Can’t You Make Dravidian Movement Series? Tamil Director Ameer Targets DMK Over 'Ramayana' On Sun TV

Tamil filmmaker Ameer Sultan has slammed the DMK for not doing enough to create awareness about the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu and criticised the ruling party for airing 'Ramayana' on its family-owned Sun TV.

In an interview with a YouTube channel, he has highlighted how former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi propagated his political ideals through movies.

He contended that the DMK ascended to power on the strength of Karunanidhi's writing, oratory prowess, and advocacy of Dravidian ideology. He argued that both the Dravidian parties and Seeman's Tamil nationalism endeavours have been lacking. Ameer proposed that the DMK has failed to uphold Karunanidhi's legacy and criticized Seeman for not creating a significant body of work during his decade-long career, suggesting that epic dramas like the 'Ramayana' would not have had the same impact.

Advising Seeman, Ameer questioned, "Even if you weren't capable of doing it personally, how did Karunanidhi manage to script for 70 years, leveraging his influence and the support of those around him? He encouraged others to create films based on his stories and dialogues. If Seeman had followed suit, his political impact would have been far-reaching. With such political engagement, the series you're mentioning (Ramayana) would pose no threat here."

However, Ameer targeted the serial without mentioning titles such as 'Ramayana' (referred to as 'that series') or the DMK. He pointed out recent shifts in the themes and ideologies of mainstream cinema, questioning the rationale behind the production of movies like 'Adipurush' which starred Prabhas. Also, he underscored that 'The Kerala Story' has become a subject of discourse in recent election rallies.

Ameer said, "In countries like India, cinema serves as a powerful tool for shaping opinions. However, fascist forces are leveraging this medium to influence public sentiment. Why is a film like 'Adipurush' being made? Let it be made. It's concerning that even the Prime Minister is discussing movies during elections. Why is there a need to bring up 'The Kerala Story' in Karnataka elections? Because it's impactful. Recently, we've seen a surge in web series and films promoting patriotism, particularly in Hindi, with a focus on military themes. This is all political maneuvering."

Further attacking the DMK, Ameer questioned, "What do you hope to achieve by acquiring someone else's film, which is essentially trash? What's the benefit in that?"

He also criticized the DMK for broadcasting the 'Ramayana' on Sun TV, stating, "You just mentioned a series ('Ramayana'). Instead of airing that series, couldn't you broadcast a series on the history of the Dravidian movement? You have a diverse financial background. Instead of showcasing the Dravidian movement's history, you opt for this ('Ramayana')? Is this innovative? It has already been aired on Doordarshan, hasn't it?

Even then, people watched it by lighting incense sticks. What novelty are you bringing? This is how Hindutva politics was imposed in North India. At that time, Congress was in power. This should be well understood. Rajiv Gandhi unintentionally contributed to it. Because they embraced that politics, these people came into power. Now, if you (Sun TV) decide to air it ('Ramayana' series), I must say you lack a basic understanding of politics."

Finally, Ameer issued a stern warning to the ruling DMK government, cautioning that by promoting the epic 'Ramayana,' they risk alienating minority voters. He suggested that the portrayal of Ram's worship could negatively stereotype Muslims. He asserted, "Instead of releasing series like Murugaatrupadai, Meenakshi, and Sokkar, by airing a series that perpetuates division and discord, you risk alienating communities and exacerbating tensions. If you choose to depict a community as criminals for the sake of building a temple, it indicates a lack of political acumen. It signifies impending failure. You're on the brink of self-destruction."