Author R. Saravanan’s ‘Sangaaram’ Book Release & Introduction Ceremony
The book release ceremony of ‘Sangaram’, authored by director and writer R. Saravanan, who directed the films ‘Kathukutti’, ‘Udanpirappe’, and ‘Nandhan’, was held successfully in Chennai.
The event was graced by special guests including writer, journalist, and publisher Nakkeeran Gopal, Member of Parliament and literary figure Mrs. Thamizhachi Thangapandian, ‘Ananda Vikatan’ editor Murugan, ‘Junior Vikatan’ editor Kalaiselvan, poet Veyil, actors Sasikumar and Soori, Mrs. Kala Chinnadurai, and producer Yuvaraj Ganesan.
The series, which was published for over fifty weeks in the weekly magazine Junior Vikatan and received immense support from readers, has now been compiled into a book titled ‘Sangaram’. The special guests who attended the introduction ceremony of this novel, filled with characters embodying both violence and profound love, shared their experiences.
Speaking at the event, poet Veyil said:
“An article titled ‘A Murder for 6000 Rupees’ was published in Junior Vikatan magazine. Saravanan, despite being a film director, contacted me after reading this article, acting like a journalist whose instincts never sleep. In that meeting, he mentioned many things beyond what I had written in the article.
Then he narrated an incident. After seeing that incident and the way he narrated it, I affectionately commanded him to write a series for Junior Vikatan. At that time, he said, ‘I haven’t even written a short story… how can I write a series?’ But I had faith in him. Because fundamentally, he is a storyteller. I have read his articles.
Generally, a journalist’s article is filled with information and data. But Saravanan’s articles are also overflowing with emotion.” He would go to the field, meet people, gather information, and write the article while the issue was still fresh, capturing its intensity. His writing possesses the literary style of a true writer. Because he also has the necessary emotional depth, I encouraged him to write.
Writing a story requires literary training. Otherwise, it’s impossible to tell a story engagingly.
Saravanan has a willingness to learn from women. This might also be a reason for the improvement in his writing.
The naming of this book is a story in itself. Each of us suggested a different title… and then Pandian, a graphic artist, suggested “Samharam”… and we chose the Tamil word ‘Sangaram’, as used by Bharathidasan, as the title. The single word ‘Sangaram’ created a tremendous impact in his writing.
He would write and submit each article for the series within a maximum of one hour. Only those who hold many experiences within their minds can write so fluently and with such quality in such a short time.
If I were to briefly describe the subject matter of this book… crime is the basis of everything. I have always considered the Bible to be a psychological, poetic, and literary work about crime.
It states, “The moment man begins to hide himself… that’s when crime is born.”
I see sexual crime and the desire to seize power as the two main crimes of humanity.
This is what permeates this entire novel.
Two gangsters operating in the Delta region… the two love stories of these two gangsters… the people surrounding them… their loyal followers… relatives… a politician who uses these two gangsters… a police officer who wants to kill these two gangsters… the events that unfold within this framework constitute the story of this novel. Although it depicts the violent world of two gangsters, this novel gives importance to human emotions and inner struggles. Through this, the author has discussed many emotions. He has also addressed the caste problem that is shaking society. He has described how subtle the uprising of the oppressed should be. This is also a matter that needs to be discussed.
In this novel, where violence is extensively discussed, lust and romance are also explored. This is a story told through the two aspects of lust and malice.
Only someone who understands the politics of both genders, male and female, equally and accurately, can write about lust with dignity. In that respect, R. Saravanan can be called a master.
In this novel, he has also described same-sex relationships. This novel, ‘Sangaram’, is a novel that talks about relationships in the world.
Those who read this book will feel the fragrance of Marikozhundhu (Indian wormwood) after reading it. That’s how well the character of Marikozhundhu is portrayed in this novel.
Furthermore, through this character, he has revealed the great truth that everyone will show unconditional love towards their fellow human beings.
