Chief Minster M Karunanidhi presided over the 100th day celebration Periyar, a film on the life of rationalist leader (portraying the life of social reformer E V R Periyar) in Chennai Wednesday.

Commending his party leaders (DMK cadres) and workers for their efforts for the film's success, he said,” It would have been a shame if the film had not met with success. Periyar had toiled hard throughout his life and sacrificed everything so that Tamil could live with dignity.

On the occasion, he cautioned the Central government against reported moves to impose Hindi.

The DMK leader said,” A small spark can become a big fire”. Recalling that he started his political career at the age of 14 participating in a protest against imposition of Hindi, he said “I continue to have the same spirit, even if I am 84 now”.

Earlier, Karunanidhi presented the ring worn by Periyar for most of his life to actor Sathyaraj, who donned the role of Periyar, on behalf of the Dravidar Kazhagam.

He also inaugurated a building in the name of Sathyaraj at the DK headquarters. Shields were presented to Sathyaraj and Kushboo, who acted as Maniammai, Periyar's second wife.

Actor Sivakumar was also present to grace the occasion.

Dravidar Kazhagam President K Veeramani claimed,” The film was a big success in the western districts of the State, especially Salem, where all the shows till now were running to packed houses”. “The film was successful throughout Tamil Nadu including southern districts”, he added.

“The film, which was partly funded by the State government, had changed many persons' perception of Periyar. They included popular film star Rajnikanth, who had written a letter to him admiring Periyar. Rajnikanth had said that he had understood that Periyar was a great revolutionary leader, after seeing the film”, Veeramani said.

Sathyaraj praised Karunanidhi for his efforts in the production and release of the film. Kushboo said that her role in the film was the most difficult in her career, spanning about 150 films. She was confident that the film would be a box-office hit and was proud to play the role of Periyar's wife.