Dravidar Kazhagam Honors Periyar with Groundbreaking 3D Animation Tribute

Dravidar Kazhagam, the political and social reform movement founded by EV Ramasamy (Thanthai Periyar), has unveiled a 3D video tribute to commemorate the reformer’s ideology and legacy. Released on December 24, 2024, during the 51st Remembrance Day of Periyar, the animated film brings to life Periyar's fight against social injustice, caste discrimination, and gender inequality, emphasizing his core values of self-respect, rationalism, and education.

The creative agency Point S and R-Art Works Visual Studio collaborated on this project, combining their expertise in animation and visual effects. The film presents Periyar in a powerful avatar, using his trademark walking stick to shatter symbols of oppression. Key scenes include breaking chains of gender stigma, destroying casteist barriers represented by discriminatory boards, and straightening a human figure molded from clay—an allegory for Periyar’s battle against inhumane treatment of marginalized communities.

Set to an evocative six-word soundtrack, the film uses Tamil phrases:

• Thagarthidu, Vendridu (Break Free to Win),
• Purinthidu, Kalainthidu (Realize and Refuse),
• Thelinthidu, Nimirnthidu (Seek Clarity and Rise).

The closing scene shows Periyar atop a mountain of books, symbolizing his belief in education as the ultimate tool for upliftment.

CM Stalin’s Tribute

Premiered in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Dr. K Veeramani, the President of Dravidar Kazhagam, the event celebrated Periyar’s enduring relevance. CM Stalin received a replica of Periyar’s walking stick, calling it the answer to critics of the Dravidian Model.

Behind the Creation

According to Sujith G, Founder of Point S, the aim was to “Globalize Periyar and Periyar-ise the Globe” by creating a universally engaging format. He explained, “We chose 3D animation because it captivates audiences across generations. It took a month to meticulously craft Periyar’s texture, shape, and presence to reflect his global stature.”

The team used Periyar’s walking stick as a recurring motif to symbolize his fight against social oppression. Sujith added, “This video is not just a tribute but a tool to connect younger generations with Periyar’s philosophy.”

Point S co-founder Nishith G highlighted the global significance of this innovation, noting, “We couldn’t find another 3D animation dedicated to a leader in the social reform segment, making this project possibly the first of its kind.”

A Historic First

This video stands out as a pioneering effort to present a social leader’s legacy in 3D animation, merging technology with ideology to inspire a new generation.