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Jigarthanda Double X confronts tribal land struggle with a searing question: “Rulers, why?”

AS the final reels of Karthik Subbaraj’s Jigarthanda Double X flicker by, Raghavendra Lawrence, the South Indian choreographer-turned-actor, delivers a speech as ‘Alliyan Caesar’ that resonates with the raw truth.
Caesar’s tribe, guardians of the forest and mountains for generations, faces the grim reality of imminent annihilation. Greedy politicians, their guns aimed through the hands of duty-bound policemen, hunger for the land Caesar and his people call home.
The fight-or-flight dilemma gnaws at Caesar. Violence, he realises, would only stain his land with the blood of men forced to follow orders. Ray Das, the second lead played by Tamil director-turned-actor S.J. Surya, urges retreat, but Caesar’s tribe holds firm.
“Those who abandon their roots never truly return,” one of the elders opines.
Finally, Caesar chooses defiance. Not with guns, but with the song of their ancestors, the thunderous beat of drums, and the defiant steps of their traditional dance. They face the firing line not with fear, but with the unyielding spirit of a people who know no other home.
What happens next is not for me to tell. But this much is clear: Caesar chose the only path left in the face of historical land grabs and the relentless struggle for forest rights.
“Those who abandon their roots never truly return,” one of the elders opines.
In the tapestry of Indian history, where stolen lands and broken promises echo, sometimes the most potent weapon is the unwavering song of resistance, the unyielding beat of a tribe’s heart.
According to a 2022 Observation Report prepared by Cultural Survival, an international indigenous rights organisation with a global indigenous leadership and consultative status with the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council, in India, indigenous peoples face ongoing land grabs, militarisation and violence, fueled by policies that undermine their rights to land and self-determination.
The Observation Report also claims that the Forest Rights Act, 2006, which aimed to redress historical and ongoing land theft, has failed.
The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 recognises the rights of the forest-dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers to forest resources, on which these communities were dependent for a variety of things, including livelihood, habitation and other socio-cultural needs.
However, according to a March 2022 document, the number of land claim requests received from tribals in India is 4,429,065 and the number of titles distributed is 2,234,292, which is a disposal rate of just 50.4 percent. A disappointing number.
According to the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA), indigenous people in the Central India Tribal Belt, which stretches from Gujarat in the west up to Assam in the east and encompasses the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, has been particularly affected by the large-scale acquisition of land for mining and other development activities.
In Manipur, a recent case saw tribal communities residing in the foothills evicted from their ancestral forest lands under the claim of it being “reserve forests”. However, critics interviewed by Frontline suspect these evictions to be a prelude to a “land grab” disguised as development in India’s sensitive northeastern border region.
In the tapestry of Indian history, where stolen lands and broken promises echo, sometimes the most potent weapon is the unwavering song of resistance, the unyielding beat of a tribe’s heart.
In recent years, the Tamil film industry has emerged as a powerful voice for the marginalised and the oppressed. Filmmakers such as Pa. Ranjith, Vetrimaaran, Mari Selvaraj and T.J. Gnanavel have carved a distinct path, prioritising human rights narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
Their stories, often rooted in the struggles of the exploited, landless, tribal, Dalit, and downtrodden communities, shed light on systemic injustices and ignite conversations about social change. With Jigarthanda Double X, Karthik Subbaraj has joined the league.
Karthik, who is known for his Quentin Tarantino-esque touch, unleashes a ‘double dhamaka’ in Jigarthanda Double X. This explosive cocktail churns with Tarantino’s signature non-linear narratives and sharp dialogues, but with a surprising twist: a dash of Clint Eastwood’s rugged cowboy swagger.
With this intoxicating blend of cinematic influences, Karthik weaves a tapestry of narratives, each thread as vibrant and impactful as the last. He plunges us into the struggles of aborigines to protect their land and how Tamil cinema plays its part in the State’s politics as a ‘weapon’.
Greed for land slithers through the narrative, entwined with the machinations of ruthless politicians. Each twist and turn is infused with Karthik’s signature emotive touch, leaving us deeply affected by the human struggles that unfold before our eyes.
Lawrence’s journey in Jigarthanda Double X as Caesar is nothing short of extraordinary. The film takes us on a rollercoaster ride through his life, from a 1970s elephant poacher in the lush forests of Tamil Nadu to a powerful don in Madurai.
But destiny had something else in store for him. In between, the arrival of Hollywood legend Eastwood for a film shoot in a nearby village proves to be a pivotal moment. Caesar receives an inspiring gift from Eastwood, sparking a fascination with the world of cinema.
As the movie progresses in Tarantino’s style, Caesar ends up behind the camera, even while being a don. He embarks on the ambitious project of becoming the first ‘Black’ hero in Tamil cinema, before Rajinikanth.
Interestingly, within both his own life and the film-within-the-film, Caesar emulates Eastwood’s rugged persona. Echoing the cowboy heroes of Eastwood’s Westerns, he even mounts a horse to confront the villain and protect his tribe.
The cowboy music movie added in Jigarthanda Double X doubles its impact. Meanwhile, under Karthik’s masterful handling, Caesar transcends the silver screen, becoming a hero not just in cinema but also in his tribe.
After many twists and turns, as the final celluloid flicker dies down, Caesar’s defiance explodes in a symphony of fire and passion. His song, raw and defiant, rises above the sound of firing guns. His feet pound a primal rhythm.
Greed for land slithers through the narrative, entwined with the machinations of ruthless politicians.
In that charged moment, the line between reel and real blurs, leaving only the incandescent image of a man and his tribe dancing with destiny, unafraid and untamed.
As I watched Caesar unfold, I was caught in that very ‘empathy machine’ Roger Ebert, the Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic, has so eloquently described.
Although set in the 1970s, the film’s stark reality resonates even in 2023.
Today, when Dalits and Adivasis find themselves dispossessed of their land, denied of their fundamental right to belong, one cannot help but echo Caesar’s question: “Rulers, why…?”

