Director Perarasu Champions Legacy of Captain Vijayakanth; Calls for Nadigar Sangam Building to Bear Late Star’s Name

Chennai: Tamil filmmaker Perarasu has made an emotional and public plea to honor the late actor-politician Captain Vijayakanth, proposing that the newly constructed South Indian Artistes’ Association (Nadigar Sangam) building be named in his memory.

Speaking to reporters following the launch of the film Kodigalathaan near Vriddhachalam, the director underscored the pivotal role Vijayakanth played during one of the most precarious periods in the association’s history.

A Legacy of Rescue

Perarasu recounted how, during a time when the Nadigar Sangam was crippled by heavy debt and financial instability, it was Vijayakanth who stepped in as a transformative leader. He successfully bridged the gap between industry titans, including Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, to organize grand-scale cultural events. These efforts were instrumental in helping the association recover its properties and regain its financial footing.

“When the Nadigar Sangam was struggling with debts, it was Captain Vijayakanth who brought everyone together to save the organization,” Perarasu stated. “Therefore, the new Nadigar Sangam building should be named after him. This is the collective wish of the entire film industry.”

Addressing Industry Disparities

Beyond his tribute to the late star, Perarasu used the platform to highlight the growing struggles of small-budget productions. He argued that the current cinematic landscape is heavily skewed toward high-budget spectacles, often leaving smaller, quality films without adequate screens or favorable show timings.

“A film’s success should be determined by the audience, not the budget,” the director asserted, noting that multi-crore projects can fail while modest productions can find immense success if given a fair chance. He urged the government to intervene by mandating that at least 20 percent of screens in existing theaters be reserved for smaller films and by advocating for the creation of smaller, budget-friendly cinema halls.

Welfare for Senior Artisans

The conversation also touched upon the plight of aging film workers. Perarasu advocated for a structured monthly pension for technicians and artistes over the age of 60 who find themselves in financial distress after a lifetime of service. He emphasized that the industry needs stronger welfare mechanisms to ensure dignity for those who have spent decades contributing to Tamil cinema.

Looking Toward the Future

Concluding his address, Perarasu shared his optimism regarding the future of the state’s leadership and the arts. Expressing joy at the prospect of a film personality leading the government, he remarked that he hoped to see Chief Minister Joseph Vijay preside over the inauguration of the new Nadigar Sangam building—a building that, in his view, should stand as a permanent monument to the sacrifices and dedication of Captain Vijayakanth.

Vijayakanth, a beloved figure in both Tamil cinema and politics, passed away in December 2023, leaving behind a legacy of altruism that continues to resonate with his peers and the industry at large.