The PK Rosy Film Festival, organized by Pa Ranjith’s cultural foundation, commenced with the screening of Blue Star. This festival aims to highlight and celebrate the representation of Dalit narratives in cinema. The inauguration of the event was carried out by acclaimed filmmaker Balaji Sakthivel. As part of the festivities, a panel discussion was held featuring prominent filmmakers Arun Matheswaran, PS Vinothraj, and Sy Gowthamraj, who have made significant contributions to the social drama genre in Tamil cinema.
During the discussion, Pa Ranjith expressed his journey in the film industry and the motivation behind telling stories centered around Dalit lives. He emphasized the need to break away from stereotypes and present Dalits in a different light, focusing on their experiences, dignity, and culture. Ranjith acknowledged the progress made in Tamil cinema, where Dalit narratives are now receiving recognition and are being heard by diverse audiences.
PS Vinothraj highlighted the significance of staying true to the ideology of a film even years after its release. He emphasized the need for filmmakers to reflect their thoughts and ideologies honestly in their work. Vinothraj believed that a film’s ideology should remain relevant and not be considered wrong even after a long time. His writing process involves selecting subjects that encompass drama and connect with a wide range of viewers.
Sy Gowthamraj, known for his film Raatchasi, discussed how he found his storytelling style after his debut film. Initially, Gowthamraj had written his movies in a commercial format, but he realized that his strengths lay in social dramas. He believes that Tamil cinema stands out from other industries because social dramas have the power to bring about significant social impact. Inspired by cinema classics like Parasakthi, Gowthamraj strives to create thought-provoking narratives that resonate with society.
Arun Matheswaran shared his perspective on violence as a tool for expression in films. He explained that he incorporates elements of anger and violence in his storytelling to reflect societal issues. Matheswaran clarified that violence is not the central focus of his films but rather a reaction to the circumstances portrayed. He believes that violence can be a powerful form of expression when used appropriately within the context of the story.
The panel discussion concluded with the filmmakers highlighting the importance of showcasing diverse narratives, challenging stereotypes, and addressing social issues through the medium of cinema. The PK Rosy Film Festival serves as a platform to promote the works of filmmakers who are contributing to this transformation in Tamil cinema.
