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Communist leader comes alive on screen

Engrossing: A scene from “AKG — Athijeevanaththinte Kanalvazhikal”, a documentary on the life of communist leader A.K. Gopalan.

PUDUCHERRY: Nothing could have been a better festival gift for the numerous people gathered at Raman theatre than providing them an opportunity to see their legendary hero coming alive on screen.

The theatre in the heart of the town was jam-packed with mill workers, autorickshaw drivers, rickshaw pullers, government employees, farmers, members of the trade union and kisan leaders, waiting to catch a glimpse of freedom fighter and communist leader A.K. Gopalan. “AKG—Athijeevanaththinte Kanalvazhikal”, a documentary directed by well-known filmmaker Shaji N. Karun, brought to life the communist icon, along with his contemporaries including E.M.S. Namboodripad and K.R. Gowri. The 45-minute film in Malayalam, right from the introductory remarks made by Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Prakash Karat till the last frame, held the audience completely rapt.

Language did not come in the way of understanding the story of the multifaceted personality, who made a remarkable contribution to the freedom struggle, Parliamentary democracy and the Communist movement, veteran trade union leader T. Murugan said.

The documentary presented a vivid picture of the struggles led by him during the freedom movement and in the post-Independence era. There was no dearth of poignant scenes either, with the director bringing to light the humane qualities of the leader. Many among the audience were moved when AKG expressed penitence for having thrashed his young daughter, mistaking her imitation jewellery for gold, as it would bring agony to millions of people who could not afford it.

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