Kaala director Pa Ranjith points to what he says is a difference in press coverage about President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to underline the problem of caste discrimination in India.

Ranjith, 36, was a guest at the India Today Conclave South 2018, a two-day event that began today in Visakhapatnam. Commenting on media coverage of India's head of state and prime minister (his exact words were "an important publication"), he said Kovind is written without the title "President", while Modi's name carries the words "Prime Minister" before it.

President Ram Nath Kovind is the second Dalit President after KR Narayanan. When Pa Ranjit was asked if the difference in coverage was because of the President's community, he said, "Definitely."

Ranjith also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to perpetuate the varna system. "Many in India have definitely been affected by the BJP, by saffronism [sic]...and many are Dalits," he said, "because....they don't want to break the caste system."

'TN PARTIES ONLY FIELD DALITS IN RESERVED SEATS'

Ranjith also said political parties in Tamil Nadu didn't field Dalits in general seats.

"Whether its the AIADMK, the DMK,...[parties] field Dalits only in reserved seats," he said, adding that there were a few exceptions.

And in an alliance, if someone from a Dalit organisation runs for office, the others don't work for that person, the director said.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Pa Ranjith also discussed cinema and working with Kollywood superstar Rajinikanth, whom he has directed in two films -- a remarkable feat at his age.

India Today Conclave South 2018 will be back on December 22. Top newsmakers such as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu are scheduled to attend. Stay tuned.

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