A scene from the play Roudhiram Pazhagu.
| Picture Credit score: Particular Association

Earlier than Komal theatres’ play Roudhiram Pazhagu started, Dharini Komal (story and course) introduced that it was based mostly on the Nirbhaya rape case, which shook the nation some years in the past. But it surely turned out that it was not based mostly on the crime, however was largely a recounting of the precise occasions of the case. Solely the identify Nirbhaya had been modified to Deepika. The kernel of an concept stemming from an precise occasion is comprehensible. However a copy of what occurred might have been dealt with higher. Nonetheless, Dharini have to be complimented for just a few additions, just like the reactions of the politicians.

Whereas the opposition chief needs to make capital out of the tragedy, the ruling social gathering needs to show public consideration away from the case. The social gathering in energy decides to plant tales within the media concerning the immorality of Deepika. The media sensationalises the case, including juicy, however fully false particulars whereas reporting on the case.

A feeble try

Raudiram pazhagu is a line from poet Bharati. Study to be indignant, says the poet. Righteous anger is critical. Mother and father who lose a baby underneath such circumstances will, naturally, be shattered. However fury towards the perpetrators will quickly rise to the floor. Not a lot anger was evident within the play. A feeble try at justification of the title got here in direction of the tip, when society was requested to be vocal in its protests. The play might need been extra convincing if it had talked about ladies studying self-defence strategies, or about how legal guidelines will be modified to make sure that juveniles don’t escape condign punishment.

Lawyer Sangeetha’s arguments in court docket have been extra like homilies about how ladies can now not be taken with no consideration, and many others. Anu Kannan, because the mom of the sufferer, portrayed her emotional devastation vividly. However even she didn’t present anger. There was a sure placidity concerning the play, which felt completely misplaced.