

Speaking to CNN-News 18, he said it was a beautiful moment to meet the man whose role he had essayed. Prakash Raj’s portrayal of Karunanidhi was appreciated by the Kalaignar himself. Though it did not do well on the box office, it was critically acclaimed. It faced flak from all parties in Tamil Nadu after its release. The relationship between Annadurai and Karunanidhi, and Karunanidhi and MG Ramachandran were established through this film. 'Va Va Thalaiva, Ezhundu Va Thalaiva', which means ‘Come back leader, rise again’ they all shouted day and night.

Over 21 years after the movie hit the screens, the film's dialogue 'Ezhundhu Va' became a chant for thousands of Karunanidhi loyalists who were camped outside Kauvery Hospital in Chennai while the DMK patriarch waged a grim battle against his death. By 4pm the same day, he was discharged.Chennai: In a scene from the film 'Iruvar', DMK founder CN Annadurai urges a young Karunanidhi to rise and join him after an attack by political opponents leaves him bed-ridden. On July 19, he was admitted to Kauvery Hospital to change the tracheotomy tube. For over a year, Karunanidhi rarely left home and visitors were limited. The tubes allowed nutrition, fluids and medications to be put directly into the stomach. In addition, he had undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, a flexible tube put through the abdominal wall into the stomach.

Doctors said the procedure helped him overcome breathing difficulties caused by a throat and lung infection. Ailments In December 2016, Karunanidhi underwent a tracheostomy, a procedure to create a space in the windpipe to optimise breathing. He underwent a spinal surgery in 2009 for treatment of severe back and leg pain. He was admitted to hospital only a couple of times until 2016. His response to the medical interventions over the next 24 hours will determine the prognosis.” Healthy lifestyle Doctors said Karunanidhi had been following a healthy lifestyle, which included rising early, doing yoga, walking and eating simple food. He is on continuous monitoring and being treated with active medical support. A medical bulletin issued by Kauvery Hospital executive director Dr Aravindan Selvaraj on Monday evening said, “Maintaining his organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age-related ailments. Chennai: DMK workers gather outside Kauvery hospital, raise slogans in memory of #Karunanidhi - ANI 1533650968000 However, his health condition declined on Monday.
