The blurred line between reality and illusion: the influence of film personalities on the masses
Kamsalai, the protagonist of Jayakanthan’s novel Cinemavukku Pona ChitthaluIt is a microcosm of the larger political landscape of Tamil Nadu, sensitive to the charisma of its film personalities. He belongs to a period when former Prime Minister MG Ramachandran had immense influence over the Tamil community.
a devoted fan ofVaathyar’As Jayakanthan refers to MGR, Kamsalai, whose real name is unknown, lives on the fringes of Chennai and represents MGR’s countless fans who refuse to see what lies beneath the glitter of the cinema world.
The novella clearly evokes current trends in politics; Many supporters of actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay defend their stance, saying, “We are tired of binary politics and are voting for change.”
Jayakanthan was criticized for writing the novella and some tried to use his work to settle scores with MGR. When the novella was serialized in the magazine, Jayakanthan wrote: “I have clearly expressed my views on the relationship between our society and actors. That I do not belong to the groups that support them is exactly what I am trying to convey; I reject them.” kannadasaIt was later published as a book.
Village girl Kamsalai, who moves to Chennai after marrying Chellamuthu, becomes an ardent fan of MGR, aided by the opportunity to watch all his films. In a way, her husband is responsible for this transformation. However, even in the moments when she becomes close to her husband, she reaches the point where she dreams of her matinee idol.
Jayakanthan wrote in the foreword: “Ignorant and gullible people are losing their self-respect because of these. Films, actors, directors and producers are playing a major role in destroying people’s mind, taste and morality. In fact, they cannot be held fully responsible because they too have fallen prey to it.”
Written in Chennai slang, this book delves deep into the minds of its characters, mostly MGR fans. The relationship between Kamsalai and Chellamuthu becomes strained and eventually becomes irreparable after Kamsalai realizes the depth of his obsession. One day, when she sees MGR’s portrait on his vest, she approaches him, but becomes cold when he pulls her towards him. Frustrated, Chellamuthu tears the vest into pieces and tears a calendar bearing MGR’s picture from the wall of their hut. But soon the feeling of guilt overwhelms him; because he is also an MGR enthusiast.
“Vatyare!.. Vatyare! Forgive me, Vatyare. I’m only human, right? So I acted out of anger. What can you do? Vatyare? It’s not just Kamsalai, poor fool; There are many such fools in this city because of you. What can you do? He complains about Chellamuthu.
From then on, she decides not to send him to work as she fears that he will allow her to watch MGR’s films. He agrees, and a silent distance begins to grow between them.
She spends time indoors, accustoming herself to the role of a housewife. His passion is reignited when he notices posters for a new movie. Koduyl Oruvan (actually Ayirathil Oruvan) – and Singaram, another rickshaw puller who rents his vehicle to Chellamuthu, convinces him to watch the movie with him. “When a tree was about to fall on the hero, Vaathyar He suddenly runs to her side and tries to prevent the blow to her back. The sound of whistles of appreciation fill the theatre. Kamsalai covers her face with her hands and watches the view through her fingers. That’s when Singaram kisses her. He then spends a night with her. Overwhelmed with guilt, she decides not to return to Chellamuthu. No amount of persuasion by Chellamuthu can make him change his mind.
Manonmani, the woman who runs the brothel, takes him to watch the shooting of a movie in which he stars, with the help of movie stuntmen. Vaathyar. Normally, others are not allowed to watch the shoots because his wig comes off during the fight scenes. But Kamsalai and other women are gaining access. There was a heated argument between them during the shooting. Vaathyar and the bad guy ends up in a fight and Vaathyar gets stabbed. This incident is based on the real-life episode where MGR was shot by MR Radha. Kamsalai rushes to the hospital. Vaathyar He is accepted and stays there overnight. He loses his mind when someone tells him that Vaathyar dead.
Chellamuthu then sees him near the Kannagi statue, covering his body with movie posters. She sings and dances as the crowd watches. He runs away when he sees him. He later finds her leaning against a poster in Pycrofts Road. Vaathyar and I’m crying. She tells him this Vaathyar is alive. “You are lying,” he says. “Ask them,” he replies, pointing to a man. “He survived,” the man says. She agrees to go with him in the rickshaw. He laughs as they pass the statue of Kannagi. “Isn’t this my statue?” he asks. “Yes, yes,” nods Chellamuthu. “Cevher Muraithaan Unnodu” he starts singing. “You are singing too.” Chellamuthu joins him. Tears are flowing from his eyes but he doesn’t notice it. He looks at the posters he has seen before.
It was published – 07 April 2026 12:14 IST
