The Tamil film Karnan calls for Dalits to rise up and resist against the caste system. The movie employed a number of metaphorical devices to illustrate how caste binds Dalits’ hands and feet. Additionally, it shows how the younger generation wants to rebel and fight for what has been denied for years, but the elder Dalit villagers are resistant to change and merely want to survive. The plot centres on Karnan (Dhanush) who rises to become the protector of his people. It also explores how tyranny may be sneaky and how the bureaucracy supports the oppressor and takes part in the oppression. The final takeaway from the film is that the only way to challenge oppression is through resistance.
