History Of Chola Dynasty Distorted In 'Ponniyin Selvan', Lawyer Alleges In Plea Before Madras High Court

A lawyer from Chennai has approached the Madras High Court seeking action against Director Mani Ratnam for allegedly portraying the wrong history of the Chola empire in his movie Ponniyin Selvan: I.

Advocate L.K. Charles Alexander in his petition alleges that the director has distorted the history of the Chola dynasty for commercial purposes and has used the names of the historical figures in his movie to "intentionally defame the history" "being preserved" by the Central Government.

The petitioner further states that history is common to all and it cannot be used commercially for the purpose of gaining money. It has been stated that the director has not shown the true history and has distorted the facts to suit his movie story.

The petitioner also states that the Government and the Archaeological Survey of India, being responsible for maintaining and regulating the archaeological activities and history of the country, should have taken strict action against the director. However, they have failed to take any action against the director for "violating" the provisions of the Antiquities And Art Treasure Act 1972 and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958, the plea alleges.

Contending that the distortion of the history in any form "degrades the integrity of the country", the petitioner has said he had made representations to the State government, Archaeological Survey of India and the Central Board of Film Certification to investigate into the matter. However, since these representations were not acted upon, he has approached the court seeking directions to the respondents to consider his representation and take appropriate departmental action.