On the eve of the 72nd Independence Day, we take a look at some of the Tamil heroes who have featured in movies depicting the Indian Freedom struggle.  As for as period cinema is concerned the first name that comes to mind is Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan who has portrayed freedom fighters in 'Kappalottiya Thamizhan' playing V.O Chidambaranar, 'Veerapandiya Kattabomman' and has also played Bharathiyaar in a song "Sindhu Nathiyin misai" in 'Kai Kodutha Deivam'.

Kamal Haasan has played a freedom fighter Sakethraman Iyengar in 'Hey Ram' and the much celebrated Senathipathi in 'Indian'.  Though both the characters are fictitious the take on the freedom struggle is well documented in both the films.  Kamal is once again set to reprise his role in the sequel 'Indian 2' directed by Shankar.

Among modern leading men Arya has portrayed a character Ilam Parithi , figuring in the Independence struggle in 'Madrasapattinam'.  Similarly Siddharth played a drama actor who infuses patriotism to the people through his plays in 'Kaaviya Thalaivan'.