Director Perarasu has made an emotional appeal to honour late actor and politician Captain Vijayakanth by naming the new South Indian Artistes’ Association (Nadigar Sangam) building after him. Speaking at a film event near Vriddhachalam, the filmmaker recalled Vijayakanth’s contribution to the artistes’ body during one of its most difficult periods.Perarasu highlighted the late actor’s efforts to bring leading members of the Tamil film industry together and help the association recover its property during a financially challenging phase. He argued that Vijayakanth’s contribution deserves to be remembered through a permanent tribute.
Perarasu wants Nadigar Sangam building named after Vijayakanth
Perarasu made the appeal while speaking to reporters after attending the launch event of Kodigalathaan. According to News18, the director recalled how Vijayakanth played an important role when the Nadigar Sangam was struggling with debts.“When the Nadigar Sangam was struggling with debts, it was Captain Vijayakanth who brought together leading stars like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan and organised grand cultural events to help recover the association’s property,” Perarasu said.He added, “Therefore, the new Nadigar Sangam building should be named after Captain Vijayakanth. This is the wish of the entire film industry.”
Perarasu raises concerns over small films and theatre screens
During his interaction with reporters, Perarasu also spoke about the challenges faced by small-budget films in securing sufficient screens and suitable show timings. The filmmaker argued that a film’s success should ultimately be determined by audiences rather than its production budget or the scale of its promotional campaign.“Even films made on budgets of Rs 400 crore or Rs 500 crore can be rejected by people, while a well-made film produced for Rs 3 crore can become a huge success,” he said.Perarasu urged the government to consider creating smaller theatres specifically for low-budget productions. He also suggested reserving at least 20 per cent of shows in existing theatres for smaller films to give them a fair opportunity to reach audiences.
Perarasu calls for welfare measures for senior film workers
The director also raised concerns about the welfare of senior members of the film industry who may struggle financially after spending decades working in cinema. He called for a monthly pension for film workers above the age of 60 who are in need of financial assistance. According to Perarasu, stronger welfare mechanisms could provide greater security to those who have contributed to the industry throughout their careers.His comments come amid wider discussions about the challenges faced by technicians, artistes and other workers, particularly those associated with smaller productions.
Vijayakanth’s contribution to Nadigar Sangam highlighted
While Perarasu addressed several issues affecting the Tamil film industry, his demand to honour Vijayakanth emerged as the central point of his interaction. The director stressed that the late actor’s contribution to the Nadigar Sangam should not be forgotten and that naming the association’s new building after him would provide a lasting recognition of his efforts.Vijayakanth, who died in December 2023, had enjoyed a long career as one of Tamil cinema’s leading stars before entering politics. His association with the Nadigar Sangam remains an important part of his legacy within the film industry.
Perarasu hopes Joseph Vijay will inaugurate the new building
Perarasu also expressed happiness over another film personality becoming Chief Minister and said he hoped the new Nadigar Sangam building would be inaugurated by Chief Minister Joseph Vijay. His remarks ultimately returned to the legacy of Captain Vijayakanth and the need to recognise his contribution to the artistes’ association.
