Kamal Haasan’s ‘Sandiyar’ title reignites row over caste pride and violence in Kollywood

Actor Kamal Haasan’s decision to reuse the controversial title Sandiyar for his upcoming film with director SU Arun Kumar has reignited a debate over caste identity, violence and the influence of Tamil cinema in southern Tamil Nadu. The title was announced on November 6, on occasion of the actor’s birthday.

The controversy is not new. Sandiyar was the original title of Kamal Haasan’s 2004 film Virumaandi. He dropped it in 2003 following protests by the Dalit political party Puthiya Tamilagam, led by K Krishnasamy, who argued that the title glorifies dominant-caste identity and can potentially aggravate tensions between Dalits and the dominant Thevar caste in the southern districts.

At the time, Krishnasamy alleged that the film celebrated the militant, caste-supremacist self-image projected by Thevar community leaders and could revive the region’s ‘aruval culture’. He was referring to the use of machetes in caste-related violence. The protests led to disruptions in the film’s shooting schedule. 

Subsequently, Kamal Haasan met then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa seeking police protection for filming. After the meeting, he announced that he would drop the title, saying he did not intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments and had decided to respect the objections raised by some groups. The film was subsequently renamed Virumaandi and released in 2004.

More than two decades later, the decision to revive the title has brought the dispute back into focus. The posters for the new film show Kamal Haasan with a gun and a knife, accompanied by the promotional line "Revenge can only be settled in blood,” suggesting that the film is an action drama. 

Puthiya Tamilagam chief Krishnasamy has again objected to the title, questioning Kamal Haasan’s decision to use it despite the earlier controversy. 

He said the actor, who is now a Rajya Sabha MP, should act responsibly and alleged that the decision could create unrest in society. Krishnasamy also said he would hold Kamal Haasan responsible for any consequences if the film proceeds with the title unchanged. He added that he would approach the Tamil Film Producers Council to question how the title had been approved despite the earlier objections.

The announcement has also drawn support from sections of the Thevar community. Film producer Chowdary Thevar, known for his casteist statements, defended the title, calling it a matter of pride for the community. He said Kamal Haasan should not change it and that members of the community would stand together if there was opposition.

“Kamal Haasan should not change the title at any cost. This title is a pride for the entire Thevar clan. We will stand unitedly in support of the title if there is any opposition to it.”

The word Sandiyar is generally used to refer to a rowdy troublemaker or street fighter. But some dominant castes use the terms to assert their dominance. 

The latest controversy has also revived criticism of Kamal Haasan’s 1992 film Thevar Magan. The film, starring Kamal Haasan and Sivaji Ganesan, centres on a conflict between two influential families in a village dominated by Thevars. While it is widely regarded as an important work in Tamil cinema, anti-caste activists have criticised its portrayal of feudal authority and dominant-caste pride.

One of the most debated aspects of the film is the song ‘Potri Paadadi Ponne’, which includes the line “Ithu Thevar kaaladi manne” (this is the soil beneath the feet of the Thevars). The song has been used at community events and celebrations and has been criticised for reinforcing caste pride.

In 2023, director Mari Selvaraj spoke about the impact the film had on him as a young viewer. At the audio launch of his film Maamannan, he told Kamal Haasan that Thevar Magan had left him deeply distressed. 

In an earlier letter to Kamal Haasan, Mari Selvaraj had said that the film’s portrayal of caste pride and violence had influenced caste-related incidents in southern Tamil Nadu. He specifically pointed to the song, saying it was played at temple festivals and weddings and had contributed to clashes between communities. 

The latest controversy has drawn reactions from filmmakers. Director Lenin Bharathy criticised the promotional messaging around the new film, arguing that cinema which glorifies violence can influence young people.

“Because of cinema that glorifies heroes, the stench of violence is already prevalent in the minds of young people. In this context, it is condemnable that Kamal Haasan, without the slightest concern for social responsibility, is promoting his upcoming film with the message that ‘revenge can only be avenged with blood’,” he said.

Director Ameer, however, questioned Krishnasamy’s opposition to the film. He asked why the Puthiya Tamilagam leader was threatening to stop shooting and is issuing warnings of possible riots in the southern districts and added that such politics should stop.

Responding to Ameer, director Esakki Karvannan accused Kamal Haasan’s films, particularly Thevar Magan and Virumaandi, of encouraging caste pride and contributing to caste tensions. 

“Ameer, you are quick to come forward and defend people whenever Muslims are portrayed as villains … But Kamal sir’s two films, Thevar Magan and Virumaandi, have fuelled caste pride and provoked several caste clashes. Some people who are already inclined towards violence become even more aggressive after watching films made by people like Kamal.”

He added, “Many films portray a community's story as one of people killing each other instead of pursuing education and progress together. In several such films, everyone outside the hero's family is portrayed as despicable: as villains, traitors or thieves. This mindset needs to change. Films like these do a great disservice to Tamil communities.”