Student concession for Periyar movie

By: Settu Shankar
Thursday, June 14, 2007
The Tamil Nadu Government on Monday ordered 50 per cent concession for school students to view Periyar, a feature film made on the life of social reformer and founder of Dravidar Kazhagam Periyar E.V. Ramasamy.

The film Periyar was produced by Liberty Creations, part of Dravidar Kazhagam and the government gave a grant of Rs 95 lakh for its production. Sathyaraj donned the role of Periyar, his best role so far in his career, while actresses, Jyothirmayee and Kushboo, played Periyar's first and second wife Nagammai and Maniyammai respectively in the film.

Gnana Rajasekaran, an IAS officer turned director has directed the film. The movie was released on May 1st and people turned up in good numbers to watch this timely made film.

Recently, a government order issued by School Education Secretary, M. Kutralingam, said the film contained several social messages such as eradication of untouchability and superstitious beliefs, equality for women, prohibition and widow remarriage.

According to a press release from the education department, the movie would instil self-confidence and liberal thinking in the students watching it, thus paving the way for a brighter future for them.