'Sandiyar' title controversy resurfaces after 22 years - Krishnasamy objects

K. Krishnasamy, leader of the Puthiya Tamilagam party, has strongly objected to actor Kamal Haasan's new film being titled 'Sandiyar'. The opposition that arose over the same title 22 years ago has now resurfaced.

The new film, directed by S.U. Arun Kumar, was announced last September. Its title was released on November 7, Kamal Haasan's birthday, and the controversy has begun with it.

The 2004 film 'Virumaandi', written, directed by and starring Kamal Haasan, was first named 'Sandiyar'. Objections arose then that giving that name to a film set in Madurai could create tension and law-and-order problems in the southern districts.

Krishnasamy objected at the time that the word 'Sandiyar' is associated with a particular community and appeared to glorify caste dominance and violence. Following protest warnings, the film's title was changed. Now, 22 years later, the same title is being used again, and the same voice of opposition has begun to sound once more.