Darshan's arrest resonates with an 8-decade old Tamil cinema scandal

His case parallels the infamous 1944 murder of journalist Lakshmikanthan

Tamil actors Bhagavathar and Krishnan were accused of orchestrating murder

Kannada film star Darshan Thoogudeepa was arrested on June 11, accused of murdering Renukaswamy for making derogatory comments about his friend, Pavitra Gowda, on social media.

Known as “Challenging Star” and “D Boss,” Darshan has been in police custody for a week, his arrest reviving memories of a similar scandal from eight decades ago in Tamil cinema.

Also read: Renukaswamy assault: How the cops extracted crucial evidence, despite Darshan’s hostility

The case parallels the infamous 1944 murder of journalist Lakshmikanthan, whose libelous articles led to the arrest of Tamil cinema’s first superstar, M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, and comedian N.S. Krishnan. Both actors were imprisoned in the Andaman jail for 30 months.

Lakshmikanthan, a convicted criminal-turned-journalist, gained notoriety for his scurrilous articles about film stars. Despite repeated protests and petitions, he continued his controversial writings, which ultimately led to his murder on November 8, 1944. Bhagavathar and Krishnan were accused of orchestrating the murder, with allegations that they hired hitmen to silence Lakshmikanthan.

The trial, one of the last jury trials in Madras, found both actors guilty, sentencing them to life in Andaman jail. However, their convictions were later overturned by the Privy Council due to insufficient evidence. Despite their release, the actors’ careers were irreparably damaged, and the case remains unsolved to this day.

Darshan’s arrest has stirred the Kannada film industry, drawing comparisons to the downfall of Bhagavathar and Krishnan, highlighting how fame can be dramatically upended by scandal and crime.