“When I think about Chennai, I always think of Parrys Corner – its beautiful colonial buildings, churches and the road that runs until Ennore beach. The working class people define and own the city but it is also tragic that they have also been sent out. The city accommodates all kinds of people.
When you go to the beaches in North Chennai, you will see that the people own the beach. They live and sleep there... treat it as their own. While Dalits have been sent out, the fisherfolk have fought back and retained their lands to an extent. When it comes to Parrys Corner, I remember going there as a budding filmmaker to buy DVDs of movies. I was interested in the architecture of the place – especially, I love the old YMCA building. During my research for Madras, I realised how popular football and boxing are in the area and how it is a part of the culture. The youth associate with it at a deeper level.