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Clint Eastwood

From Clint Eastwood to Jason Statham, 5 Hollywood Badass Who Would Never be a MCU Superhero

Hollywood has seen plenty of actors portray the quintessential “badass” character with their rugged charm, fearless personas, and no-nonsense approach to their roles. However, not every one of these tough-as-nails stars is a natural fit for the larger-than-life world of superhero cinema, especially within the high-flying, action-packed universes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
1. Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood
From A Fistful of Dollars to Cry Macho, Clint Eastwood has enjoyed a career spanning over six decades. Clint Eastwood is known for the tough, no-nonsense characters he portrayed throughout his career.
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With his gravelly voice, Eastwood has always been the epitome of the Hollywood badass. The 93-year-old has often chosen to direct and act in serious, adult-oriented content. As revealed by CBR, the former mayor expresses his thoughts on the superhero genre.
“I read comic books when I was a kid, I don’t read them now. I prefer adult oriented stuff. I mean that in the PG-13 or R sense, but that’s as far as it goes.”
Clint Eastwood‘s focus remains distinctly elsewhere in an industry increasingly dominated by superhero narratives.
2. Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts has a broad range of acting skills, which she has showcased brilliantly in various genres, including serious dramas and psychological thrillers. While she has excelled in these genres, she prefers smaller, more personal projects and TV shows. Therefore, it is unlikely that she would be interested in taking up roles in superhero movies.
In an interview with The Times, Watts revealed that the film industry was in a “sad state,” which is why the actress prefers the drama genre.
“I definitely noticed that a lot of great writing was taking place in the TV format now, probably because of the sad state of the film industry and how all the films getting made are mostly in the franchise world, or superheroes or big comedy blockbuster-type movies, and I really tend to enjoy working in the drama genre.”
Nonetheless, her commitment to her craft and her ability to bring depth to her characters make her an asset to any project she chooses to undertake.
3. Matt Damon
Matt Damon is a highly respected and accomplished entertainment industry figure, receiving critical acclaim and widespread commercial success.
Despite his connections with influential individuals in the superhero genre, he has yet to take on a superhero role, which presents an opportunity to explore a new aspect of his craft and further expand his already impressive repertoire.
4. Jason Statham
It is unlikely that Jason Statham, who has openly expressed his preference for films that focus on human performance rather than special effects, would be interested in joining the superhero genre, especially the MCU.
In an interview with Digital Spy, Statham confirms that he is not interested in being a part of the Marvel universe.
“The fascination is superheroes, it’s what people want to go and see but you wouldn’t get me rushing to the cinema to see those. I like the old-fashioned type of film. They’ve never offered me a part in one of those and I don’t think the shoes would fit. Or the cape wouldn’t fit!”
Statham’s expertise and career choices align more with traditional action cinema. The actor’s legacy in the action genre is defined by intense stunts and a straightforward demeanor, which sets him apart in Hollywood as a unique figure, far removed from the superhero universe’s caped adventures.
5. Reese Witherspoon
Reese WitherspoonReese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon is an actress renowned for her versatility and has excelled in roles requiring strong character development. However, Witherspoon hasn’t been a part of the action-packed superhero movie genre of the MCU due to the diverse range of roles she has taken throughout her career.
Witherspoon seems to desire more substantial and complex characters, as evidenced by her past remarks about the lack of appealing roles in big-budget movies, including superhero films.

