Depicting realities

‘Nandhan’ is a Tamil film portraying a Dalit leader’s struggle for power in a Panchayati Raj seat reserved for the community, illustrating dominance, caste-based exploitation, and the need for grassroots empowerment

- G PALANITHURAI

'Nandhan' is a Tamil movie directed by emerging director Era Saravanan, portraying the struggle of a Dalit leader navigating power through the reservation of seats in the Panchayati Raj system, established by the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution of India. It is an unusual film, realistically depicting the vulnerability of a Dalit caught in the grip of the dominant class. Tamil Nadu is often hailed as "Periyar land," known for equality and the removal of untouchability. However, this is merely rhetoric. It is well-known that in India, programs and power meant for the poor and marginalized are often captured by the dominant class. Furthermore, while the Constitution grants power to Dalits for their emancipation and empowerment, the community often rejects these opportunities. How does this happen? It is through the design of the dominant class, as the film illustrates.