Thu Jan 02 19:30:53 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Film Revives Memory of Naxalite Leader Pulavar Kaliyaperumal

**Chennai, January 3, 2025** – The recent release of the Tamil film *Viduthalai-2*, directed by Vetrimaran, has reignited interest in the life of Pulavar Kaliyaperumal, a Naxalite leader-turned-Tamil nationalist. The film’s portrayal of Kaliyaperumal, played by Vijay Sethupathy, has brought renewed attention to the Maoist-inspired Naxalbari movement that gripped parts of Tamil Nadu over five decades ago.

Kaliyaperumal, a former Tamil teacher, was a key figure in the movement. He and his son, Valluvan, were sentenced to death for the murder of Ayyamperumal, allegedly a police informer. While Kaliyaperumal’s death sentence was later commuted and he was released after 13 years in prison, the case remains a significant event in Tamil Nadu’s history.

According to Kaliyaperumal’s memoir, *Makkal Thunaiyodu Maranathai Vendren* (Vanquishing Death with People’s Support), the killing of Ayyamperumal was carried out by a fellow Naxalite, Tamilarasan. Kaliyaperumal claims his family took the blame to protect Tamilarasan. He also details his involvement with the CPI and CPI(M) before joining the Naxalite movement, highlighting his expulsion from the CPI(M) for his involvement with Naxalite literature and advocacy for armed struggle.

The film depicts Kaliyaperumal’s unwavering commitment to his beliefs, even in the face of immense personal sacrifice. It also touches upon the accidental deaths of three of his comrades while making bombs, an incident that, according to his memoir, led him to question the effectiveness of violence. However, his subsequent actions suggest a continued commitment to the Naxalite ideology of annihilating class enemies.

The events surrounding Kaliyaperumal and the Naxalite movement in Tamil Nadu sparked significant political debate at the time, with then-Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi stating his government would not tolerate violence. *Viduthalai-2*’s release has prompted a renewed discussion of this turbulent period in Tamil Nadu’s history, prompting reflection on the legacy of Pulavar Kaliyaperumal and the Naxalite movement’s impact.

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