Crime is crossing the boundaries we have set for ourselves. When those in power cross these boundaries, what arises within us…
“The explosion itself is destruction. This destruction will continue. I think this will be an unending human story,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Kalaichelvan said,
“Just as speaking is an art, so is remaining silent. I have come here to congratulate Saravanan, who is on that list, at his request.
Saravanan is a person who freely roams within the dark side of humanity. In his films, he has addressed social issues, farmers’ problems, and issues related to family relationships and sentiments. But I did not expect him to deliver such a piece of writing. My congratulations to the writer within him,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Murugan said,
“When Saravanan writes an article, it will be a work of literature. Therefore, it is not surprising that he has written such a novel. Writing a series with more than a hundred chapters and making numerous readers read it is not an easy task. When a journalist tells a story, it will be engaging.
Saravanan, at this young age, has met numerous people and patiently listened to their experiences. That is why this story has turned out to be so interesting.
The way he pits Suriya and Martin against each other in this story is excellent.
Looking at this story superficially, one might say it is a story filled with violence. Just as love is suitable for all lands, violence is also common to all lands.
If this story is made into a film or a web series, it will certainly be a success. Saravanan has hundreds of such stories. We have the platform for him to write. I request him to continue writing extensively,” he said.
Speaking at the event, producer Yuvaraj Ganesan said,
“I know Saravanan as a journalist. I know him as a writer. I also know him as a director.” “Only when I read this novel written by him did I realize that he possesses such immense violence and love within him. This novel has plenty of action scenes and romance scenes. Reading each chapter of this novel felt like watching an action movie. While reading this book, I noticed that he has written many scenes suitable for cinema. It is my belief that it will be a huge success when it is made into a film. A film can be made using the two characters, Soori and Martin, from the novel. I would like to state at this moment that if this is made into a film, our Million Dollar Studios company will produce it,” he said.
Mrs. Sathya Karikalan said,
“Those who regularly read books know well that books are our permanent companions. It is my belief that permanent liberation for human society can be achieved through books. In that regard, I express my heartfelt congratulations to Saravanan, a writer, director, and a great friend with a liberation-oriented mindset.
I am happy, but not surprised, that such works are coming from Saravanan. This book is an expression of the anger of a creator who subtly understands that a true artist who loves humanity sometimes witnesses those same people engaging in petty acts for economic gain and power.
He is not only passionate about and affectionate towards people; he also has immense love and affection for nature, which is evident throughout this story.
As Prabanjan mentioned, ‘No matter how many problems there are, a flower will still bloom’… Similarly, I see it as contemporary poetry that ‘even when a group is waiting to take one’s life, someone is still in love.’
Furthermore, in this novel, he has emphatically stated the necessity of understanding in matters of lust.” “Although this story begins by depicting the extreme limits of the lust for power, as it gradually moves towards showcasing a woman’s decision-making ability, my respect for Saravanan increases even more when I view it from a woman’s perspective,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Nakkeeran Gopal said,
“If this event had been held in the magnificent hall at the ongoing Chennai Book Fair, a few thousand more people would have visited the book fair.
Pandian, the layout artist who worked with me, would say about this series, ‘The entire story is full of blood.’ When I heard the name Delta, I asked Saravanan if the story included details about Manalmedu Shankar. He nodded in affirmation.
The incident that happened in the life of Murugan, who is present at this event, could also be written as a story.”
Actor Soori said,
“Since yesterday, I have been at the height of anxiety. Saravanan called and said I must attend the book launch. I asked, ‘When?’ He said, ‘Tomorrow.’ I asked, ‘Who all are coming?’ He said that all the special guests seated on the stage here would be attending. I remained silent for a while and then asked, ‘Why are you inviting me?’ He said, ‘It will be great only if you come.'”
He said, “I have sent the book; read it and come to the event.” At that time, I asked him, “Should I read the book, or should I attend the event? Tell me one of the two.” He said, “Come to the event.”
