Thiruvananthapuram: In an attempt to rejuvenate Dalit politics in the state, Bhimayana, an organisation promoting Ambedkar’s ideology will bring P.A. Ranjith, the director of Rajinikanth- starrer Kabali, to the city on Sunday. In the opening scene of the film Rajinikanth is seen reading My Father Balaiah, a biography of Dalit academic Y.B. Satyanaraya on his Telangana Dalit family. In one of the face-offs with the villain in the film Rajinikanth is seen making a statement that there is politics in Gandhi’s decision not to wear a shirt and Ambedkar’s decision to wear a coat.
Mr Ranjith has subtly conveyed his political messages through these scenes. He would be addressing a seminar ‘Mahatma Ayyankali, the architect of Modern Kerala at 2 pm at the PWD Guest House. Mr Ranjith, who has been ardent follower of the ideology of Ambedkar, has been trying to provide dignity to the marginalised through films. His earlier films included romantic comedy film Attakathi and political drama Madras, both having Dalit issues as a subtext.
When the film Kabali was released, it had resulted in a debate over the use of cinema as a medium to highlight representation of Dalits. Shyamlal, one of the organisers, said they were trying to bring Ranjith to the state after the release of Madras, but he could not come as he was busy with preparations for Kabali. However, this time he was ready to accept our invitation and come to the state as he too was interested in having an understanding on the legacy of Ayyankali, Mr Shyamlal said.
