Portrayal of terrorism in Kollywood

‘Amaran’ (2024):

‘Amaran’, starring Sivakarthikeyan, is inspired by the real-life heroism of Major Mukund Varadarajan, an army officer martyred during anti-terror operations in Kashmir. The film is a tribute to bravery, capturing both the intense battlefield moments and the emotional toll on soldiers. Set against a real backdrop of counter-terrorism, it provides authenticity and depth in storytelling. Sivakarthikeyan portrays the lead role with seriousness and grit, stepping into a new performance zone.

‘Thuppakki’ (2012):

Directed by A. R. Murugadoss and starring Vijay, ‘Thuppakki’ follows an Indian Army officer on vacation in Mumbai who uncovers a deadly sleeper cell network. Using sharp intelligence and fearless execution, he tracks down and eliminates the terrorists planning coordinated bomb blasts. The film blends patriotic fervor with edge-of-the-seat action, turning a soldier’s duty into a gripping mission. Its sleek storytelling and urban terror backdrop made it a landmark in Tamil action cinema. Vijay’s role as the calm and calculating officer struck a powerful chord with audiences.

Unnaipol Oruvan (2009):

Starring Kamal Haasan and Mohanlal, the movie explores the frustration of an ordinary citizen who takes extreme measures to highlight the system’s inability to deal with terrorism effectively. It raised questions about justice, vigilantism, and the common man’s helplessness in the face of terror.

‘Sethupathi IPS

Roja (1992):

One of the early and impactful films to tackle terrorism was Mani Ratnam’s ‘Roja’ (1992). This critically acclaimed movie, while primarily a romantic drama, is set against the backdrop of insurgency in Kashmir and the kidnapping of the protagonist’s husband by militants. The film brought the issue of cross-border terrorism to the forefront and highlighted the vulnerability of ordinary citizens caught in the conflict. Its realistic portrayal of the emotional turmoil and the bureaucratic challenges faced by the protagonist resonated deeply with audiences.

By Naveen