“Nandhan: A hard-hitting Film that exposes the reality of “Dravidian Model” of Social Justice”, The Commune Mag, October 20, 2024:
“Dravidianists – be it those in the echelons of power, in cinema or in the media – often paint Tamil Nadu as a progressive state, lauding its removal of caste-based surnames as a sign of modernity and egalitarian society. But what value does this “removal of caste surnames” have when caste remains entrenched in people’s minds?
The film Nandan starkly exposes this contradiction, but it hasn’t received the same support or visibility as propaganda films by directors like Pa. Ranjith or TJ Gnanavel. This is because Nandan challenges dominant Dravidianist political narratives, refusing to toe the line that aligns with their ideology.
At the heart of the film is Koozhpaanai, a hardworking man from a marginalized community who serves Koppulingam, a powerful Panchayat leader. Koppulingam, having won two unopposed Panchayat elections, is devastated when his seat is reserved for a Scheduled Caste candidate. Unable to run himself, he installs Koozhpaanai as a puppet candidate, expecting to retain control behind the scenes…….”
Read the full article at Thecommunemag.com
