Amaran Mukundan

Just curious

I read somewhere that actor Kamal Haasan belongs to the Brahmin caste, but he doesn’t believe in the caste system and has openly denounced his religion.

That being said, if and when a biopic is made about Kamal Haasan, would he or his family allow the character to be portrayed with a poonool (sacred thread) or other caste or religious symbols? Wouldn’t that contradict his beliefs and the purpose of the biopic?

I think Mukund's parents may feel similarly. Despite being born Brahmin, he likely saw himself primarily as an Indian. Perhaps believed in equality.

So, this might not be an issue for him or his family. But there are extremists (and I don’t think extremism is exclusive to any one religion) who can’t tolerate this kind of neutral portrayal.

 

Frankly, a biopic intended to pay respect to his bravery should be appreciated in any form irrespective whatever effort is made (intentionally or unintentionally) to downplay his caste or religion or anything else of his personal life. Why pay so much attention to what he did when he was at home as opposed to focusing more on what he did as a Major in the army? As a biopic can't be shown without his personal life, his wife and family will have to be shown. No movie is taken without investment of funds and therefore, profitability is primary focus and commercialization is done in a way that would appeal to the viewers. His wife was consulted throughout the story discussion and she played a major role in appreciating how his role and her role were characterized in the movie in promotional programs. His bravery was not minimized in any way and it doesn't matter whether his religious beliefs were shown properly or not.
It is time for us to move out of identifying ourselves with a small segment of caste/religion/community and have a broader outlook. Whether he is a Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain or Parsi, we will still respect him. We have to remember when one such Major is respected, the entire army including those who gave their lives for the country are respected.

 

Sure, thanks for sharing

I understand your feelings. But consider how Muslims, people from Kashmir, and other groups are often portrayed in many Indian movies.
As you pointed out, the consistent portrayal of Muslims in negative roles – sometimes even as terrorists (including in this movie)– is indeed problematic.
I'm not sure how many people can fully grasp the impact of this.