Exploring the legacy of Dalit Subbaiah through a poignant documentary by Gridaran MKP.
Gridaran MKP’s film, titled ‘Dalit Subbaiah’, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the multifaceted artist who passed away in 2022. As a singer, lyricist, and poet, Subbaiah was deeply committed to social causes, utilizing his music as a powerful medium for protest. The documentary not only honors his legacy but also highlights the significance of protest music in advocating for social justice.
The film has already garnered acclaim, winning the top prize at the International Documentary & Short Film Festival of Kerala in August. Gridaran, who has a background as an editor in the Tamil film industry, explores Subbaiah’s life through intimate conversations with his family and associates. The inclusion of archival footage of Subbaiah’s performances showcases the strength of his voice, the impact of his lyrics, and his vision for a more just and egalitarian society.
Subbaiah’s character comes alive in the film, revealing a warm, witty, and fearless individual whose understated presence was nonetheless magnetic. Gridaran remarked on Subbaiah’s remarkable political engagement, noting his ability to deliver powerful speeches and create stirring songs. The documentary sheds light on a range of issues that concerned Subbaiah, including caste discrimination, dowry practices, class divides, and communalism. One character in the film poignantly states, “He wrote Tamil Nadu’s history in songs,” encapsulating the essence of Subbaiah’s contributions.
A particularly striking moment in the film features school girls passing by as Subbaiah and his troupe perform at a street corner, a testament to his significant reputation in Tamil Nadu. His compositions, especially the song ‘Vella Mudiyadhavar Ambedkar’ (Undefeatable Ambedkar), have found resonance among activist groups and political entities like the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi. However, Gridaran acknowledges that many outside progressive circles were unaware of Subbaiah’s work, reflecting on his own experience of having overlooked the artist during his street performances.
‘Dalit Subbaiah’ is part of a broader ten-part series focusing on protest music in Tamil Nadu, produced by Neelam Films and Yaazhi Films. This series celebrates musicians recognized at the Margazhiyil Makkalisa festival, which has been a platform for highlighting the cultural practices of historically oppressed communities. Gridaran had the opportunity to witness Subbaiah being honored at the festival, although he did not meet him before Subbaiah’s passing. He attended the artist’s funeral and noted the large turnout that grew from a small gathering to hundreds, illustrating Subbaiah’s impact on the community.
The film employs animation to depict Subbaiah’s early years, detailing his transformation from Karuppan Pichai, a name burdened with stigma, to Dalit Subbaiah, a name that resonated with empowerment. The documentary also includes personal anecdotes from his family, showcasing their struggles and the small joys they cherished. Subbaiah’s leftist ideology is reflected in the names of his sons, Spartacus and Gorky, each carrying a legacy of resistance and thought. Conversations with members of Subbaiah’s troupe reveal a deep camaraderie and respect for him, further emphasizing the communal spirit that surrounded his music.
Despite the challenges faced by Subbaiah, his revolutionary songs spoke to the wider populace, addressing the concerns of a historically marginalized community. The film uncovers instances of Subbaiah’s work being appropriated without proper credit, highlighting the ongoing struggle for recognition faced by protest musicians. Ultimately, the documentary leaves a lasting impression of Subbaiah’s enduring spirit, echoing his belief that once the issues addressed in a song fade, the song itself fades too. This poignant narrative is a reminder of the vital role of music in articulating the struggles of the people and advocating for social change.
