Velakkari Naadagam Pesum Penniya Sinthanaigal

Abstract

The play Velaikkari exposes the social injustices faced by a working-class domestic woman, including economic exploitation, denial of rights, sexual harassment, patriarchy, and class discrimination. The power-driven attitude of the upper class, and the consequent objectification of women’s bodies and labor, form the central theme of the play. Through its female characters, the play foregrounds awareness against women’s oppression, a spirit of resistance, and a sense of self-respect. At the same time, it critically examines the social mindset in which women themselves become adversaries to other women. Annadurai’s reformist ideology, intertwined with feminist thought, strongly emphasizes the values of equality, human rights, and social justice.