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Clint Eastwood

From Al Pacino to Clint Eastwood, Here Are 9 Celebs Who Became Dads in Their Golden Years

Here Are 9 Older Celebs Who Welcomed Kids Later in Life
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Mike Marsland; Photo by Ray Tamarra

Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Mike Marsland; Photo by Ray Tamarra
 

 
Also Read: Nick Cannon Defends Beyoncé’s Renaissance Premiere Look: “Kim Kardashian Wishes She Looked Like That”
 
Older celebs are rewriting the parenting playbook, proving that there’s no expiration date on fatherhood. Al Pacino and Robert De Niro have also joined the league of seasoned celebrity dads, challenging the conventional timeline. The National Center for Family and Marriage Research notes the average age for new fathers hovers between 27 and 30, but these icons are rewriting the script, embracing fatherhood past the age of 65. Juggling toddlers in your 30s is demanding enough, but these stars took on the challenge after retirement. From embracing the bachelor life to laser-focused careers, these nine celebrities deferred daddy duty until their 40s and beyond.
1. Al Pacino – 83 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by AxelleImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Axelle
 
At 83, iconic actor Al Pacino defied age norms by becoming a father once again, welcoming a son named Roman Pacino with his 29-year-old girlfriend, producer Noor Alfallah. The couple’s relationship gained attention in April 2022, and a few months later, they joyfully announced the arrival of their child, who arrived in the summer of 2023. Already a father to three grown children—Julie Marie, Anton, and Olivia—Pacino embraces fatherhood anew with enthusiasm. His eldest daughter, Julie Marie, was born in 1989, when he was still married to Jan Tarrant, while the twins, Anton James and Olivia Rose, were welcomed in 2001 with Beverly D’Angelo, as per US Weekly.
2. Robert De Niro – 79 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Stephane CardinaleImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Stephane Cardinale
 
At 79, legendary actor Robert De Niro surprised many by welcoming his seventh child, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, in May 2023. During interviews, De Niro has also been quite frank about having so many kids, emphasizing the joy of expanding his family even at an advanced age. The iconic Oscar winner, whose oldest child is 51, acknowledged that parenthood doesn’t get easier but expressed contentment with embracing fatherhood once again. De Niro’s diverse family includes children from previous marriages and relationships, showcasing a 51-year age gap between his eldest and youngest offspring, as per Parents.
3. Mick Jagger – 73 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Paul BergenImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Paul Bergen
 
At the age of 73, Mick Jagger, the iconic frontman of The Rolling Stones, welcomed his eighth child with girlfriend Melanie Hamrick. The news was confirmed by his publicist, who also gave details about Jagger’s presence at the hospital and the well-being of the mother and baby. As per The Daily Mail, despite Jagger and Hamrick having no plans to marry, the rock legend flew from London to New York for the birth. Now at 79, Mick Jagger has a total of eight children, including sons James, Gabriel, and Lucas, and daughters Karis, Jade, Elizabeth, and Georgia May. In addition to his extensive family, Jagger is a grandfather to five and even became a great-grandfather in May 2014.
4. George Lucas – 69 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Taylor HillImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Taylor Hill
 
Star Wars creator George Lucas and Mellody Hobson embraced parenthood later in life with the birth of their daughter, Everest Hobson Lucas, on August 9, 2013. At the age of 69, Lucas, known for his directorial prowess, welcomed his first biological child through surrogacy. Everest joined Lucas’s family alongside his three adopted children, Amanda, Katie, and Jett. Hobson, Lucas’ wife, played a significant role in expanding their family in their later years. Today, at 79, George Lucas continues to navigate the joys of fatherhood with Everest, as per Reuters.
5. Billy Joel – 68 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Naomi RahimImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Naomi Rahim
 
