Resisting Oppression: A Dravidian Ideological Perspective of Karnan (2021) in Tamil Cinema

Cinema, beyond being a medium for entertainment, serves as a tool of expression on society’s socioeconomic, political, and cultural dimensions, says Damodaran (2017). In that aspect, the Tamil movie Karnan (2021), directed by Mari Selvaraj, is a notable cinematic portrayal of caste oppression and resistance in Tamil Nadu. This research paper aims to examine the film Karnan in relation to Dravidian ideology. The study focuses on aspects such as the depiction of caste oppression and social justice, as it parallels the real-life struggles of Dalits. The study utilizes a Dravidian ideological framework to emphasize the film’s portrayal of caste-based discrimination, state violence, and collective resistance. By employing a qualitative analysis approach, including critical discourse analysis, the study critically interprets how Karnan aligns with Dravidian principles like self-respect, social justice and anti-caste politics. The research findings reveal how it reinterprets mythology, critiques systemic oppression, and amplifies the voices of subaltern groups. This study, with the historical, socio-economic, and political contexts of Karnan, presents a compelling narrative that contests prevailing caste structures and underscores the fundamental values of the Dravidian movement.