Dalit leader bags leading role in Tamil film

Chennai, June 21 (IANS) Thol Thirumavalavan, president of the Dalit Panthers of India, an ally of the ruling DMK, has been cast in the leading role of a film titled "Kalaham" (Riot).

Thirumavalavan plays the character of a law college professor in the film, which is being directed by Mu Kalanchiyam.

This will be the second film for the fiery Dalit leader, known for his oratorical skills. The first was "Anbu Thozhi", which was directed by Kripa Srinivasan and produced by R. Singaravelu with Shakthiraja as music director.

Thirumavalavan dons the uniform of LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran in "Anbu Thozhi", which is currently facing some hurdles from the Board of Censors.

Talking to the media, Thirumavalavan said: "I decided to continue acting in films since I thought it was good to try and take the powerful medium of cinema in the right direction and put it in the service of the people.

"There will be songs in my films, but no duets. I won't act in such a manner to harm society. I am not acting in films for money or fame. I believe good messages can be communicated to the people through cinema."

He has appeared in a song sequence for Mansoor Alikhan's "Ennai Par Yogam Varum" and is also said to have another movie under his belt.