''The Kingmaker'', a film on Kamraj, ready for release

Mumbai, Mar 26 (UNI) ''The Kingmaker'', the English version of the Tamil film ''Kamaraj'' on the life and times of the renowned congress leader which won a special state award from the Tamil Nadu government, is now ready for release.

The Tamil film was released in early 2004. Ramana Communications and producer-director A Balakrishnan now plan to release the English version for a global audience.

The movie is a comprehensive sketch detailing Kamaraj's early childhood, influence of Satyamurthy and Mahatma Gandhi on him, his involvement in the freedom struggle and prison term totaling nine years.

Kamaraj advocated a clean public life culture by simply leading such a life. From his humble origins to his rise to the post of All India Congress chief, Kamaraj was gifted with a practical mind which enabled him to quickly get to the core of any issue.

After the death of Jawaharlal Nehru, Kamaraj emerged as a key player, becoming one of post independent India's first king makers, Mr Balkrishnan told reporters after a special preview of the film here.

Richard Madhuram plays Kamaraj while other characters are enacted by Kanagaraj (Mahatma Gandhi), Sumanth (Jawaharlal Nehru), Charu Hasan (Satyamurthy) and Anandhi (Indira Gandhi). Ilayaraja has scored the music.

''Kamaraj was a phenomenon in Indian polity. He showed to the world how and what, a selfless leader should be. He was next, only to Mahatma Gandhi when it came to chastity in thought, word and deed.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru used to consult Kamaraj on almost all important domestic and foreign policy matters because of the latter's unique intellect and insightful statesmanship,'' the director said.

To do a film on the life of this remarkable leader, would be, in its own right, a service to world politics, Mr Balbir shran added.

Artistes closely resembling the contemporaries of Kamaraj, like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Jaiprakash Narain and Morarji Desai have offered fitting performances, enhancing the merit of the movie.

The film is interspersed with actual scenes shot during Kamaraj's visit to the then USSR and also his mammoth funeral procession.

Mr Balakrishnan says he was inspired to do the film because he is an ardent admirer of Kamaraj.

UNI MR MAZ SY RAI1050