Cut-outs, Caste and Cine Stars

by Vaasanthi

Tamil Nadu is a state very different from the rest of India, both culturally and historically. It has retained a fundamentally separate identity for itself in language and caste structure, and this is most evident in its politics. Cut-outs, Caste and Cine Stars: The Word of Tamil Politics tells a political story that has all the elements of a blockbuster film, where ironies and larger-than-life characters abound: Periyar, a Kannada-speaker, who introduced the notions of Tamil self-respect and regional pride, yet dismissed Tamil as 'a barbaric language'; the matinee idol MGR, a Malayalee born in Sri Lanka, who became Tamil Nadu's most popular mass leader; the Dravidian movement which, by its own ideology, should have helped the Dalits but has instead supported only the upwardly mobile middle groups; and parties that rose to power by propagating anti-Hindi and anti-Brahmin sentiments but have now allied themselves with the BJP. It is fitting that this reel-like scenario is presently dominated by the electoral politics of Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa, one a scriptwriter and the other a former actress. Well-known writer and journalist Vaasanthi has observed the dramatis personae in this epic drama at close quarters for a decade. Now updated with an additional chapter on the war of succession Cut-outs, Caste and Cine Stars offers an objective and insightful view of a political world that is both fascinating and perplexing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, India, History

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Vaasanthi (born as Pankajam on 26 July 1941) is an Indian journalist and writer.

She got her degree in English literature and history at Mysore University and a Master's degree at Oslo University in Norway. She served as the editor of India Today, Tamil edition for nine years. Many of her essays on art, culture, and politics have been seriously focused on the emergence of a number of articles and created debates.

Vaasanthi has written a number of lectures and reports on women's issues and she is also a political analyst. Penguin Books published a book in English (Cut-outs, Caste and Cines Stars) with their standings in the political history of Tamil Nadu during the time she worked as the editor of India Today.

She also wrote the biography of J. Jayalalithaa and M. Karunanidhi. She has written around 40 novels and six short story collections.

Reviews

[Sengavi Thirupathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is again going to be a very subjective review reflecting my biased review of this book. Having grown up in a very consciously dravidian and highly politically opinionated household, this book came as a "highlights" version of TN politics that I've grown up knowing. Vaasanthi has tried to present a non-biased download of all the significant drama that went down over the last 80 years that has shaped Tamil Nadu politics. The biggest take aways for me was: how not much has changed in the last decade especially following the demise of Jaya and Kalaignar; how the book (released 2006) is still very relevant and fresh and at the time, has even made a few good predictions about future political climate; it addressed my recent dilemma on belonging to the BC community and using my voice against the background existence of upper caste dominance vs using it to lift up the MBC class. I realise the gap between urban and rural politics. In south indian villages, I would make the dangerous percentage of "upper caste" people that engages in discrimination against SC/ST/Dalits/MBC. What Periyar and Anna had begun needs to organically morph into a united fight to break the oppression that these communities feel. The quote "A reformist movement became reactionary" captures the essence of how the two dravidian parties' philosophy has been morphed to ensure vote banks. Very relatable content where the book compared the fierce loyalty TN has for its language against the prejudice associated with one's caste/religion and how periyar had addressed this. Another aha moment for me from some of my past discussions.

Also, because of events have been laid of chronologically I could identify the impact of Rajiv Gandhi assassination and LTTEs influence on TN politics and would call it the most defining and deciding turn point. If you have always enjoyed being on top of the eccentric drama of politics, you will enjoy this book.

[Sricharan AR · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Deideologization of politics is not a tragedy. It is a necessity.”

[Poornima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by well known author and journo, Vaasanti, this book gives an insight into the making of Tamil Nadu as a state and the political ideology that shaped it.
The Dravidian movement that started out as Anti-Brahminical,almost atheist, has now degenerated into adulation of its leaders - Karunanidhi/MGR/Jayalalitha.

Periyar, Annadurai, Karunanidhi - 3 names that every Tamilian revered at a time. From its supposedly pro-Dalit beginning to an idolatory upper middle class standing now. How the egos of once bosom buddies, MGR and Karunanidhi, came in the way of creating an unbeatable partnership.

The rise of the phoenix bird - Jayalalitha, the charming, erudite, political novice into a calculating, vengeful, powerful 'Amma'. The ping pong rise and fall of both Karunanidhi and Jayalalitha - considerations of family and friends playing havoc with their ideals.

There is hardly any difference in the ideology that shaped the major parties- the Self respect movement or the Dravidian movement. But instead of doing away with casteism and its inherent bias, caste plays such an important part in Tamil Nadu that even sub-castes do not inter marry whether they be OBC or Dalit.

How Tamil language as a deity and source of pride was used to inspire a population to discard the use of other ' foreign' languages notably - Hindi and English. The fall-out of such an action in the, non-industry readiness of such graduates, how English is gaining momentum now even in the hinterlands as a result of that.

For me, the most interesting part was the rivalry between K and J. The massive amassal of wealth by both sides, the manipulative and much publicised arrests of both, the court cases, the goondaism associated with their cadres, has left TN with a Hobson's choice. Dr. Ramadoss with his PMK, Vaiko who was a one time protege of K and the rise of MDMK, INC, BJP are all side actors in the play between these 2 leading stars.

As this book was brought out in 2006, J's death and the confusion it has brought about is not dealt with. I hope Vasanti comes out with a sequel to this book, as it will be very interesting to know the eddies shaping TN right now.

This is the perfect book for someone who has absolutely no idea about TN politics, to get to know the movers and shakers.

