suriya, who never missed a chance to pontificate on every issue when Edappadi K. Palaniswami was Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, is now basking in the opulent glow of Seychelles’ sunsets, far from the state’s troubles.

The man who brought custodial brutality into focus with his film Jai Bhim and vocally condemned the custodial deaths of Jayaraj and Bennix in Sathankulam—has remained remarkably silent about the recent custodial death of temple security guard Ajith Kumar in Sivaganga under the DMK government.

A 27-year-old man employed as a security guard at a temple died while in police custody in Sivaganga on Saturday, following his detention by the Thirupuvanam police for questioning in a theft case. Ajithkumar was initially questioned and let go on Friday. However, the following day, a special police team took him in for further interrogation. During the process, he was allegedly assaulted by officers after giving conflicting statements, which reportedly led to his death while in custody. It remains unclear whether Ajithkumar was responsible for the theft, according to police sources.

This is not the first such custodial deaths happening under the police department which comes under the direct control of Chief Minister MK Stalin. Since 2021, there have been more than 9 such cases documented by The Commune.

In January 2024, a 36-year-old resident of Srivaikuntam, Thoothukkudi, who was wanted in multiple criminal cases died days after facing custodial torture.

Custodial deaths must be condemned regardless of which party is in power, and justice must not be selective. But in Tamil Nadu today, it seems silence is the price for ideological loyalty.

Now netizens are calling out the hypocrisy of Suriya for his shameless silence.

அதிமுக ஆட்சியில் Vs திமுக ஆட்சியில்#JusticeForAjithkumar @Suriya_offl pic.twitter.com/hQmy7wgC0U

— Sanghi Prince (@SanghiPrince) June 29, 2025

திராவிடக் கைக்கூலிகள் @Suriya_offl#JusticeForAjithKumar https://t.co/9AmlbPgAbg pic.twitter.com/DA2QtxmDBU

— Suresh Kumar (@ErSuresh_Kumar) June 29, 2025

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The post Now You’re The One Eating Mixture: DMK Stooge Suriya Who Virtue-Signalled For Every Issue Under The Sun During EPS Regime Keeps His Mouth Shut For Yet Another Custodial Death Case Under DMK Rule appeared first on The Commune.

DMK simp and flop-churning actor Suriya who gave statements after statements for every issue under the sun when Edappadi K. Palaniswami was Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, is now enjoying sunshine and sunsets in the luxury destination of Seychelles.

Videos posted by Jyotika on social media show the celebrity duo strolling along white-sand beaches, indulging in water rides, sipping on fresh coconuts, and posing in high-end tropical attire—all while describing the East African island as “paradise.” In her post, Jyothika wrote, “Another day for you and me in paradise. Thank u Abhishek and Lyn for this beautiful memory at Seychelles.”

This is the same Jyotika who, in 2020, famously criticized temple donations, suggesting the money would be better spent on schools and hospitals—a comment that didn’t sit well with many in the Hindu community.

Her comments were hailed by the DMK’s ecosystem and lapped up by left-leaning media outlets, using it to push the narrative that temple wealth is a misplaced priority.

The couple’s recent luxury vacation—likely costing several lakhs—raises an obvious question: Why is it acceptable to splurge on exotic getaways, but not for devotees to donate to temples they believe in?

Meanwhile, Suriya—who brought custodial brutality into focus with his film Jai Bhim and vocally condemned the custodial deaths of Jayaraj and Bennix in Sathankulam—has remained remarkably silent about the recent custodial death of temple security guard Ajith Kumar in Sivaganga under the DMK government.

When speaking out aligns with their political leanings, they’re loud and visible. But when uncomfortable truths emerge under regimes they support, they retreat into silence—or tropical beaches.

Public memory is not as short as they hope. The internet remembers. And as long as they continue to preach one thing and practice another, their credibility will only keep stooping low further.

The post DMK Stooge Suriya And Wife Jyotika Who Criticized Temple Donations Asking People To Give Money To Schools And Hospitals Goes On Expensive Vacation To Seychelles appeared first on The Commune.

DMK-supporting Dravidianist actor Suriya appears eager to portray Retro, his latest box office flop, as a major success—going so far as to claim a ₹104 crore gross using flashy posters and financial muscle. What’s baffling is that the film has received little to no response from Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam audiences, yet the team is still planning a celebration. Even more absurd is the fact that many theaters in major cities are empty with wind passing during prime showtimes, making the ₹104 crore claim seem highly exaggerated.