As I was leaving for the event, my wife told me to at least read a couple of pages before going. Like a fortune teller, I suddenly opened the book to a random page. It was page 43. I was reading aloud what was written about Martin and Gayathri. It felt like I was secretly watching their boundless love, their unrestrained love, that audacious affection, through a window. While reading his writing style, the characters became vivid. That is his specialty.
Brother Samuthirakani has given me two books to read. I am currently avoiding meeting him. Because if he asks me when we meet, “Have you finished reading the book?”, what answer will I give?
As far as I’m concerned, I’ve started treating books as a form of entertainment. The reason I frequently looked at the book was so that I wouldn’t forget the title. If I mistakenly say ‘Singaaram’ instead of ‘Sangaram’, it would be wrong, wouldn’t it?
Books are not ordinary things. Books have created history in many countries. Writings have brought about social reforms. Books have given many good things that society needs. Books do not perish, no matter how many years pass.
Only now am I understanding the value of books. I wrote the story for the film ‘Maman’. Currently, I am writing my father’s autobiography.
R. Saravanan is not only a director, but his contribution to society continues even today. I believe that this book, born from his writing, will soon be made into a film,” he said. Speaking at the event, Mrs. Thamizhachi Thangapandian said,
“I am delighted to participate in the book launch of ‘Sangaram’, written by my friend R. Saravanan, who I met as a literary figure 20 years ago and with whom I continue to share a friendship to this day, and to extend my best wishes to him.
I have read parts of this book during the free time I had during my two-day trip. I haven’t read it completely yet.
What is the central theme of this novel? What is the setting? What is the path it traces through its characters? Those who spoke before me have already mentioned all of this.
Poet Veyil mentioned that Saravanan would emerge as a literary figure. All the signs of that were present in Saravanan twenty years ago.
The first critique of all my writings always comes from Saravanan. His appreciation has been a great source of motivation for me.
If we consider the themes in literary works… it is always about the common man.
I liked the female characters in this novel, especially the character of Sammanachi from the Keerai Thurai area in Madurai, that is, Martin’s mother. Similarly, I also liked the character of Marikozhundhu, which everyone else liked as well.
The conversation between Martin and his mother captivated me.
The discussion about Soori starving himself to distance himself from the criminal world also impressed me.
I have encountered many of the things the characters in this novel talk about in my own experience.
The American novelist Tim O’Brien, whom I greatly respect, spent his life as a soldier in Vietnam. All his writings are based on true events of war. He often quotes, ‘Stories can save us.’ I felt that same sentiment while reading this novel.
From what I have read, this book is a story about women. Women who are victims of circumstances.” I can accept many things from their way of life.
The story of this novel is woven around politics, the police, and a criminal background. We must understand how to protect our simple, moral lives within this context.
I also understood that the author’s craft and content are perfectly aligned. My heartfelt congratulations to Saravanan for this.
It took me a long time to get past a woman’s statement, “Like a man with a sickle and a knife…”
Marikozhundhu reminded me of the character Maslova from Leo Tolstoy’s novel ‘Resurrection’.
I believe that the greatest success of a novel lies in featuring all kinds of characters and making the readers feel like they are traveling alongside them.
There are many sub-plots in this novel. The characters in them each have their own unique qualities and characteristics.
They said this is your first novel. I won’t ask you to keep writing, because this is excellent. This one work alone will speak volumes about your name,” he said.
Actor Sasikumar, while speaking, said,
“In 2010, during the book launch of writer Charu’s book, I was present…”I sat next to the writer Tamilachi Thangapandian. It’s only today that I’m on the same stage with her again. Even on that stage, she was prepared to speak with numerous notes in her hand, holding a book. Today too, she was prepared to speak with many notes in her book. That day, I learned from her, while attending a book launch, that one should read the book before attending the event. This time, I have completely read the ‘Sangaaram’ book.
