Thangalaan poster sparks satirical debate over reservations
The upcoming period action movie Thangalaan, starring Chiyaan Vikram, is directed by Pa Ranjith and produced by Studio Green Films. Scheduled for release on August 15, 2024, the film has already created a buzz with its recent poster, which announced that bookings would open soon. The poster displayed the phrase, “Reservation Starts Tomorrow,” which quickly sparked a wave of reactions online.
Pa Ranjith, known for his films that focus on the struggles and stories of marginalized communities, often incorporates themes of caste inequality into his work. His unique approach has garnered significant attention and success. Ranjith has openly stated that his work is deeply connected to his political beliefs, saying, “I am my politics. Without it, I am nothing. I would not be standing here.”
The word “reservation” on the Thangalaan poster, commonly associated with India’s caste-based reservation policies, has led to an influx of satirical comments on social media. Many netizens humorously speculated about the implications of this term in the context of movie ticket bookings.
One user jokingly asked, “Will there be a free show for SC/ST?” while another questioned, “Are there no seats for OCs? Should we just watch the movie on OTT?” Others imagined scenarios where caste certificates might be used to get discounts, with one quipping, “If I show an SC-ST caste certificate, will I get a discount?”
Some even created detailed, tongue-in-cheek guides on how to reserve free tickets based on caste. For example, one post humorously suggested, “Steps to reserve a free ticket: 1. Open the BookMyShow app before it updates. 2. Have your original 2024 Caste Certificate ready and upload it before payment. 3. Seats are allocated based on your caste.” Another comment playfully added, “Use the code ‘JaiBheem’ for 50% off.”
