The controversy surrounding the title ‘Sandiyar’ has resurfaced after 23 years, with Puthiya Tamilagam party president Dr. K. Krishnasamy once again strongly opposing actor and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan's decision to use the title for his upcoming film.
Kamal Haasan recently announced that his 237th film, directed by S. U. Arun Kumar, will be titled Sandiyar. The film's title and first-look poster were unveiled ahead of the actor's 72nd birthday.
However, the announcement has reignited an old political controversy.
Krishnasamy Raises Strong Objections
Puthiya Tamilagam president Dr. K. Krishnasamy criticised Kamal Haasan for reviving the controversial title after more than two decades.
He questioned the film's promotional references to revenge and bloodshed, alleging that such themes could encourage violence and social divisions.
Krishnasamy also pointed out that Kamal Haasan is now a political party leader and a Member of Parliament.
He argued that an elected representative should not act in a manner that promotes caste- or religion-based divisions and alleged that Kamal Haasan's decision was inconsistent with the constitutional oath he had taken as an MP.
What Happened in 2003?
The controversy originally began in 2003 when Kamal Haasan announced Sandiyar as the title of his upcoming film.
Krishnasamy strongly opposed the name, claiming that the term could glorify caste dominance and violence, particularly in southern Tamil Nadu, where caste tensions had been a sensitive issue.
Following protests and political pressure, Kamal Haasan met then-Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and eventually changed the film's title from Sandiyar to Virumaandi.
The film was subsequently released in January 2004.
The Same Controversy Returns After 23 Years
More than two decades later, Kamal Haasan has revived the same title for his new project, and the political leader who opposed it in 2003 has once again raised objections.
The development has renewed discussions about artistic freedom, social responsibility and the use of potentially sensitive titles in cinema.
While supporters of creative freedom argue that filmmakers have the right to choose their titles, critics maintain that films should avoid glorifying caste-based violence or social divisions.
With Krishnasamy renewing his opposition, the key question now is whether Kamal Haasan will retain the title ‘Sandiyar’ or face renewed pressure to change it, just as he did 23 years ago.
