Ever since 'Ponniyin Selvan-I' was released on September 30, there has been a cultural debate in the socio-political circles of Tamil Nadu. Kollywood director Vetrimaaran said that the film shows Raja Raja Chola and others are Hindus while they were not Hindus. Kamal Haasan lending his support to Vetrimaaran has now made the debate a national one, with national media houses jumping into the row.
Kamal's comments have been described as uninformed and absurd. Critics are saying that if the Chola kings constructed magnificent temples dedicated to Gods worshipped by Hindus, then they have to be called Hindus.
Kamal has close ties with Mani Ratnam. Is he saying that the classy filmmaker has made mistakes in representing history? Whatever it may be, the 'Vikram' actor is giving free publicity to 'PS-I'. When the movie appears on OTT, the Hindi audience are going to show a greater deal of interest in it, thanks to the controversy.
