Periyar

Periyar is a Tamil biographical film that hit the screens in 2007, casting Chandrasekhar, Jyothirmayi, and Vijay Krishnaraj in pivotal roles. As the title suggests, this narrative revolves around the life and philosophies of Periyar E. V. Ramasami, a social activist and politician who ignited a wave of change in Indian society. Directed by Gnana Rajasekaran, this gripping narrative unfolds the life events, struggles, ideologies, and the work of E.V. Ramasamy, popularly known as Periyar.

Chandrasekhar, bestowed with the responsibility of playing Periyar, shows phenomenal skill, embodying the spirit of this radical thinker who emerges from an ordinary backdrop to become a household name. His life took a transformative turn when he encountered incidents of caste discrimination which profoundly disturbed him and incited him to fight against these unjust societal norms.

Jyothirmayi, on the other hand, plays the role of Nagammai, Periyar's first wife, who stood as his pillar of strength during his early struggle days. Vijay Krishnaraj portrays Raghavachariar, another pivotal character in Periyar’s life, showcasing an intriguing relationship between them.

Periyar showcases the journey of E.V. Ramasamy, from a young boy from Erode, who witnesses blatant casteism and inequality in society, to evolving as a defiant advocate of rationalism, and feminism. With a sense of disbelief and frustration over the age-old customs and traditions imbibed in the society, he directs his energy towards questioning them. The film reflects his unyielding spirit for fighting for equality and his significant influence on the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu.

One of the more compelling aspects of Periyar is its profound exploration of Periyar’s ideology and his perspective. The movie delves deep into his worldview and his vehement opposition to the caste system and religious disparities, which instigates him to take decisive steps towards social reform. He believes in justice and equality for everyone, irrespective of their caste or religious backgrounds, and therefore, detests the treatment of certain communities as untouchables.

The film also highlights the internal conflict of Periyar - his denouncement of God following the tragic personal occurrences, and his search for a solution to end the societal menace. The filmmaker intricately weaves in the emotional aspect of Periyar's life, detailing his relationships, personal disappointments, and his quest for meaning, providing audiences with a well-rounded portrayal of this multi-faceted personality.

The film balances the allure of drama and historical fact well, offering viewers an intricate understanding of the magnitude of what Periyar undertook. His stance on women’s liberation, his role in advocating for a separate Dravidian state, his rational arguments against arranged marriages based on caste hierarchies, and his dedication towards providing equal opportunities to all - all these are effectively illustrated throughout the movie.

Equipped with a potent script, the film brings to life various incisive incidents and dialogues from Periyar’s life narratively, thereby offering a balanced and compelling portrayal of this icon. Richly rendered in Vairamuthu's words and Ilayaraaja's music, the film firmly captures the essence of Periyar's inspiring life, passion, and struggle, making it a moving tribute to this social reformer and activist.

Periyar intentionally refrains from idolizing its protagonist. Instead, it presents a true, unflinching portrait marked by his flaws and strengths, underlining the human beneath the legend. The film under Gnana Rajasekaran's astute direction meticulously traces each contour of Periyar’s life, illuminating the unorthodox beliefs and actions of this advocate for justice.

Periyar successfully lays the foundation for critical discourse while establishing an emotional connection with the audience, making it a must-watch. The gripping biographical saga is not just a mere retelling of Periyar’s life. It is more of a reflection on his praiseworthy reformist ideologies and his endless battles to eradicate social disparity and religious prejudice borne out of blind faith. It stands as a poignant historical record emphasizing the necessity of reform and continuous questioning. The resounding echo of Periyar's remarkable life in this film is sure to stir the audience, encouraging them to rethink societal norms that persist even today.