Suriya-Jyotika in film on autism

Suriya and Jyotika have acted together in a short film for the first time after Sillunu Oru Kadhal and after their wedding to bring about awareness on Autism, which is a lesser-known disability in India.

They explain in simple colloquial Tamil what autism is, common symptoms and manifestations, how to identify it and treat it early. The aim of the film is to convey awareness on autism throughout the state help the affected children integrate within the society in a phased manner. The other aim is also to motivate socially conscious people to develop more resource centres for autism.

Unfortunately, most autistic children are mistaken as 'mentally retarded' and are either ignored, or wrongly treated due to lack of right diagnosis, making their development even more slow and difficult.

Suriya, after the shoot, said, "We were unanimous in our opinion that this is a good cause. We learnt about autism only when we came here. Many autistic kids have an IQ much higher than mine, and many of the recognized geniuses were autistic. Even here, the kids recognized us during our second visit and welcomed us like old friends. They are NOT retarded. Their needs are to be recognized, and they are to be treated in a humane manner. So much can be changed if their condition is diagnosed early. We are only spreading this message."

This short social message film is shot by P.C. Shriram, the well-known cinematographer and will be screened in 130 theatres across Tamil Nadu.

Jayendra Panchapakesan, Director, Real Image, says, "Even if one parent gets to see the movie and if it helps a child to be diagnosed early, I think the movie would have done its job."

Hemamalini Jairam, Director, says, "The discomfort the parents have when they discover that something is not right with their children can be eased out to a great extent. The awareness is vital as far as autism goes."

We now look forward to the same movie being translated in other languages, since Suriya-Jyotika are popular and shine in all states, and can throw light on this subject in all states where their movies are popular!