Azadi Ka Amrit expo spotlights T.N. role

Among the exhibits is Major Bannerman’s report on the trial and execution of Kattabomman

In the last scene of Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Sivaji Ganesan, playing the lead role, would walk majestically towards the gallows. Questions were asked whether it was a cinematic portrayal or whether Kattabomman, the Poligar or Palyakarar of Panchalamkurichi, actually exhibited an unflinching gait?

“When he went out to be executed, he walked with a firm and daring air and cast looks of sullen contempt on the Poligars to his right and left,” Major Bannerman writes in his report on the trial and execution of Kattabomman. The report is on display at an exhibition organised by the Tamil Nadu Information Department to mark the 75th anniversary of Indian independence.