‘Nandhan’ sparks social transformation, Sasikumar and director Saravanan express happiness, video goes viral

The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country on Friday (15.08.2025). The national flag was hoisted in all government offices, schools, and colleges, and people celebrated together in patriotism.

But for many years, in some parts of Tamil Nadu, panchayat presidents from certain communities were denied permission to hoist the national flag in their offices. A strong voice was raised about this situation in the Tamil film 'Nandhan', which was released last year.

Sasikumar calls it a historic change

As a symbol of this change, on Independence Day this year, Panchayat Presidents of a particular community hoisted the flag in their offices without any restrictions.

The 'Nandhan' team is happy to see this as their success. 'Nandhan' hero Sasikumar wrote on his Instagram page, "All the Dalit Panchayat leaders in Tamil Nadu have hoisted the flag on the 79th Independence Day. This is a huge change. On behalf of 'Nandan', we would like to thank everyone who supported us.

"

Director Saravanan credits govt action and Nandhan’s impact

'Nandhan' director Saravanan also expressed his gratitude. He said, "The demand made by the film Nandan was fulfilled.

The government also took concrete steps. A warning was issued that only Dalit panchayat leaders should hoist the flag, and no one else should. Police protection was also provided at some places. In an unprecedented change, this year, all the Dalit leaders in charge have hoisted the national flag on Independence Day.

This is a great pride for us," he said, sharing a related video on social media.

Seeman hails milestone

Meanwhile, Naam Tamilar Party leader Seeman said, “The news that the leaders of the Aadithamizhgudi Panchayat Council hoisted the flag on Independence Day without any hindrance this year is heartening. The Tamil Nadu government issued a special order for this, and the main reason for that was the movie Nandan, which was released last year. The impact of that movie was the impetus for this social change,” he said. This has once again proven how great an impact a work of art can have on society.

"Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2."