One can get published and printed evidence for pro or con of any event. It will be difficult to prove or disprove even today's events if newspaper reports are used as evidence. That is why, especially when investigating historic past we must use all evidences - oral, literary, traditions, archaeological and must not conclude hastily and assertively. There are instances of creating evidences by historians with a strong bias. I am always wary of 'adichu pesara' persons who make assertions.
Yes, I do not know whether the film portrayed actual facts. But I saw/read "Moga Mul" and "Bharathi" movies directed by the same director, so I believe the incidents may be true.
I feel, the basic concepts of periyar itself is wrong. On analysing more facts on our history, i feel, periyar would have been mis- understood on the prevalent social conditions.
I would like to highlight the following points.
As per dharampal's findings (www.dharampal.net), most of the present day BC's & OBC's were the rulers & chiefs before the britisher's arrival. For example, the gounder, vanniars, thevars, naickers were classified as BC's & OBC's. And as per periyar, they were oppressed for thousands of years by brahmins. If that is the case, then how could theeran chinnamalai, poolithevan, kattabomman, velunachiar who belong to all the current day BC & OBC castes, be rulers during the british conquest?
History shows, that brahmins were banned from earning for their livinghood. They have to lead a simple life, and perform only temple duties and educational duties. They were under the patronage of the then rulers, who was made in to much poverty by britishers.
But periyar portrayed brahmins as the only community oppressing all others, while it was prevalent in his own community too. The naickar community was so fierceful in practicing untouchability, equalent to the thevar community. Gounders & nadars too followed the same, but with less vigour.
But, still its a mystery why periyar fought only against brahmins?
Considering all the above facts, the film periyar is nothing but a advertisement moview for periyar.