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Chronicling a political struggle

The title ‘Gandhian-Communist’ is most appropriate for a docu-fiction on the life of K. Madhavan, the only freedom-fighter alive who participated in both the Salt Satyagraha and the Guruvayoor Satyagraha. The shooting of the film, scripted by Radhakrishnan Perumbala and directed by Rajesh Azhikkode, was completed recently.

The film traces the transformation of the social and political life in northern Kerala from the early part of the 20th century to the present times, in which K. Madhavan played a seminal role. Like other founder-leaders of the communist movement, Mr. Madhavan began his political life in the Indian National Congress during the freedom struggle. The film portrays a scene of his initiation into political life at a celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday.

It portrays his political life through the functioning of the Vijnannadayini national school, organised as a part of the national movement in northern Kerala, scenes of blockade of toddy shops, boycott of foreign clothes and finally Mr. Madhavan becoming a part of the Left block in the Congress led by P. Krishna Pillai. It chronicles his later struggles of working in banned organisations, life in disguise, secret meetings and finally arrest and life in jail. The film was shot at the locations where the actual incidents took place.

The film also brings alive memories of some forgotten leaders of the freedom struggle and the Left movement in northern Kerala.

The film attempts to discuss the paradox of modern times through its take on the ban of unrefined salt without taking into consideration the interests of the poor sections of society.

It also discusses the possibility of modern-day resistance to imperialism, according to the artistes.

Mony Anoor’s role as Mr. Madhavan is commendable. The film is produced jointly by Mahakavi P. Memorial committee, Kanhangad and Yuvakalasahitym, Kasaragod district committee.

A. Harikumar

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