Ananth Subramaniam: Tamils have a culture of acceptance
Ananth considers Bleat! as a personal test, especially since he moved out of his comfort zone. 'I was previously making films in Malay. So I wanted to see if making a film in Tamil would work for me,' says Ananth. In Bleat!, an old couple realise that their ceremonial goat, which they thought was a male, is actually pregnant. Talking about the queer elements in Bleat!, Ananth says, 'There is a rigid demeanour to the couple. They represent the conservative ideals you find in parents, with the goat representing a queer child. Queerness comes with finding your identity. It is about the freedom to be who you want to be. Beyond a person's sexual preferences, it is about a queer person's feelings and their quest to find their place in the world. So even though we are confronted with the woes of the couple in Bleat!, the film is about the community around the couple and its reaction to the change in the gender of the goat.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
18 minutes ago
- India Today
Faith call in Tamil Nadu: Should temple funds build colleges?
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated July 28, 2025)Control over temples—and, more to the point, temple funds—has been historically an emotive point of contention between traditionalists and rationalists in the South. The former prefer autonomy for the religious sphere and see any apparent overreach by the latter as a transgression—it's also an easy way to raise public passions. The latest shot across the bow came in a campaign remark by AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS). Speaking during a statewide tour, he accused the ruling DMK of misusing temple funds for purposes unrelated to religion. That has escalated into a wider clash involving electoral strategies, the law, and the legacy of Dravidian seeing temples irritates the DMK,' EPS told crowds in Coimbatore. 'They are taking all the temple money and building colleges. People like you, with good hearts, donate into hundiyals for temple development. That money goes to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department. They're diverting it. Isn't it unfair? Shouldn't the government fund colleges from its own resources?'The DMK backlash was sharp and swift. 'Even during his time, temple funds were used to inaugurate colleges. The HR&CE Act clearly allows surplus temple funds to be used for educational and charitable purposes,' CM M.K. Stalin said, in his first jab. Then he let go of a roundhouse: 'From being a dubbed voice of the BJP, EPS has now become its original voice.' Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin was no less vitriolic: 'EPS has fully transformed into a Sanghi. This is not the voice of the AIADMK; it's the voice of the RSS-BJP.' FIGHT FOR FAITHThere's context to the DMK's charge. For decades, the RSS-BJP has said temples should be administered solely by 'devotees'. The demand was revived at the World Murugan Devotees Conference at Madurai, in June. With BJP leaders in attendance, the event passed a resolution calling for 'liberating' temple affairs from state control. On July 12, the party raked up the issue again, insisting on transparency to prevent 'the plunder of temple wealth' and demanding a white paper on the issue. 'This talk of building new colleges is nothing but a smokescreen,' S.G. Suryah, state secretary of the Tamil Nadu BJP, told india today. 'The government's real record is one of neglect; thousands of temples are crumbling under its watch. Devotees' money must go toward preserving our sacred heritage, not funding the state's agenda. Our demand is simple: free our temples. Let the devotees, the true stakeholders, manage them.'Tamil writer Imayam, who serves as the vice-chairman of the TN SC/ST Commission, finds the idea of blocking temple money for education 'not just wrong, but vicious'. Tamil Nadu has 'historically resisted and won' against the 'push to privatise religion and turn temples into exclusive zones', says the Sahitya Akademi awardee. Indeed, temple funds gaining social purpose is no DMK innovation; way back in 1961, under Congress rule, surplus from the Palani temple helped set up the Palaniandavar College of Indian a bit from the onslaught, EPS has since attempted to clarify his remarks. 'I'm not against education,' he said. 'But when temples fund colleges, they often lack adequate facilities. Government-funded colleges are better equipped. That was my only point.' But the framing of his original remarks has allowed the DMK to present the AIADMK's rhetoric as increasingly aligned with saffron—and that can become an Achilles' heel for a substantial part of its vote base. Hitherto, it had been navigating through a zone of ambivalence. As the 2026 assembly election approaches, religion-oriented topics are likely to become even more politically charged, and the AIADMK may find it vexing to sail in two boats. For the DMK, it looks less troubling: an aggravation of the polity around religion only solidifies its to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
DNA OTT release date: When and where to watch Atharvaa Murali starrer thriller online in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi
