CM M. Karunanidhi donates Rs. 18 lakhs to film technicians

With a long history of close association with the Tamil film industry, M. Karunanidhi recently got back to his beginnings and penned the script, screenplay and dialogues for one of his old short stories, Sarapalam Samundi. The result was a modern day classic, harking back to the good old days of grand sets, grander costumes and even more elegant and classy acting. Ulyin Osai may not have gone down well with the younger generation brought up on MTV fare of two minutes music videos and even shorter advertisements, but it definitely stirred the hearts of everyone who loves really good cinema.

Today, in a simple ceremony, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, who owes so much to the Tamil film industry, gave back to all those unsung technicians and behind the scenes heroes, who worked so hard but have not much to show for their long years of passion and dedication. The cash rewards were a part of the birth centenary celebrations of former chief minister and DMK founder C.N. Annadurai.

He gave the money that Uliyin Osai’s producer, Arumuganeri S.P. Murugesan, had given him as remuneration to the Tamil Nadu Film Producers’ Council President, Rama Narayanan. There are 24 unions that pertain to various fields in cinema, among those 24 unions that cater to the many behind the scenes activities that make up a movie, 90 people were selected for cash rewards of Rs. 20,000 each.

The total amount that the Chief Minister has donated to the unions and the Producers Council amounts to Rs. 18 lakhs.

Click here to view the event's stills