After Kamal returned from USA, shooting for Dasavatharam, possibly the first function he attended was for the audio release of Periyar. His participation was perhaps due to a couple of reasons close to his heart. One was the subject itself and the other being Sathyaraj (who goes a long way back with Kamal from Sattam En Kaiyil), apparently in a landmark role. Additionally, there was another person whom Kamal admires, Chief Minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi as the Chief Guest.

Let’s leave aside the politics behind the movie and the function, and listen to what Kamal had to say (in Tamil). Kamal was happy for Sathyaraj who is donning the part that even Sivaji Ganesan had desired for. He thanked his family for allowing him to follow Periyar (EV Ramaswami Naicker) and expressed great satisfaction for a recent award from the Rationalist Association of India. He reminisced about RC Sakthi (director) who was instrumental in him turning towards Periyar. He also called for fair treatment of atheists in the society. Finally, he also lamented about non-acceptance of Periyar’s ideals even till date.

The audio was released by Karunanidhi and received by Kamal, dressed aptly in black.

[Picture courtesy: BehindWoods]