How Tamil actor M.R. Radha got away with staging a ‘banned’ play in 1959
This historical piece recounts how Tamil actor M.R. Radha bypassed a 1959 government ban on his play 'Thooku Medai' by submitting a different script, 'Kathal Bali', to authorities. The police later registered a case upon discovering the similarities between the two plays.
Why it matters
Provides historical context on censorship and artistic expression in mid-20th century India.
How Tamil actor M.R. Radha got away with staging a ‘banned’ play in 1959 left M.R. Radha The Hindu Archives The Hindu https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/rtuw6w/article71604856.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/HP14998.jpg HINDU PHOTO ARCHIVES M. R. Radha The Madras Government, in April 1959, banned popular actor M.R. Radha’s Tamil play Thooku Medai. He submitted the script of another drama Kathal Bali to the Madras Commissioner of Police and obtained a licence to perform it. On noticing that the play was similar to the banned Thooku Medai, the police registered a case.
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