Udhayanidhi Stalin's controversial stance on Sanatan Dharma mirrors his character in Maamannan

Actor-politician Udhayanidhi Stalin is at the centre of a perfect political storm caused by his candid remarks on Sanatan Dharma. Speaking at a conference in Chennai, Udhayanidhi sparked intense debate and outrage, by comparing Sanatan Dharma to various diseases. He also argued that it hindered the country's ability to achieve an egalitarian society.

“A few things cannot be opposed, that should be abolished only. We can't oppose dengue, mosquitoes, malaria, or corona. We have to eradicate this, that's how we have to eradicate Sanatana. Rather opposing Sanatana it should be eradicated,” Udhayanidhi said in his speech at the event.

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Udhayanidhi's comments instantly outraged his political opponents, leading to heated debates about the merits and drawbacks of this ancient belief system. The controversy escalated with consequences ranging from a priest in Ayodhya offering a reward of Rs 10 crore for Udhayanidhi's beheading to the filing of police cases.

In Uttar Pradesh, an FIR was registered against Udhayanidhi, who is also Tamil Nadu minister for youth welfare and sports development, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's son Priyank Kharge on the courts of outraging religious feelings.

Udhayanidhi Stalin refuses to relent

Despite the massive backlash, Udhayanidhi remained steadfast in his beliefs, reasserting that Sanatan Dharma was a threat to social equality. "Sanatan Dharma is a principle that divides people in the name of caste and religion. Uprooting Sanatan Dharma is upholding humanity and human equality. I stand firmly by every word I have spoken. I spoke on behalf of the oppressed & marginalized, who suffer due to the Sanatan Dharma. I am ready to present the extensive writings of Periyar and Ambedkar, who conducted in-depth research on Sanatan Dharma and its negative impact on society in any forum," Udhayanidhi wrote on his Twitter page, which is now known as X.

Real-life vs reel-life

Udhayanidhi's uncompromising stance against the status quo appears to mirror his character Athiveeran in the film Maamannan, directed by Mari Selvaraj . The movie explores the social and political faultlines rooted in caste prejudices.

In Maamannan, Athiveeran is the son of a tall political leader, Maamannan, portrayed by Vadivelu. Despite Maamannan's political stature, he faces discrimination from party members belonging to the upper caste. While Maamannan tolerates caste prejudice for the greater good, Athiveeran refuses to bow to casteist leaders.

Athiveeran doesn't hesitate to risk the delicate peace that his father has managed to establish after enduring years of oppression and discrimination. The film's central tension escalates when Athiveeran discovers that his father was not expected to sit in front of Rathnavelu (Fahadh Faasil), who holds no political stature comparable to Maamannan's. Yet, caste privileges dictate Maamannan's inferior treatment.

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Athiveeran makes it his life's ambition to elevate his father Maamannan's stature to a level that transcends caste discrimination, granting him the privilege to occupy the most prominent seat in the room.

Incidentally, Udhayanidhi also capped off his acting career with Maamannan. After being promoted to a ministerial position in the Tamil Nadu government, he declared retirement from the film industry. His outstanding performance in the movie marked the height of his career, affirming the wisdom of the adage to "quit while you're ahead".