Exposing kandhu vatti usurers
Films based on real-life incidents are not uncommon in Tamil cinema. The most recent of its kind is Podhunalan Karudhi, directed by Seeyon. The film is based on the story of Isakkimutthu and Subbulaxmi, the couple who committed suicide in front of the Collector’s office at Palayankottai after being tortured by a greedy moneylender demanding an exorbitant rate of interest (kandhu vatti). The film features popular comedian Karunakaran, Santhosh and Arun Adhik as the male leads, and Anu Sithara, Subhiksha and Lisa as the leading ladies. Imman Annachi, Muthuraman, Yog Japee of Billa fame and Raja play the baddies.
“The film has strong content and a message for society. I am aware that I will face threats when the film releases, but I am not going to shy away from exposing these kandhu vatti usurers,” says Seeyon.