Nandanar

Early days of cinema with typical influence of contemporary drama. Falls closely along the folk-tale tradition of Tamil land which has preserved this extra-ordinary story; an untouchable transformed as the most respected Shiva devotees part of the Bhakti tradition of Hinduism. Nandanar story is part of Periya Puranam, which comprehensively compiles all the 63 Naayanmaars of Shaiviite tradition. SS Vasan successfully brings the story in the motion picture format in 1942. Techniques in picturising the much revered story is quite matching with the modern approaches. The life of the Dalit community and their relations with the Brahmin community is efficiently brought out by the team of directors. While narrating the main theme, the film also highlight the challenges of Dalit community in finance, hygiene and culture.