Chronicling on screen the struggle for Independence

‘Vasanthathinte Kanalvazhikalil’ now ready for re-release

Director Anil Nagendran, actor Siddique and Left activist P.K. Medhini at a press conference in Kochi on Saturday. Photo: Vipin Chandran

A needless controversy had forced the makers of Malayalam film Vasanthathinte Kanalvazhikalil to stop its screening within days of its release in March. The movie is now ready for re-release and will reach the cinemas on April 18.

Directed by Anil Nagendran, Vasanthathinte Kanalvazhikalil portrays on screen the life of P. Krishna Pillai, the founder of the Communist movement in Kerala.

The screening of the movie was stopped after a section of the political circles alleged that it would benefit the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the election campaign.

Stating that the movie did not either glorify a party or try to defame another group, Mr. Anil pointed out that instead it presents the history and political developments in the 1940s in a truthful manner. “The movie brings on screen the struggle waged by P. Krishna Pillai for protecting the rights of the oppressed and marginalised in the society during those times,” he said.

Popular Tamil director-actor Samudrakani is Krishna Pillai in the film.

Actor Siddique, who plays a key role, said the film chronicled the fight for rights by the peasants and the working class. P.K. Medhini, renowned singer and Left activist, who has acted in the movie, said

Vasanthathinte Kanalvazhikalil would remain a true record of the socio-political developments before Independence.

“It will be of immense help to students who want to learn more about the struggle by peasants and workers for their rights,” she said.