Over the past decade, Pa. Ranjith has emerged as one of the foremost and revolutionary voices in Tamil cinema. By focusing directly on anti-caste politics, his films have challenged the hegemonic and normalised codes of cinematic representation dominated by upper caste and feudal narratives. In his impressive body of work as a director and producer, including films like Aatakathi, Kabali, Kaala and Natchathiram Nagargirathu, he has consistently ensured that the filmmaker is bound by a code of social justice, and that it is no longer acceptable to stereotype or negatively portray Dalit characters, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and the marginalised.
Bina Paul, DIFF’s Director of Programming, engages in conversation with Pa. Ranjith, taking on subjects ranging from Dalit identity, the politics of representation, and his own personal journey.
