Vijay Sethupathi's Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir Story Stolen From Writer Tho. Pathinathan's Novel? Deets In!

Writer Tho. Pathinathan accuses Vijay Sethupathi Film Director: Writer Tho. Pathinathan has alleged that the story of the film 'Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir' starring actor Vijay Sethupathi has been stolen from his novel.

In a statement released by him in this regard, he said "The movie Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir has been released on 19.05.2023. Venkata Krishna Roghanth directed the film starring Vijay Sethupathi as the lead. It is produced by Essaki Durai on behalf of Chandra Arts.

Stolen From Four Books?

This film based on the life of Eezham refugees has taken many elements directly and indirectly from my own historical book 'Porin Marupakam', essay book 'Thagippin Vaazhvu', novel 'Andharam' and short story 'Naalayum Naalaye'.

After the publication of my autobiographical book 'Porin Marupakam' on refugees in 2007, I have written two collections of essays, 'Thamizhagathin Eezha Agathigal', 'Thagippin Vaazhvu' and the novel 'Andharam'. These have been published by Kaalachuvadu Publishing House. I have also written more than ten unpublished short stories.

From Thagippin Vaazhvu Novel

The essay begins with a conversation about purchasing a SIM card in Thagippin Vaazhvu. It will be a conversation with the lady in the shop and it is filmed as written. They have changed the female character to male.

From Naalayum Naalaye Short Story

In my 2016 short story 'Naalayum Naalaye', which appeared in Kaalachuvadu Magazine, a woman bending over to sign an aid officer looks at her breasts and the woman tries to fix them. The concerned officer will subject the woman to further investigation. In this scene, a refugee woman is being interrogated at a police station for with the exact situation.

From Porin Marupakam Autobiography

After being out of camp for eight years, I re-enrolled in camp. I have lived in a refugee camp and outside a camp in Tamil Nadu under two names. After working in a five-star hotel under the guise of being a refugee, I told the management the truth and resigned from the job. All these are written on my autobiography, Porin Marupakam. The story of the movie Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir has been made based on this.

From Andharam Novel

In the novel 'Andharam' there is a story of a mother who is suffering because of the disappearance of her son. In the film, the story is made like an older sister is looking for her missing brother. I have recorded in the book why I did not live in hiding but revealed myself through Porin Marupakam. These are included in the dialogues at the end of the film.

Permission for this has not been obtained from me or the publishing house of the books. Therefore, further action will be taken after consulting on taking legal action in this regard.

It should also be mentioned that the film which aims to tell the miseries of the refugees who are living in the midst of various hardships has lost the moral by stealing the work of such a refugee."