CHENNAI: Amidst the controversy over the wall built by the Paraiyar community to allegedly keep out the Arunthathiyars in Santhaiyur village in Madurai, a documentary ‘Athe Suvar’, directed by Surya Louis, was officially released on Sunday in an attempt to create a fruitful dialogue between the two communities.
The documentary, produced by Academic Circle for Arunthathiyars’ Action, is a simple record of the tussle over the wall and it attempts to make both sides heard.
Alleging that the wall, built on a poromboke land around the Raja Kaliamman Temple, is an ‘untouchability wall’, the Arunthathiyar community has long since been demanding its demolition.
“People have been talking about the wall, but not in a way that can bring about a change. Instead of discussing it as separate communities, they have to come together as one,” said Surya, director of the documentary.
He added, “The documentary seeks to bring those who talk about the issue from outside to offer viable solutions.”