Saravanan is not just my friend. He has never asked for anything for himself. I met him in 2010. The friendship that began that day continues to this day. If I have a problem, he stands shoulder to shoulder with me to help. When I was emotionally broken, Saravanan comforted and consoled me.
After reading the novel ‘Sangaram’, I said, “This is good; let’s make it into a film. I’ll play the hero in this story.” Immediately, he said, “I’ve even named a character ‘Soori’ because I wanted Soori to play the hero in this.” Certainly, this novel will be a huge success when it’s made into a film. Like the film ‘Subramaniapuram’, this ‘Sangaaram’ novel will also become a successful film. As far as I’m concerned, I see the ‘Sangaaram’ novel as a screenplay book.
After reading this ‘Sangaram’ novel, the questions, “What happened to Soori and Martin? What happened to Marikozhundhu?” will arise in everyone’s mind,” he said.
Writer R. Saravanan said,
“I had planned against having this book launch event. But my friend and actor Sasikumar insisted, ‘We need such an event. We must organize an event to make ‘Sangaram’ widely discussed,’ so I agreed to participate. After that, I suggested that we organize this event as a tribute to my friend and journalist Kalaichelvan, and now this event is taking place.” I consider it a success that journalist Kalaichelvan, who, despite being the editor of a popular weekly magazine, avoids meeting any politician in person and speaks sparingly, working with composure, came to this event and offered his greetings.
If Nakkeeran Gopal attends, it’s truly a family event.
I stated on my last day of work there that if I leave Vikatan, it means I’m leaving the field of journalism altogether. Vikatan is the foundation for everything I’ve achieved.
However, after meeting Nakkeeran Gopal at a film festival event, I wondered if I had made a hasty promise! That’s how much Nakkeeran Gopal impressed me. That’s why I personally went and invited only him to this event.
I also thank my friend Kalaichelvan, who compelled me to write a serial story even though I had never written a short story before, and also thank Veyil and Vel at this moment.
2025 gave me very tough struggles, difficulties, and crises. It was my friend Veyil’s advice that rescued me from this and brought me to this stage. In return, this year 2025 has given me a great friend in producer Yuvaraj.
The dedication on the cover of this novel reads ‘Dedicated to my Marikozhundhu’. Many readers who saw this asked me, “Who is that Marikozhundhu?” It’s just the name of a character in this story.
Only one incident inspired me to write Sangaram. It’s the incident that writer Veyil mentioned. The young man who was involved in that incident is my friend, and he described it. We six people were chasing someone with sickles in our hands to cut him down. The man who was running suddenly made a U-turn and stood against us. We were frightened. People who are running away like that don’t usually suddenly stand their ground. We were scared because he stopped. At that moment, the young man wasn’t going to beg, “Don’t kill me.” He also knew he couldn’t escape from us. “Go ahead and strike,” he said. “But before that, who are you? I’ve never seen you before. Who told you to kill me?” he asked. As he was asking, a machete blow landed on him. He died. I asked, “Couldn’t you have answered the question the young man asked before he died?” The young man replied, “I don’t know.” The person dying doesn’t know why they are dying. The person killing doesn’t know why they are killing either. They kill for hire, like working for wages. This cruelty has spread to this extent in this land. This is dangerous. I wanted people to understand this danger.
Specifically, I wanted to convey the dangerous situation where anyone can be killed by anyone, even for a paltry sum.
Although the story is like this, the female characters in this book—Karthika, Marikozhundhu, Sumathi, and many others—are the ones who determine each situation. Because women can never be predicted.
A woman has a thousand reasons to smile.
There may be a thousand reasons for their actions… Even with psychological analysis, it’s impossible to ever truly understand a woman’s mind. So, have faith in women. Fall in love. Show affection.
I express my gratitude to everyone who attended this ‘Sangaaram’ launch event and offered their best wishes,” he said.