At the age of 68, legendary singer Billy Joel embraced fatherhood once again with the arrival of his daughter, Remy Anne, born to his fourth wife, Alexis Roderick, on October 22, 2017, at New York University Hospital, as per USA Today. This marked Joel’s third venture into parenthood, as his second daughter, Della, was born in 2015. The iconic Piano Man singer shared his joy by performing My Life the day after Della’s birth, proudly displaying photos of his newborn. Notably, Joel’s firstborn, Alexa Ray, is now 36, with her mother being Joel’s second wife, Christie Brinkley.
6. Steve Martin – 67 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Jon KopaloffImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Jon Kopaloff
Comedic legend Steve Martin welcomed fatherhood at 67 when his wife, Anne Stringfield, gave birth to their daughter Mary in December 2012. Known for his timeless roles, including Father of the Bride, Martin became a first-time dad after keeping the pregnancy a well-guarded secret. The couple’s age difference—Stringfield being 26 years younger—added to the surprise. Martin’s journey into parenthood was unconventional, considering he had portrayed a father on screen long before becoming one in real life. Mary, born in 2012, stands as the beloved actor’s only child, emphasizing that life’s most significant roles often come later in one’s narrative, as per Hollywood Life.
7. Clint Eastwood – 66 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Eddie SandersonImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Eddie Sanderson
At 66, Clint Eastwood welcomed his youngest daughter, Morgan Eastwood, on December 12, 1996, with his second wife Dina Eastwood, then 31. Despite his age, Eastwood asserted that he became a better father with enhanced parenting skills. Known for directing Sully, Eastwood also has six other children from previous marriages. Morgan, now 27, gained attention as a teen on E!’s Mrs. Eastwood & Company in 2012 and has since pursued a versatile career in the entertainment industry. She has acted in films like Million Dollar Baby and Changeling, produced a short film titled I See You, and contributed to the soundtrack of Johnny Mercer: The Dream’s on Me.
8. Alec Baldwin – 64 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Roy RochlinImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Roy Rochlin
 
At 64, Alec Baldwin and his wife, Hilaria, celebrated the arrival of their eighth child, Ilaria Catalina Irena Baldwin, on September 22, 2022. The couple, expressing gratitude, shared the joyful news, emphasizing the magic and love surrounding their expanding family. Alec, known for his Saturday Night Live stint, has children from different marriages, including a daughter named Ireland with ex-wife Kim Basinger. Having tied the knot with Hilaria in 2012, the Baldwins embraced parenthood with zeal, with their latest addition, Ilaria, joining the Baldwinito clan, as per US Weekly.
9. Paul McCartney – 61 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Samir HusseinImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Samir Hussein
 
At 61, Paul McCartney defied expectations by embracing fatherhood once again with the birth of his daughter, Beatrice Milly McCartney. His enthusiasm for parenting at an older age was evident as he expressed genuine delight in the experience. The Beatles legend, previously a father to three grown children from his first marriage, found joy in the ‘thrill’ and ‘education’ of raising a young child. This new chapter unfolded with his second wife, Heather Mills, marking the beginning of a different yet fulfilling fatherhood. Beatrice’s arrival brought immense joy to the couple, who described her as ‘a little beauty,’ as per Entertainment Weekly.

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Clint Eastwood

The Netflix Clint Eastwood Thriller That’s Still An A+ In Suspense

Clint Eastwood movie


In the Line of Fire is the story of a Secret Service agent named Frank Horrigan who suffers from severe PTSD stemming from his inability to stop a murder when he was younger. Failing to save anyone would be traumatizing, but Frank didn’t let “anyone” get killed. It was the JFK assassination that he failed to stop.
When an ex-CIA agent calling himself Booth (after John Wilkes) makes it known that he plans to kill the current president, Horrigan begs to be put on active duty again. The middle-aged secret service agent wants a chance to make up for not saving Kennedy by making sure this president doesn’t get taken out. What follows is a tense back and forth as Booth continuously contacts Horrigan to tease him about letting John F. Kennedy get shot as Frank attempts to locate and stop the would-be assassin.

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