Chennai: Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) has launched a visually stunning 3D animated film that celebrates the social and reformist ideologies of its founder, EV Ramasamy, popularly known as ‘Thanthai Periyar.’ The film, which premiered on the 51st Remembrance Day of Periyar, aims to bring his powerful message of social justice, equality, and rationalism to a new generation.
Produced by the creative agency Point S, and with R-Art Works Visual Studio handling the VFX and editing, the video brings to life Periyar’s battle against social injustice, gender discrimination, and caste-based oppression. The animation vividly portrays the transformation of society from a state of repression to one of freedom, with Periyar depicted as a 3D figure shattering the ‘chains’ of discrimination using his iconic walking stick.
The film also touches upon the critical themes of women’s emancipation, caste justice, and self-respect — central to Periyar’s philosophy. The animation captures these values through powerful imagery: chains breaking to signify freedom from societal stigma, the shattering of exclusionary caste boards, and a human figure being straightened from the shape of clay to symbolize self-dignity. The message is clear — the fight for equality is a continuous struggle, and education is the key to empowerment.
The short film’s soundtrack, with its simple yet powerful six words — “Thagarthidu, Vendridu (Break Free to Win); Purinthidu, Kalainthidu (Realise and Refuse); Thelinthidu, Nimirnthidu (Seek Clarity and Rise)” — encapsulates the spirit of Periyar’s core philosophy of self-respect, rationalism, and humanism. The film concludes with an iconic image of Periyar standing on a mountain of books, underscoring his emphasis on education as the tool for societal transformation.
The film was unveiled on December 24, 2024, at an event attended by prominent figures including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Dr. K Veeramani, President of Dravidar Kazhagam. The event marked the 51st Remembrance Day of Thanthai Periyar and was a celebration of his lasting legacy in shaping Tamil Nadu’s social and political landscape.
CM Stalin, while receiving a replica of Periyar’s iconic walking stick, remarked that for those questioning the Dravidian Model, the walking stick was the answer — symbolizing the enduring relevance of Periyar’s ideals in the modern world.
Click here to view the CM’s message.
Sujith G, Founder of Point S, explained the creative journey behind the project: “Our vision was to ‘Globalize Periyar and Periyar-ise the Globe’. While we explored various formats, we chose 3D animation because it resonates universally, especially with younger audiences. It took our VFX team a month to bring Periyar to life in a way that was both captivating and true to his legacy.”
The film uses Periyar’s walking stick as a symbolic tool in his fight against caste oppression and gender discrimination. According to Nishith G, Co-founder of Point S, this project is not just a tribute, but a means to share Periyar’s philosophies with the world: “We believe this may be the first-ever 3D animation dedicated to a social leader of this magnitude, with no commercial strings attached. It’s our way of thanking Periyar for his invaluable contribution to society.”
The animation’s production quality reflects the expertise of the teams behind it. R-Art Works Visual Studio, known for its work on major films like RRR, Petta, and Viswasam, provided cutting-edge VFX and motion graphics. Their contribution helped create a visually immersive and emotionally resonant narrative that brings Periyar’s ideals into sharp focus.
Credits:
Creative Agency: Point S
Concept & Ideation: Sujith G & Nishith G
Lyrics: Nishith G
VFX Director: Ramesh Acharya S
VFX & Edit: R-Art Works Visual Studio
Music: Mikkin Arul Dev
