25 Years of Mani `Ratnam 's Bombay: Tamil films that addressed communal tension and the politics that surround the equation
With the landmark film hitting the 15 year mark, here are a few films that spoke of religious fanaticism and divisive politics
It has been 25 years since Mani Ratnam's Bombay released, and the film is still remembered for it's take on communal politics and the need for secularist perspectives.
Also from the Mani Ratnam stable, Uyire was another attempt to talk of the communal politics in our borders.
While not holistic, Uyire paints a humane picture of love and loss.
One of Kamal Haasan's defining works, Hey Ram is a nuanced documentation a man's journey through the numerous alleys of religion, communal hate, violence and finally, peace.
Its relevance in the present environment clouded by religious extremism has been widely recognized.
Again with Kamal Haasan in the forefront, Unnai Pol Oruvan questions public apathy demanding quicker judicial justice.
UPO might be a superficial take, but one that rises from anger at hate politics.
In Vaanam, a hyperlink film, director Krish uses one narrative to question the blind hate our society breeds by reinforcing cultural stereotypes.
Vaanam's story revolves around the lives of five individuals from different walks of life, representing the five natural elements, and illustrates how their fates get intertwined.
Kamal's Vishwaroopam brought controversy to the actor's doorsteps for showing muslims in 'bad light'.
But the film only questions the growing violence, similar to Hey Ram, even if not that effective.
The latest to spark controversy, Gypsy delves deep into the increased communal riots in the nation.
Questioning the politics with religion, Gypsy reiterates that humanity rises above all.
