The burglars who broke into the residence of national award-winning Tamil film director Manikandan in Madurai and stole cash, old jewelry, and medals have recently returned the medals and award with a note of apology.
A senior police official reported that they made an unexpected visit to the director's house in Usilampatti on Monday night. They left the medals along with a handwritten note in a polythene carry bag at the entrance of the home and departed unnoticed on Tuesday. However, the Rs 1 lakh cash and five sovereign gold stolen from Manikandan's house on February 8 were not returned, according to a report on a PTI.
On a ruled scrap paper, the apology written in Tamil read: "Sir, forgive us, your hard work is yours." Manikandan gained prominence with his film 'Kaaka Muttai' (The Crow's Egg), which earned the Best Children's Film award at the 62nd National Film Awards. Additionally, his film 'Kadaisi Vivasayi' (The Last Farmer) received the Best Feature Film award at the 69th National Film Awards.
According to police, unidentified individuals broke into Manikandan's residence while he and his family were in Chennai, stealing the awards, cash, and jewelry. The Usilampatti police have registered a case and initiated a search to arrest the burglars.
The incident sparked a debate on social media, with numerous users expressing appreciation for the alleged robbers for "respecting" the work of an artist. However, Manikandan, renowned for portraying real-life narratives on screen, refrained from reacting to the incident.
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