Police Arrest Son In Connection With Actress Kasammal's Murder

Veteran actress Kasammal (71) tragically lost her life after being beaten to death by her son, P Namakodi (52), following a dispute over money for alcohol. Reports indicate that she sustained fatal head injuries during the altercation, resulting in her immediate demise. The incident occurred at their residence in Anaiyur, located in the Madurai district.

Namakodi, who had been separated from his wife for the past 15 years, was residing with his mother. However, his reported addiction to alcohol led to frequent demands for money from Kasammal. On the fateful day of February 4th at 3:00 am, Namakodi requested funds for alcohol, which his mother refused, leading to the tragic outcome. He allegedly used a wooden log to fatally injure Kasammal, prompting neighbours to alert the authorities.

Kasammal, known for her role in the film Kadaisi Vivasayi directed by M Manikandan, played a significant part as Vijay Sethupathi’s mother in the movie, which featured several villagers. The film, produced by Tribal Arts, depicted the lives of individuals whose existence revolves around agricultural land.

Kasammal and her husband, Balasami, had four children together. Following the horrific incident, the Usilampatti Taluk police intervened, transporting Kasammal’s body for post-mortem examination at the government hospital. Namakodi was subsequently arrested and remanded, with the murder weapon seized by the authorities.

Kadaisi Vivasayi, released on February 11, 2022, stood out among Tamil cinema’s narratives on farmers, focusing instead on individuals whose livelihoods are intricately linked with agricultural practices. Director M Manikandan received critical acclaim for the film, earning the National Film Award for Best Tamil Feature Film and the Critics Choice Film Award for Best Feature Film, Best Director and Best Writing.

As investigations continue into the tragic demise of Kasammal, her contributions to Tamil cinema and the profound impact of Kadaisi Vivasayi serve as reminders of her legacy in the industry.