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Journalism of Courage
A 3-D film made by a debutant director from Kerala has touched a raw nerve here with political parties demanding a ban on its release,as it shows the destructive aftermath of a catastrophe following a dam collapse,which many allege was an indirect reference to the contentious Mullaiperiyar dam issue.
The century-old Mullaiperiyar dam issue has been a subject of a legal tussle between Tamil Nadu and Kerala for some time now.
Kerala has been insisting on building a new dam downstream while Tamil Nadu has been adamantly refusing to heed to the plan. At present,a Supreme Court-appointed committee is looking into the dispute.
As the verdict is expected to support the stand taken by Tamil Nadu,the authorities in Kerala are trying to spread panic and thereby obtain a decision in their favour… If the film showing the collapse of Mullaiperiyar dam is released,peace between the two states will be affected, warned PMK founder S Ramadoss.
Even though several experts have assured the safety of the dam,the government of Kerala has extended financial support to the film only to enforce the decision to demolish the existing structure and pave way for a new one. Hence,the film should not be released in India. Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa should strongly urge the Centre in this regard, he added.
MDMK general secretary s said the film was a patently false propaganda bankrolled by the Kerala government. He warned that if the film is released in the state his party would stage protests.
