The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : DMK regime will not "deviate" from Periyar path

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 24, 2006
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

DMK regime will not "deviate" from Periyar path

Special Correspondent

Karunanidhi releases audiocassettes and compact discs of "Periyar"

PAT ON THE BACK: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi presents a shawl to actor Sathyaraj after releasing audiocassettes and compact discs of the film `Periyar' in Chennai on Saturday. K. Veeramani, president, Dravidar Kazhagam, and actor Kamal Hassan are also in the picture. — Photo: M. Vedhan

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Saturday said the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Government would not deviate from the path shown by Periyar E.V. Ramasami and C.N. Annadurai, founders of the Dravidar Kazhagam and the DMK respectively.

After releasing the audiocassettes and compact discs of "Periyar," a film on the life and works of the late leader, Mr. Karunanidhi said he was thrilled at seeing the clips of the film screened at the function. Criticising attempts by some "vultures" to vandalise the DK leader's memorials, he said the movie would teach them a fitting lesson. He hoped the film would be a resounding success. .

Periyar was not opposed to films; he had welcomed movies that carried good messages, as the powerful medium influenced millions of people, Mr. Karunanidhi said.

DK president K. Veeramani thanked the Chief Minister for earmarking Rs.95 lakh for the film. "Periyar" was the first movie to be created from funds raised from the public, he said. He commended actor Sathyaraj for acting in the movie without any remuneration.

Actor Kamal Hassan, who received the cassettes and CDs, said he was always keen on incorporating Periyar's ideals into his films. Music director Vidyasagar said he had done research on various periods of Periyar's life while scoring music for the movie.

Mr. Sathyaraj, who played the role of the DK leader, said that while making the film, director Gnana Rajasekaran took note of minute details about Periyar.

Cinematographer Thangkar Bachan said the film would be a treasure for the future generation. Lyricist Vairamuthu said the songs were based on Periyar's ideology. Actor Kushboo, who donned the role of Periyar's wife Maniammai, said it was an honour for her to be part of the film.

Chairman of Iyal Isai Nataka Manram Rama Narayanan spoke.

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