Tamil thriller DNA, starring Atharvaa Murali and Nimisha Sajayan, is set to premiere on JioHotstar on July 19. Directed by Nelson Venkatesan, the film follows a couple whose lives are upended after childbirth, when the wife suspects the baby isn't theirs. As the husband investigates, he uncovers a deeper criminal conspiracy. The suspense drama, originally released in theatres in June, will be available in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A Suspense-Driven Story Direction and Performances Tamil thriller DNA, featuring Atharvaa Murali and Nimisha Sajayan, is set to make its OTT debut on JioHotstar on July 19. After a theatrical release in June that drew praise for its intense storyline and gripping performances, the film will now be available to stream in multiple Indian languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Viewers can also access the film through OTTplay revolves around Anand and Divya, a newly married couple trying to rebuild their lives after a troubled past. Anand is recovering from personal loss and alcohol addiction, while Divya lives with Borderline Personality Disorder. Despite their emotional baggage, the two find solace in each other and prepare to welcome a their world turns upside down when Divya, after giving birth, insists that the newborn handed to her is not her own. While others around her suspect her mental health may be the reason behind her doubts, Anand chooses to believe her. What starts as a personal crisis soon unravels into a larger mystery involving child-swapping and a criminal network. Anand's search for the truth forms the spine of the narrative, taking viewers through emotional upheaval and escalating by Nelson Venkatesan, known for Farhana and Monster, DNA marks his return to the thriller genre. The film stands out not only for its emotional core but also for the way it blends psychological conflict with action and mystery. Atharvaa portrays Anand with conviction, bringing depth to a man torn between trauma and trust. Nimisha Sajayan delivers a layered performance as Divya, capturing the vulnerability and strength of a woman battling mental illness while clinging to her ensemble cast features Balaji Sakthivel, Ramesh Thilak, Viji Chandrasekar, Chetan, Riythvika KP, Subramanian Siva, Karunakaran, and Pasanga Sivakumar, with each character adding weight to the by Jayanthi Ambedkar, DNA also stands out for its musical diversity. With six composers—Ghibran Vaibodha, Sreekanth Hariharan, Sathya Prakash, Anal Akash, Praveen Saivi, and Sahi Siva—the film's soundtrack brings varied tonal elements to different parts of the story. Cinematographer Parthiban D.F.T lends the film a dark and immersive visual style, while editor Sabu Joseph VJ maintains the narrative pace and tension.
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Meet Anupam Kher's first wife, married a director after him, had 2 failed marriages, now she is.., her name is…
Meet Anupam Kher's first wife, married a director after him, had 2 failed marriages, now she is.., her name is… In the glitzy and glamorous world of Bollywood, many stars come and go. But there is one celebrity whose talent, versatility, and longevity has resonated for years. One such tale is of an actor who has delivered over 500 films in his career. He has worked across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu industries, and today he is one of the most respected figures in Bollywood. Who is Anupam Kher's First Wife? The person that we are talking about is none other than the legendary Anupam Kher. Anupam Kher is known for his impeccable work as an actor and a director. Besides garnering major fame for his professional life, he has also been in the spotlight for his personal life. Anupam is married to actress and politician Kirron Kher. But before Kirron, Anupam was married to someone else. Her first wife was away from the world of the spotlight. How Did Anupam Kher and Her First Wife Meet? Long before Anupam became an actor, he was in love with his college girlfriend from the National School of Drama (NSD). They both got married soon after their graduation. However, unfortunately, their marriage couldn't sustain itself for long because of the difference in opinions and incompatibility, and the two got divorced. This woman was none other than Madhumalati Kapoor. Madhumalati is also a known name in Bollywood. After her separation from Anupam, Madhumalati focused on building her acting career and later married writer-director Ranjit Kapoor. Unfortunately, her second marriage also ended in divorce. Choosing not to remarry, Madhumalati has been single ever since. Madhumalati Work and More Despite the ups and downs in her personal life, Madhumalati's career was quite successful. Madhumalati is a natural actress. She went on to appear in several notable films, including Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, and most recently, Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva. Besides being active in industry, Madhumalati is also quite active on social media. She keeps posting about being deeply rooted in spirituality and inner peace. Madhumalati's journey speaks about strength, growth, and resilience.
