After cases were filed by the Indu Makkal Katchi (IMK) against Viduthalai Sigappi (alias Vigneswaran) for reciting a poem titled Malakuzhi Maranam (Death in the Sewers) at a recent event, filmmaker Pa. Ranjith’s Neelam Cultural Centre defended the poet, condemning the police and State government for not understanding (or not wanting to understand) the core message of the poem and acting against creative freedom.
The poem depicts Lord Ram, Lord Lakshman and Goddess Sita entering the sewers to clear a blockage. The Twitter page of Indu Makkal Katchi posted the video of Mr. Sigappi’s recitation with a demand that he be arrested. “If you do not arrest this guy, IMK will put out videos of Prophet Mohammed and Jesus (Christ) in the same tone,” it said, tagging the official handles of the Tamil Nadu Police and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