Take Sathyam Cinemas on Thursday evening and night shows, 8 May 2025, for example—hardly anyone showed interest. Only four seats were booked for the evening show, and just eight for the night show. Such visibly low occupancy highlights the lack of interest in Suriya’s Retro, even in a prime location on a weekday evening.

Even the weekend shows on Saturday and Sunday saw little to no pre-bookings. Tickets were easily available at the counter on Sunday, which clearly reflects the poor reception for Suriya’s Retro.

A similar situation was observed at AGS Cinemas in T. Nagar, where only a handful of seats were booked for the prime-time evening and night shows on both Saturday and Sunday.

Released on 1 May 2025, Retro has grossed around ₹50 crore in its first week, according to trade tracker Sacnilk. This figure falls well short of expectations and reflects the film’s lukewarm reception. Despite this, the team went ahead with celebratory events, including a “Thanksgiving meet,” and circulated posters claiming inflated box office numbers.

What’s even more puzzling is the team’s insistence on celebrating a ‘success’ when another small-scale film, Tourist Family, which released on the same day, has reportedly outperformed Retro at the box office. Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Retro has resonated with only a limited segment of the audience, failing to strike a chord with the wider public.

The exaggerated claims and celebration of a clearly underperforming film suggest a disconnect from reality. While there’s nothing wrong with promoting a film or appreciating the effort behind it, portraying a commercial failure as a blockbuster can backfire and damage the credibility of those involved.

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The post Suriya’s Retro Runs In Empty Theatres, But Donates ₹10 Cr ‘Profit’ From Film For His Agaram Foundation appeared first on The Commune.

Dravidianist actor Suriya’s career continues to nosedive—and this time, it’s Retro digging him a deeper hole. Once a bankable star, the Dravidianist poster boy seems more interested in riding on the coattails of established directors than actually acting. The result? One flop after another. Instead of picking solid stories, he’s busy chasing names, and it’s clearly not working.

According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Retro barely pulled in ₹3.38 crore (India nett) on day five. Despite an okay opening of ₹19.25 crore on 1 May, the film crashed the next day—same old story. Suriya’s previous film Kanguva followed the exact same script an initial ₹24 crore opening, followed by a free fall to ₹9.5 crore on day two—a humiliating 60% drop. Retro did even worse, plummeting 61%.

Theaters showed the damage. Day two of Retro saw average occupancy at just 40.23%, with morning shows scraping together 23% and even night shows barely touching 53%. No buzz, no pull—just another forgettable release. Coming to Day six the movie had only an overall 14.47% morning show Occupancy.

Suriya’s 16-Year Theatrical Dry Spell

Let’s be blunt, Suriya hasn’t delivered a theatrical hit for all audiences since Singam—way back in 2009. That’s 16 years of consistent underperformance. Why? Because he’s stuck in a loop of poor story choices, playing it safe, and refusing to back new talent. He seems to think success is guaranteed if he latches onto already-famous directors—but they’ve only dragged him down.

Take Jigarthanda Double X, for instance—a box office dud that somehow had a “success meet.” Suriya bought the hype and gave director Karthik Subbaraj another shot. The reward? Retro, a cinematic disaster that’s burning money.

And what’s next? A movie based on RJ Balaji’s Masani Amman script. If you think that’s the comeback vehicle, good luck. Or maybe his direct Telugu venture with Venkatesh Atluri will change things? At this point, it’s less about hope and more about blind faith.

Same Old Face, Same Old Flaws

Even on screen, there’s a big problem, Suriya doesn’t become his characters anymore. He just shows up as “Suriya.” That disconnect is killing any chance of audience immersion. The artificiality is obvious—and Tamil audiences have become far too sharp to fall for name alone.

If he wants to survive in this industry, Suriya needs to wake up. Stop recycling directors. Stop betting on tired formulas. Go back to choosing strong, grounded scripts. Play real, relatable characters again—like in Kaakha Kaakha or Vaaranam Aayiram. Until then, all the “2.0” talk is just noise. You can’t reboot a failing career with lazy decisions.

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The post Why Suriya Is The Flop Star Of Tamil Cinema appeared first on The Commune.