“The film ‘Kamaraj’ should be nationalized” – Director A.J. Balakrishnan!
The public and political parties should grant Chief Minister Vijay adequate time – Director A.J. Balakrishnan!
“Watching the film ‘Kamaraj’ at least once a month can help one become a better human being” – Director and Actor Subramaniam Siva!
The launch event for the preview of the Kamarajar documentary and the second part of Thirukkural was held successfully in Chennai, attended by prominent social figures, film celebrities, and members of the press.
At the event, Director A.J. Balakrishnan reiterated his call for the film Kamaraj to be nationalized and shared his views on the current political climate.
Director A.J. Balakrishnan spoke as follows:
“Good evening to everyone. I am delighted to meet you all on the occasion of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar’s 124th birth anniversary. I consider it the greatest privilege of my life to have had the opportunity to create a film based on Kamarajar’s life story.
In 1994, while I was working in Chennai after moving from the Nellai district, I met Vairavan, an aide to Perunthalaivar Kamarajar. I expressed my desire to make a film about Kamarajar’s life. Subsequently, he took me to meet G.K. Moopanar.
Moopanar provided all the necessary assistance for the production of this film. However, the project stalled midway following his passing. Later, I met G.K. Vasan. Stating that the work initiated by his father needed to be completed, he provided all the support required to finish the film.
Creating a film of this nature is extremely difficult in today’s times. I produced a comprehensive film about Kamarajar and released it in 2004; the circumstances and opportunities that existed then are not easily available today.
Subsequently, I produced films about Mahatma Gandhi and the Thirukkural. I believe that Kamarajar is the reason this event is taking place and why we have all gathered here.
Kamarajar’s ideologies form the foundation for today’s political changes. His style of governance and his public welfare initiatives have been pivotal in shaping the new political landscape in Tamil Nadu. The hallmarks of his administration continue to live on in the memories of the people and in press records.
“Work on the Kamarajar film began when I was just 30 years old. For over 30 years, I have been continuously engaged in tasks related to this film.
I have a request for the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu: the film Kamarajar should be nationalized.” Several rights to the film, including satellite rights, remain unsold; currently, it is available only on YouTube. Therefore, I have requested the government to purchase the film and provide appropriate compensation for it.
I myself wondered if an individual should make such a request to the government. However, I have dedicated thirty years of my life to documenting the story of a towering leader who lived for this nation. In that sense, I believe I am entitled to make this request. It is my wish that this film be preserved as part of the debt of gratitude the people owe to Kamaraj.
Responding to questions from reporters regarding politics, he said:
“Kamaraj was not the Chief Minister in 1967; he had resigned from the post back in 1963. There had been many administrative changes during the intervening period. Yet, when the new government assumed office, Kamaraj had advised, ‘Give them six months; do not criticize them immediately.’
Similarly, the public and political parties should grant adequate time to Vijay, who has now entered politics as a Chief Minister. People desire change. One should not jump to hasty conclusions without observing how that change unfolds.
Kamaraj’s honest politics and clean administration still live on in the minds of the people. I believe that memory serves as a driving force behind today’s political shifts as well.”
Responding to a question about the possibility of the government purchasing the Kamaraj film, he said:
“Whether the government buys it or not is a separate matter. My primary objective is for Kamaraj’s life story to reach the people. Many changes occurred precisely when awareness about him began to wane. The memory of Kamaraj’s integrity, public service, and good governance remains strong in the minds of the people.” “I have put forward this request precisely so that those ideas continue to reach the next generation as well,” he said.
He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the event, and specifically thanked his friends from the media.
Director and actor Subramaniam Siva spoke as follows:
“Greetings to everyone. First, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Director A.J. Balakrishnan for organizing such a wonderful event. Creating something good…”
Moreover, taking this film to the people is a significant achievement in itself. I extend my gratitude to everyone who supported this endeavor.
Watching this film evokes the feeling that Kamarajar was not merely a political leader, but a divine being in human form. Kamarajar’s life stands as a magnificent example of how a human being can live with integrity and simplicity, dedicated entirely to the welfare of the people.
Every scene and incident in the film is crafted to touch the heart. Rather than feeling like one is watching a story, the film creates the impression of witnessing the life of a great man firsthand.
It is said that the world-renowned scientist Albert Einstein kept a photograph of Mahatma Gandhi in his room—driven by sheer wonder at how a human being could embody such noble qualities. Similarly, Kamarajar deserves a place in our homes and in our hearts.
No matter how much the world advances through scientific growth, artificial intelligence, and new technologies, we must never forget great leaders like Kamarajar.
One particular incident in the film deeply impressed me. When informed of a delay by officials in assisting a visually impaired boy, Kamarajar—firm in the belief that there should be no delay in addressing the people’s needs—immediately ordered action to be taken. That is the hallmark of a true leader of the people.
I believe that if a person watches this film at least once a month, they will undoubtedly evolve into a better human being; the film imparts profound life values and lessons in humanity.
In particular, those already in politics and those aspiring to enter the political arena should certainly watch this film. Kamarajar’s life teaches us the true meaning of serving the people.
The sequence featuring the Thirukkural was also excellent. The Thirukkural is no ordinary book; it is a universal scripture gifted to all of humanity, transcending the boundaries of religion, language, and race. This endeavor to bring that work to the public as a film must also succeed.
Much like the film Kamaraj, the Thirukkural film will serve as a work that guides the people.
I extend my gratitude to everyone who provided this opportunity.
