Porkaalam
Love, friendship, brother-sister affection, sensitivity towards the differently-abled, the intricacies of our traditional art works and a sneak peek into the lives of these art makers…
These are treasures of Porkaalam...
This movie created an awareness of the stigma, challenges, pain and tears surrounding the differently-abled people and their families. Such individuals do not naturally feel less worthy because of only their conditions. So often, it is the society's pity and rejection that crushes their self-confidence and self-esteem. At the end of the day, all they want is acceptance and equality. When given the right opportunity and training, many have come to prove themselves in their respective fields. Without that, when pressurised by the judgemental nature of the society, many of them have lost themselves in the darkness forever, like Panjavarnam. Sadly, Manikam will carry the pain of his helplessness for the rest of his life. Him marrying a differently-abled girl as a dedication to his sister, and so that no one should face the same fate was a noble ending and an example to be followed. The theme of the entire movie was beautifully summed-up in the last song "Oona Oonam". For this very reason, this movie will stay close to my heart.
The name of two precious stones. Manikam. Maragatham. Their poetry-like love story kept us continually curious on whether they will someday unite in love. The indirect conversations they shared through their art works (the clay-pot and clay-horse) were pure classics. In those moments, their anxieties, yearning and tears became ours too. The expression of their love peaked with the "Thanjavooru Mannu Eduthu" song. As a clay-art maker, Manikam expressed his love in the form of the art he knew best. That added great value to the song's visualisation and Manikam's characterisation.
On the 22nd anniversary of Porkaalam, reminiscining this brought back such fond memories. And a special mention to Murali sir and Manivannan sir (who are no longer with us) for their years of emoting such beautiful performances.
Thank you for the changes he has brought into this society with the reflection of his art and the nobility of his thoughts. Eagerly waiting for more!
I feel privileged that today I am able to share these thoughts with the man himself, after 22 long years.
Because of him and the memories of the films he has made...
The 90s era will always be our sweet and unforgettable "Porkaalam"...!