Madras Manade

Amidst of my busy schedule (Oh, I see), sometimes, I just browse through the books, which I planned to read this year. One such book is the history of Tamil Nadu politics (Tamilaga Arasiyal Varalaru by R Muthu Kumar), in which a chapter is dedicated to the claim of Madras (Chennai) by Andhra.

We all might know that Andhra was the part of Madras State, with the efforts and struggle of Potti Sriramalu and others, Andhra was formed. While the demarcation was happening, Andhra people\parties started to claim Madras and started “Madras Manade” (In Telegu, Madras is ours) campaign. 

Why this flashback now, have you noticed the emblem of Chennai Corporation, if not it is here below.

The book talks about the story behind this emblem. When “Madras Manade” campaign was happening, politician M. P. Sivagnanam (Ma. Po. Si) gave lots of evidence to the committee which was considering whether to give Madras to Andhra. He was also demanding Thirupathi. He then took the support of the Madras Mayor Chengalvarayan. With the help of the mayor, he changed the emblem.

They added three items to it, bow & arrow, tiger and twin-fish, respectively these were the symbols of the Cheras, Cholas and Pandiyas.

Agitations grew stronger, the ruling Tamil Nadu (It was Madras State then) Congress government too opposed the idea of ascending Madras to Andhra. At last, all the parties, including the Nehru government had to climb down. Thirupathi went to Andhra and Madras remained with Madras State (which in 1969 will become Tamil Nadu).

பல்லவர்கள் ஆண்ட இடத்தில் மூவேந்தர்கள் கொடி!

**Above Ripon Buliding image by the blogger.

** Chennai Corporation logo from the Google.

Aval Appadithan (1978, India)

Director- Rudhrayia | Starring- Sri Priya, Kamalahasan, Rajanikanth | Language- Tamil | Country - India | Year - 1978

The film starts with Arun (Kamal) handling a camera, seeing from the viewfinder he speaks to his audience, he says “kojam left’la thalli nikkanum..ok”. As the film progresses, we realize the importance of the opening scene dialogue. We see liberal ideas flowing all the way throughout the film. 

If you translate the title Aval Appadithan in English, it becomes, “That is how she is”, which by itself comes from a male, meaning these are the words uttered by a male. Shouldn't it be “Nan Ippadithan” (I’m like this)?

If you get a chance to see this film in a TV channel, most probably, there are chances that you won’t see the full film, the scenes will be choppy and the dialogues will be muted. First time, I saw this film in a TV broadcast; it was hard to follow due to the self-censorship of the channel. Later, I had to rely on YouTube to catch the full version (Hope it was un-cut).

The irony in this world is, if one talks on what s/he feels, they are branded as liberals\leftists and an individual should always belong to a group. Individualism is lost. Everyone has to go by the books. Laws are not meant to be broken, so why do we have words like “amendments”.. “change”..? 

Back to the film, Manju (Sri Priya) is an out-spoken character, because of her previous bitter experiences; she hates the men-folk and can get the wrath of the men easily by talking-open (that’s how she is portrayed). Arun, who has a chance to work with her and tries to understand her, he goes on or tries to propose his love to her. Thyagu (Rajanikanth), who is her boss, tries to woo her for sex. 

Thyagu, want to use and throw her. His world views are like a normal man, who doesn't want to think beyond their needs. Arun, although liberal in his thoughts (at one point he reveals himself as communist- Not all communists are open-minded), he tries to restrain himself to understand Manju. Whereas, Manju complicates the plot in the end. Did Arun & Manju get together?

Illayaraja Music- There is three songs in the film, very apt to the situation and meaningful. Background music, I cannot reproduce it in my words, you have to see\hear for yourselves. For instance, when a character in the film is in a doubtful state, they show the doubtful expression, at the same time, the background music too reflects the same mood.

Ananthu, for whom, the film is presented makes a little cameo- the voice of Arun father.

Also watch it for- witty, straight-talking dialogues. It’s famous, live-recording, documentary style scenes- Arun interviews woman from the different sections of the society. 

Rudhraiya, the writer and director of this film passed away recently (2014, November). 

If you are whining about Tamil films are only song-dance-fight, then this film is for you.