Don’t want to be known as Dalit filmmaker: ‘Kabali’ director

Chennai: Director Pa. Ranjith, basking in the success of superstar Rajinikanth-starrer Tamil action drama “Kabali”, says he addresses caste inequalities in his films because he was affected by it and hence, shouldn’t be viewed as a Dalit filmmaker. “I don’t want to be known as a Dalit filmmaker. I touch upon caste inequalities in my films because I’ve been affected by it. Even if I don’t belong to the oppressed community, I would have continued to speak about inequalities in the society,” Ranjith said, speaking on the sidelines of the film’s success meet.

In “Kabali”, Rajinikanth fights for the pay rights of Tamils in Malaysia, and there are subtle nods to B.R Ambedkar and professor-author Y.B Satyanarayana. In the film, Rajinikanth is seen reading Satyanarayana’s book “My Father Balaiah” that talks about Telangana dalit madiga experience.

Ranjith said that every filmmaker should talk about the structural inequalities in the society. Speaking on the occasion, producer Kalaipuli S. Thanu said “Kabali” is a success all over. “The film has done exceptionally well all over including the US,” he said.

IANS