“Maamannan: How Dravidian Ecosystem usurps the Dalit narrative”, Swarajyamag, July 8, 2023:
“When the Rajnikanth-headlined and Pa Ranjith-directed Kabali (2016) and Kaala (2018) arrived, the reactions in the mainstream media and social media platforms were rather interesting and varied. But one line of response stood out, and that was whether it is morally right for Rajnikanth, a privileged super star with political ambitions, playing victimised Dalit characters.
Most reviews, especially for Kaala, were unambiguous. They said that the films were made for Rajnikanth the star with political ambitions, and it was sad that he had to ventriloquy himself in Dalit characters.
At least Rajnikanth had seen penury in his early years as a bus conductor in Bengaluru. But Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of the Chief Minister and the grandson of a former Chief Minister, could possibly never have come close to privation and hardship…..”
Read the full article at Swarajyamag.com
