A short note on 'Karnan'
I think there were exactly two or at best three points in 'Karnan' that put me off. But when I looked beyond some of those cinematic compromises, I think I loved 'Karnan'.
I think there were exactly two or at best three points in 'Karnan' that put me off. But when I looked beyond some of those cinematic compromises, I think I loved 'Karnan'.
What an arousing and moving film on the human spirit and the extent it is willing to go to fight for its dignity.
'Karnan' is a story of a community's resistance.
'Karnan' is a story of a community's resistance.
That would fiercely guard its dignity and is willing to confront even the mighty power of caste structure and state machinery. It is unfortunate that some people intend to interpret the story of a community's resistance into a superhero's battle.
I do agree that Mari Selvaraj plays up the hero's role in the final climax block, but the rest of the film essentially lies on the entire community.
Like I said, I loved 'Karnan'.
Like I said, I loved 'Karnan'.
Because how can I not love a film that invokes my family deity Periyayi (Head Mother) and her commander Marudhaiyar. Just before the film reaches the interval point, Karnan and some of the villagers destroy the bus that refuses to stop at their village.
After thrashing the bus, Karnan walks out with an iron rod and sits next to the idol of Kaatu Pechi.
That frame of Karnan and Kattupechi together seemed to have been directly imported from my village temple - of Periyayi and Marudhaiyar. I was moved and spellbound for a moment.
That frame of Karnan and Kattupechi together seemed to have been directly imported from my village temple - of Periyayi and Marudhaiyar. I was moved and spellbound for a moment.
Reflecting on that frame even after the film ended, I was thinking - should I use this as an opportunity to trace the story of my Periyayi and understand her resistance. And possibly connect it with the story of Podiyankulam villagers.
Or should I go berserk trying to force fit her story into Periyarist or Ambedkarite mould as we understand today.
I think I would only want to understand my deity Periyayi for what she stood for. Just like I intend to understand the resistance of the villagers of Podiyankulam.
I think I would only want to understand my deity Periyayi for what she stood for. Just like I intend to understand the resistance of the villagers of Podiyankulam.
Because who am I anyway to assess and grade the spirit of human resistance.
In the image above.
Top - Still from the film 'Karnan'
Bottom - A picture of Periyayi temple from my native village Thiruvalandurai.
In the image above.
Top - Still from the film 'Karnan'
Bottom - A picture of Periyayi temple from my native village Thiruvalandurai.
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