R ARIVANANTHAM
Conflicts related to property have risen as demand for land for industrial projects has grown to boost development for India’s over 1.3 billion citizens. There is no end to the woes of farmers.
An example of the farmers’ unity and victory is the withdrawal of the controversial three farm laws by the Centre after over 18 months of satyagraha on the outskirts of New Delhi
Legislation passed in 2013 was meant to protect the rights of farmers, ensuring consensus in any land transaction, rehabilitation for those displaced, and compensation up to four times the market value.
But several Southern states, including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, have since introduced laws to make acquisitions easier.
Recently, Telugu Superstar Chiranjeevi’s film ‘Khaidi No. 150’ took more than Rs 1 billion on its first weekend, the definition of a blockbuster in India.
The film is a remake of the Tamil film Kaththi (Knife), about farmers committing suicide after their land is acquired for a factory. It was one of the biggest Tamil films of 2014.
Another Tamil film, ‘Rajapattai’, featuring popular actor Vikram, told the tale of an old man forced to give up his home.
The same storyline has been handled in a different and hard-hitting way by DBK International Films Private Limited producer Delhi Babu in his upcoming Tamil film, ‘Title’.
This film daringly bares how the powers-that-be, politicians and corrupt government officials join hands with land brokers, entice the poor farmers to sell off their fertile lands to the cash-rich Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and the corporate lobby with much ease.
A heroic defender of farmers takes on this mighty lobby and turns victorious from a fight over land. He deftly demolishes all plans of these greedy land grabbers with his meticulous planning and saves a farmer’s family and the fertile land, who deems land as divine and farming is the best profession.
The lead of star of the film, Vijith, has shown his disinclination in farming. His pair, Ashwini Chandrasekar, ‘NRI agent’ Mime Gopi, Marimuthu, Robot Shankar, Madhumita, Black Pondy, Rekha and Cool Suresh have portrayed their rolls well.
Rahoth Vijay has superbly handled both screenplay and direction to bring alive the contentious issue to whip ip the thinking prowess of movie-goers.
SM Thangapandian’s cinematography coupled with Anal Akash’s music and Vidhu-Jiva’s editing skills add strength to the film’s storyline. Lyrics by Lohan, arts by Iyappan, Mirattal Selva’s stunt sequences and Robert Rocks dance are commendable. Production Supervision – Velmany.
To a query on what induced him to direct this film, director Rahoth Vijay, said, “I am no activist, but I was deeply affected and wanted to show how our land acquisition policy is flawed, and how it affects poor, marginalised people most.”
The post-production of the film is in full swing and the film will likely to be released this month.