My rating is 5 *

PS: i read this book about 2 months back, so might have missed out on certain things. Mannichidange

[Lake · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciate this overview of Tamil politics in the 90s-00s but the jumping back and forth chronologically was very confusing for me. And reading this in 2022 made some of it feel like a time capsule of ancient lore, so many of the biggest players here have since passed away.

[Amarnath Murugan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read that gives a good overview of TN political history, but I'm not sure if one can claim that the book is completely unbiased

[Conrad Barwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to the complexities of Tamil politics by the former editor of the Tamil edition of India Today who spent 10 years from the early 1990s to the 2000s covering the state. Not only a comprehensive look at the Jayalalitha-Karunadhi rivalry which has dominated the state's politics scene for the last 20 years but also a thoughtful examination of the role of the Dravidian movement and ideology and the legacy it has had on the state through the dominance of the two main Dravidian parties since the late 1960s which sets Tamil Nadu apart from other Indian states.

Only regret was that the book stops at the 2006 assembly elections with the octagenarian Karunaidhi once again becoming CM. An invaluable volume for those interested in Tamil Nadu, the Dravidian movement and the interplay between politics and caste in India.

[Nanditha]

The book provides succinct and comprehensive introduction to Tamil Nadu politics. However, it is a bit biased (the author seems to like Karunanidhi more than Jayalalithaa though they each had their flaws) and the editing is a bit shabby at times. A decent read overall, especially for someone who has no idea of TN politics. Even as someone who grew up under Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi's reigns, I found lots of important and interesting facts/insights.

[Ambikesh Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the word 'dravidian movement' and wanted to read more on the politics behind it. The book gave many interesting insights into the contemporary tamil socio-political history. The politics of 'tamil tai' is full of contradictions. I realised upon reading the book how superficially tamil society is so different yet stripped of the definite form it has taken, essentially the same issues of caste, patriarchy and politics drive it and the ideas of social justice and dignity shape it. As someone who is fascinated by the psyche of societies, it was a treat to have a glimpse of the tamil worldview. Though not a tamil cultural guide by any means, the book was enough to kindle me into understanding tamil culture more deeply.
I read it while Family man 2 got released. The authentic flavour of the tamil scenes in the series together with the knowledge from the book was a good initial combination.

[Srivatsan Srikanth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.

The book offers a bird's eye view of Tamil Nadu politics from Periyar to the DMK in 2006. The initial chapters detailing the history of the movement and the rise of the stalwarts of Dravidian Politics failed to engage the reader as they were shoddy in some places with blatant opinionated writing. The succeeding chapters on the other hand which were more contemporary in comparison, brought out the reporter in the author and gave a riveting experience that took reader right to the streets where the Political games were unfurling. This book offers a superb idea to a novice wishing to understand politics in Tamilnadu (if that is even possible).

[ANANDAJAYARAJAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a must for those who want to know the exact history of TN politics. Especially this generation. This book is not slanted. That is what I like about this book. It does not exaggerate any views or anybody's image. It concisely expresses the exact news. As the author was a journalist, she did a good job of giving an unbiased view of Tamil Nadu's political history.
It equally criticizes both the political barons of TN, M. Karunanidhi & J. Jayalalithaa and Breaks the facade of a god-like portrayal of them by the parties' minions.

[Manderley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of essays on the world of Tamil politics paints a scenic picture of the tumultuous political history of Tamil Nadu through some of its fundamental movements and iconic characters. I found the initial chapters very immersive as the later essays, though still engaging, are a little repetitive owing to the non-chronological narration of the events. A great starting point to understand Tamil Nadu's convoluted political landscape.

[Rahul Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A swift and concise read about the politics in the state of Tamizh Nadu. Vaasanthi covers all the major events in the political landscape of the state since '91. My only issue with the book was that I felt it was critical of Jayalalitha and was soft on Karunanidhi. This might be because of author's personal dislike towards Amma.

[Atulaa Krishnamurthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful resource for a bird's eye view of Tamil politics (and how it was informed by society and ideology) over the 20th century, albeit slightly dated. The book could do with updating especially given the tumult of the last decade, and better editing.

[Mukil Ganesan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Anyone who’s curious about the history of Tamil politics should definitely read this book. The next time when you see a huge cutout of politicians, I’m sure your perspective would change.

[Aparna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a little disappointing that some events (such as the Sri Lankan civil war, MGR's rule) and people were not covered in detail when the author was happy to give detailed chapters on some other instances (such as the multiple times Jayalalithaa made a non political events all about herself).

[Srivatchala Muthusamy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Rose Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read

[Roshan T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction into the political history of Tamil Nadu. Good for someone who is completely new to TN politics but for someone who has knowledge already, this book might be not too detailed

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't a fantastic book, but it's one of the few books that covers the topic in a non-academic way suitable for a generally informed reader. The book covers events that happened but doesn't put much effort into analyzing them. Good for a basic intro, the only book I've seen that can serve this role (in English, I assume). And to be fair, I haven't seen any good (book length) detailed studies of politics from 1920's-present in Tamil Nadu.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a good back ground about the tamil nadu politics. its a good book to start in case you are looking to learn more about the state.

[Umesh Kesavan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pro-Karunanidhi,at times. A decent introduction to Tamilnadu politics in English.

[Mahesh Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Excellent analysis along with political history.

[Петр · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative though a little dated, as it was written in 2006. It certainly helps an outsider deepen an understanding of Tamil politics.

[Gautham Balaji]

A perfect book for would-be politicial analysts and a basic reference book for seasoned political observers. Vasanthi explains 100 years of Dravidian politics the way it is. Larger than life !

[Shanmugam Udhayan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right book for the beginners to know about TN politics