Kamal Haasan has brought back a title that once sparked a major controversy in Tamil cinema. The actor’s upcoming film, which was tentatively titled ‘KH237’, has officially been named ‘Sandiyar’. The makers also unveiled the first-look poster, featuring Kamal in a rugged avatar holding a gun. The announcement has attracted attention because the same title was originally planned for his 2004 film ‘Virumaandi’. After 22 years, the actor has decided to use the title for another project, bringing back memories of the earlier controversy. The announcement has also triggered fresh discussions among fans and social media users.
Why Kamal Haasan dropped the ‘Sandiyar’ title for ‘Virumaandi’
The return of the title has reminded fans of the protests it faced in 2003. Kamal had initially named his film ‘Sandiyar’, but the title faced strong opposition from Puthiya Tamizhagam party leader Dr K Krishnasamy. He raised concerns that the name could create tension in southern Tamil Nadu. The issue also reached the then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, following which the title was changed to ‘Virumaandi’.During the controversy, Kamal Haasan addressed the issue with his trademark humour. In an old video that has resurfaced online, he joked, “They say the film should not be named Sandiyar because brother Krishnasamy might get upset. If we choose another name, someone else might have a problem with that too.” He also questioned how the meaning of culture kept changing over the years and whether filmmakers should stop making films in the name of protecting it.
Fans react to ‘Sandiyar’ title revival after 22 years
The latest announcement has received mixed reactions on social media. While several fans are happy that Kamal has finally brought back the title, others have questioned the decision. One fan celebrated the announcement by writing, “Sandiyar was the first title for Virumaandi (2004). Changed due to political reasons. And now, after 22 years, KH got it back.”Another user expressed excitement, saying, “Oru vazhiya epdiyo Sandiyar nu title vachitaatru paa Aandavar uh!” (Finally, somehow, Aandavar has titled his film Sandiyar!). However, some users have raised concerns about the title, recalling the earlier controversy and its association with caste and violence. The divided reactions have made the title announcement a major talking point.
About ‘Sandiyar’ cast and crew
Kamal Haasan has teamed up with director SU Arun Kumar for the first time. The filmmaker is known for films such as ‘Sethupathi’, ‘Chithha’ and ‘Veera Dheera Sooran’. Kamal Haasan and R Mahendran are producing the film under the banner of Raaj Kamal Films International, along with Turmeric Media.Anirudh Ravichander is composing the music, while Sunil KS is handling the cinematography. CS Balachander is the production designer, Amritha Ram is the costume designer, and Anbariv is choreographing the action sequences.The makers have not yet revealed the full cast, storyline or release date. The first-look poster carries the tagline ‘Revenge can only be settled in blood’, suggesting that the film could be an action drama. The revival of the title ‘Sandiyar’ has already generated considerable curiosity among fans.