Bantering on big screen

By Francis P Barclay

Coimbatore, Sept 22: Discrimination, oppression, injustice... endless is the list of the woes of the transsexuals, who cry for a fair deal from others. But their lot continues, as the band of their tormentors include the men
from the tinsel world, too, who tease them on the big screen for a giggle.
From Tamil classics like `Paalabishekam' and `Oru Thalai Raagam' to the latest `Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu' and `Sillunu Oru Kadhal', which are in the theatres, the comedy is at the expense of the transsexuals, who, in local parlance, are called `aravanis' or `thirunangais'.
In `Sillunu Oru Kadhal', Vadivel goes to a bordello, expecting some cute girls, but comes out in a hurry seeing an `aravani' there. Scared, he cries, ``Everything is double.'' Then, a group of transsexuals surround him and
harass him for money.
Interestingly, they have `used' real `aravanis' in this movie. Which, in fact, is an instance of exploiting the poverty or destitution of a hapless section of the society.
In the movie `Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu', a transsexual is used as a tool to torture prisoners.
Taking exception to this kind of ill-treatment of transsexuals, Asha Bharati of Tamil Nadu Aravaanigal Association said: ``I was shocked to see `Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu'. I had high regards for Kamal Haasan. How can he allow such nonsense in that film? I thought he is one among the thinking actors and filmmakers we have got, but he has proved himself to be an ordinanry filmmaker with money grubbing spirit. I will never see his films
again.''
She also questioned the ethos of the film makers in using the poverty and ignorance of the `aravanis' in their films.
There is a huge list of films which portray `aravanis' as comical characters, including the hits like `Tirupaachi', `Thiruda Thirudi' and `Jayam'. They either dress up junior artistes as `aravanis' or use real `aravanis' for comedy scenes.
Kalki, a theater artist, writer and media specialist, who is also a transgender, said ``I wish all these film makers knew how to respect every individual in spite of their gender and sexuality. They should understand that transgendered people, too, want to lead a dignified life in the society. We have moral values which on and all should follow. Look at the Western media. Ask these film makers to see `Transamerica' and `Soldier's
girl'.''
She went on saying: ``The pity is that no politician raises his voice in favor of us. No one notices the community's suffering and discrimination.'' Priya Babu, a transgender activist and writer, said ``We are planning to
take legal action against such portrayal of us in films. We can no more tolerate this nonsense. Even the members of the Censor Board seem to be indifferent in this matter. The stereotyping of our community in the films
has to be stopped.''
Said Apsara, a caterer member of the community: ``Youths harass me more than ever before, perhaps after seeing the movies. I fear, they seem to show hatred against me after watching `Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu'. I just don't know how to explain the truth...''
Monal, a transgender and theater artist, said ``We are fighting for our rights in the society, but all our efforts will go in vain if this kind of portrayal of us in films continues. So, this should be stopped by all means.''