A documentary on MK

Karunanidhi’s daughter Kanimozhi has embarked on an initiative to film a documentary on her father. I wouldn't be surprised if she jumps into politics into the near future.

Since Kanimozhi has stayed away from her father’s political persona, she and Roy had to acquire long archival footage, which may not make it to the final version of the film—‘‘We intend to preserve these clips in a library because they are rich in history.’’ Besides interviews with well-known Tamil journalists like Chinna Kuthoosi, who also doubled as a chronicler and interpreter of Tamil Nadu’s political history, the duo also threw in views of Tuglak editor Cho Ramasamy, who has been a bitter critic of Karunanidhi. ‘‘I spoke to people who had observed him closely, and it has been quite an experience learning about the ways people look at him,’’ says Kanimozhi. But the interview that she cherishes the most is with VP Singh—‘‘It was a warm and emotional interview because his association with my dad goes back a long way.’’

Karunanidhi also spoke to his daughter at length about the most crucial phases of his political career, especially the unsuccessful attempt by former Orissa chief minister Biju Patnaik at a patch-up between him and MGR, his friend-turned-rival, in the early ’80s. ‘‘My father’s mind is still sharp and clear,’’ says Kanimozhi, her tone betraying her admiration. ‘‘We spoke to a lot of people connected to my father, capturing not just their memories, but interpretations of him.’’

Kanimozhi’s take on her father’s life is focused on what pushes her father at this age—politics, people and literature. She hopes to have the film ready by early next year—a gift, which both the father and daughter would treasure.