The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Portrait of a Chief Minister as a role model for youth

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 22, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Portrait of a Chief Minister as a role model for youth

S. Dorairaj

M. Karunanidhi — Photo: K. Pichumani

CHENNAI : Right from the days of his famous Parasakthi hitting the silver screen, the life of Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president, M. Karunanidhi, has become inseparably inter-twined with the celluloid world.

Mr. Karunanidhi has played different roles in the world of cinema as a scriptwriter, director, film producer and lyricist during the last several decades.

Now his life and contribution to the State in various capacities, more particularly as politician, administrator, literary person and film personality, during his public life spanning over six decades, is about to be captured by a team of young filmmakers.

"Kalaignar is not going to be a mere biographical sketch of the octogenarian but a lesson for the younger generation," says Sakthi. G., director of the movie.

Unique personality

This is the first effort to make a film on a leader during his lifetime. Though many leaders have appeared on the political horizon, only a few like Mr. Karunanidhi set a role model for the youth, he feels.

K.V. Suresh will be the cinematographer of the film and Peter Babya will take care of editing. Screenplay is by Mr. Sakthi.

Shooting of the high-budget movie, starring prominent actors, is likely to commence on July 15 at Thirukkuvalai, Mr. Karunanidhi's native village. Kalaignar is going to be the team's Pongal release.

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