THE KALAIKOLLI SONG

LOGLINE

The Kalaikolli Tamil rap lyric frames the issue of deadly herbicide which has claimed the lives of so
many farmers in South East Asia, with residues endangering consumers into the bargain: the visuals
interpret the Tamil rap song around an upbeat message for positive change after a typical weed-
killer tragedy.

SYNOPSIS

The Kalaikolli Song is not your regular rap music video but it does contain a strong message--about
the serious consequences of our ignoring a time-bomb called weed-killer, affecting farmers and
consumers alike in short term and long term effects.

The Kalaikolli video takes place in a farming countryside in a microcosmof problems extending
throughout the whole of South East Asia where a particularly dangerous form of weed killer,
Paraquat--largely banned in the West, and exported to Asia--is used.

The Kalaikolli video involves a death by Paraquat followed by the family and community’s wailing
and lamenting in which the Kalaikolli rap vocals participate by turning into traditional Tamil Oppari.
After the obsequies for Yoga Raj, Vasanthi and Durai, children of bereaved family, take an initiative
with some village solidarity to bring about serious revisions of thought in local farming. The overall
message of the Kalaikolli video is courage, hope, that by planting seeds of change we plant seeds of
a new life for all concerned.

YOGA RAJ

MAIN CHARACTER

Yoga Raj is a loving husband and father who works his land to provide for his family and their future.
This Son of the Soil through no fault of his own falls into a deadly chemical trap, which leaves his
family bereft.

The untimely death of this kindly farmer who never hurt anyone in his life, shocks everyone around
and thus transmits an urgent need to his neighbours and friends to honour his passing.
VELAMMAL

MAIN CHARACTER

Yoga Raj’s devoted wife and mother of their kids Velammal, along with house duties as well as
cooking, cleaning, laundry and getting the kids ready for school and also often shares the farm work.

Upon the tragic death of her husband determines to assist her children in spreading the word of
traditional farming that Yoga Raj’s death should not be in vain.

VASANTHI AND DURAI

MAIN CHARACTER

As part of a tight-knit loving family Vasanthi and Durai could not bear to have their beloved father’s
death go in vain so they plant the seeds of change.

By honouring their father, these kids end up contributing to the global organic revolution from one
small corner of the world.

ELANGO JAYARAMAN

MAIN CHARACTER

Nature lover and organic farmer turned social activist, Elango Jayaraman plays a vital role in
spreading traditional techniques in natural farming. He is an empathetic character who
communicates well with all levels of society especially with a young coming generation.

His work represents the roots of consumer farmer organic alliance.

PLOT

An honest hard working family from a strong mountain village community experiences a needless
tragedy. — This death is only one in a series of mishaps that brings the community together to
honour their neighbour and friend, and for the family to transform loss into an effort for meaningful
change.

Yoga Raja sets out one fine morning to prepare his land for cultivation. A chemical sales rep has
convinced him to use Paraquat this year instead of “wasting his money” on labour to slash weeds.
He has an accident while preparing the mix and due to the nature of the weed killer, he succumbs to
its poisonous effects.

The death of Yoga Raj triggers a string of events initiated by his Vellamal and her grieving children to
transform the farming environment of the village.
TONE

The chemical revolution might have been all right in the beginning for farming but it went on too
long! Witness the negative impact of chemicals on the long-term health of the consumer on farmers
exposed to such dangers, not to mention the all over health of the soil, water and the biosphere at
large.

The Kalaikolli Song puts the spotlight on one deadly aspect of chemical farming as one small corner
of the world undergoes the necessary changes to afford the children a livable future.