“The Lonely Families” – a thirty minute documentary on “Puratha Vannars” an oppressed community in Tamil Nadu was released on February 1, in a function felicitated by Arch Bishop (Madras – Mylapore Diocese) AN Chinnappa, Fr. Vincent Chinnadurai, Editor B. Lenin and Writer Azagia Periyavan in Chennai.

Written and directed by Thirumani, an independent film – maker who has 8 titles to his credit, the documentary narrates the degrading proverbs referring to the community and the plight they suffer at the hands of the dominant castes. Highlighting the community’s tradition bound expertise in martial arts and folk medicine, the film narrates in the words of individuals from the community, the negligence they face from the authorities in addressing their basic rights instituted in the constitution.

The community which should have been included under the Scheduled Castes, has been erroneously included under the OBCs and as a consequence bear the loss of the rights due to them, at the same time suffering discrimination at the local level. The piercing commentaries of the interviewees make the film watch with attention.

Snippets from the documentary:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyZH1t5A7TU[/youtube]