Many movies today open with a disclaimer distancing itself from any responsibility to the story or characters resembling real life incidents/characters. Is this true in reality is not the subject of my interest. But what if a real life story emulates a movie that was released 35 years ago? Remember Sigappu Rojakkal starring Kamal and Sridevi directed by Barathiraja? Yes, that script came alive on the sets of Solvathellam Unmai (Speaking Truth) aired on Zee Tamil and hosted by Actress, Director and a mother of two children Lakshmi Ramakrishnan.
Here is a short synopsis of the two episodes.
Episode 1: Regina a BCOM graduate from Madurai in her early twenties comes to the show to narrate about the suffering she had undergone in the hands of 17 year old boy (Sibi), who acts like a mature adult, but a criminal and serial offender in real life. She brings to light not only the treatment meted to out her by Sibi, his mother and his friends, but also the exploitation racket and filming of women amongst many other unmentionable acts. What surprises even more is that the boy and mother are both accused of murdering the father and mother eloping with her husband's sister's husband, while her husband was alive. Sibi's mother lives in Chennai, while Sibi and his 12 year old brother live together without any adult supervision in Dindigul. An apple doesn't far too far from the tree is so true.
Part 1: http://youtu.be/x1vdxle2pSM
Episode 2: Over the phone the anchor speaks to other members of this ring before she invites another girl exploited by Sibi to share the chilling truth on the camera. The anchor also speaks to Sibi and asks him to confess to the crime and shows him the evidence. A press reporter who investigates the facts on the ground comes on the show to unveil the full picture and disturbing details. Finally the show concludes with Lakshmi Ramakrishnan promising to report these incidents to the CM's cell with appropriate evidences. She even pleads college going girls to be aware of such rackets and not fall a prey to their emotions and hormones. More than 20 girls and women have been exploited by Sibi and there are photographic and videographic evidences to prove the crime.
Part 2: http://youtu.be/TjlVUsix2jQ
We think TN is safer, but in reality a lot goes unreported and many crimes committed today with political support. Regina was brave enough to come forward and put her life at risk to prevent Sibi from exploiting other women. One must remember despite multiple trips to the police station the cops refrained from filing an FIR on Sibi because of his political connections. Regina also didn't have any of her family member back her up on the show. Hope she has her family support behind the screen.
Most of the families and individuals that come on this show are from lower or lower middle income group with not much education. I'm sure such crimes happen in the middle and upper middle income and educated groups, but they go unshared and unreported. Until incidents like this get reported and stories like these get shared, society can never be reformed and the country can never be made safe.
Lakshmi Ramakrishna may have stirred up the hornets nest and I hope nothing happens to her and others women who appeared on this show. Lakshmi as a loving mother of two children appeals to college going girls to be careful at the end of the episode. I also add to her appeal, be careful who you associate with in real-life and specially on social media. And follow this simple rule: don't do things that you can't share with your parents. Lastly, report incidents to punish the offender and prevent future crimes. Don't ask me if that is possible given the political connections and the murky world of police? Regina is fighting to win this battle with the help of ZEE Tamil. Hope CM being a women will take cognizance of such offenses in a serious light and punish the guilty and make Tamil Nadu, the birth state of Kannagi safe and women friendly.
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