The Tamil film ‘Amaraan’, which narrates the life of soldier Mukund Varadarajan, who died in an anti-terrorist operation in Kashmir in 2014, has come under fire from various groups in Tamil Nadu. Directed by Rajkumar Periyasamy and produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raj Kamal Films International, the film stars Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi in lead roles.
The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and other groups have raised objections to the film, claiming it portrays Muslims and Kashmiris in a “negative light”.
In response, the SDPI staged protests at several locations, including outside the office of Raj Kamal Films International, alleging that ‘Amaran’ promotes Islamophobia and incites sentiment anti-Muslim.
The activists said that the film’s portrayal of certain sections breeds mistrust and misrepresents society.
Amid these protests, the police have beefed up security at select theaters in Chennai to prevent any disturbance. Thirumurugan Gandhi, the coordinator of the May 17 Movement, has also opposed the portrayal of Kashmiris as ‘enemies’ and the struggle for film rights.
Although “Amaraan” has faced criticism from some, it has received support from some directors, politicians and actors including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, superstar Rajinikanth, Suriya , Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai and Tamil Nadu Congress President Selvaperunthagai.
The film, based on the life of late Major Mukund Varadarajan of Tamil Nadu, who was killed in an attack in Kashmir’s Shopian district in 2014, was released on 31 October.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi attended the screening of the film. “It’s good to give real stories to today’s youth in the form of books and movies! Director Rajkumar has captured the bravery and dedication of Tamil Nadu Army veteran Mukund Varadarajan,” Stalin said in a tweet.
