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{{Short description|Indian film director, actor and politician (b. 1966)}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Indian name|Seeman|Senthamizhan}}{{Other uses}}{{POV|date=August 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = Seeman
| office1             = Chief-coordinator of [[Naam Tamilar Katchi]]
| predecessor1        = Position established
| term_start1         = 18 May 2010
| term_end1           = 
| image               = Tamil Eelam Champion Seeman Speech Outside UN headquarters Geneva 002.jpg
| party               = [[Naam Tamilar Katchi]] (since 2010)
| otherparty          = Naam Tamilar Iyakkam (2009–2010)<br/>[[Dravidar Kazhagam]] (2006–2009)
| birth_name          = Senthamizhan Seeman
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|df=y|1966|11|08}}
| birth_place         = [[Aranaiyur]], [[Madras State]], [[India]]<ref name=One/><ref name="Profile"/>
| spouse              = {{marriage|Kayalvizhi|2013}}<ref name="One">{{Cite web |url=https://www.oneindia.com/politicians/seeman-284.html |title=Seeman Profile |website=OneIndia |access-date=11 April 2019}}</ref>
| partner             = 
| children            = 2
| residence           = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| parents             = 
| occupation          = {{plainlist|
* Film director
* Actor
* Politician
}}
| website             = {{URL|www.naamtamilar.org/}}
| image size          = 
| term_start          = 
| known_for           = 
}}
'''Senthamizhan Seeman''' ({{IPAc-en|s|iː|m|ɑː|n}})<ref name="Nath">{{Cite magazine|last=Nath|first=Akshaya|date=16 October 2019|title=Vellore: Congress burns effigy of leader who justified Rajiv Gandhi's killing in election speech|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/congress-naam-tamilar-katchi-seeman-rajiv-gandhi-1609955-2019-10-16|magazine=India Today|language=en|access-date=25 March 2021}}</ref><ref name="Yamunan">{{cite news |last1=Yamunan |first1=Sruthisagar |title=Why many believe Rajinikanth has become the BJP's loudspeaker in Tamil Nadu |url=https://scroll.in/article/952429/why-many-believe-rajinikanth-has-become-the-bjps-loudspeaker-in-tamil-nadu |access-date=5 July 2023 |work=Scroll.in |date=11 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="thewire.in">{{Cite web|title=How the Hindu Munnani Seized Vinayaga Chaturthi to Spew Venom|url=https://thewire.in/communalism/hindu-munnani-katchi-vinayaga-chathurthi-hindu|access-date=1 August 2020|website=The Wire}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=தலைமையகம்|date=10 September 2016|title=மாரியப்பன் தங்கவேலு தமிழினத்திற்கே பெருமை சேர்த்திருக்கிறார் – செந்தமிழன் சீமான் வாழ்த்து|work=நாம் தமிழர் கட்சி |url=https://www.naamtamilar.org/2016/09/%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%99%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B4/|access-date=30 December 2020|language=ta-IN}}</ref> (born 8 November 1966) is an Indian politician, actor and former filmmaker. He is the leader and chief-coordinator of the [[Naam Tamilar Katchi]] political party in [[Tamil Nadu]]. He is a strong advocate for regional autonomy and [[Tamil nationalism]] by focusing on the Tamil language, identity, and culture.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Raju |first1=Nidharshana |last2=Shaji |first2=Sukanya |date=13 April 2024 |title=Tamil Nadu party NTK fields 50% women candidates for 3rd time: Ideology or strategy? |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-party-ntk-fields-50-women-candidates-for-3rd-time-ideology-or-strategy |work=The News Minute |access-date=4 June 2024}}</ref>

Seeman began his career as a filmmaker in the mid-1990s, working on films such as ''[[Panchalankurichi (film)|Panchalankurichi]]'' (1996) and ''[[Veeranadai]]'' (2000). The failure of his early films made it difficult for him to attract offers as a director and several of his proposed projects were stalled in the late 1990s. He later made a comeback through the successful vigilante film ''[[Thambi (2006 film)|Thambi]]'' (2006), though the commercial failure of his next film, prompted Seeman to prioritise commitments as a supporting actor in the late 2000s.

In the early 2010s, Seeman founded the Naam Tamilar Katchi, a Tamil ultranationalist political party, and has since often been in the news for his controversial statements on Indian and Tamil social issues.<ref name="Nath"/><ref name="Yamunan"/><ref name="thewire.in"/>

==Early life==
Seeman was born in [[Aranaiyur]], Tamil Nadu to Senthamizhan, member of the [[Indian National Congress]] and Annammal in [[Aranaiyur]], Tamil Nadu.<ref name="BBC-23March2021" /><ref name="Profile"/> He studied in Government Primary School in Aranayur up to class 5th. He attended K.K. Ibrahim Ali High School from Class 6th to Class 10th and finished his class 11 and 12 in [[Ilaiyangudi|Ilayankudi]]. He completed his degree undergraduate economics at [[Dr. Zakir Hussain College, Sivagangai|Dr. Zakir Hussain College]] in Ilayankudi.<ref name="BBC-23March2021" /><ref name="Profile">{{Cite web|last=தலைமையகம்|date=18 May 2010|title=செந்தமிழன் சீமான் – தலைமை ஒருங்கிணைப்பாளர்|url=https://www.naamtamilar.org/2010/05/senthamizhan-seeman-chief-coordinator/|access-date=29 December 2020|language=ta-IN}}</ref><ref name="One"/> Seeman has a brother named James Peter.<ref>{{cite news |title=Brother moves HC over NSA detention of Seeman|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Brother-moves-HC-over-NSA-detention-of-Seeman/articleshow/6258481.cms |access-date=30 December 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=4 August 2010 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Case registered against Seeman |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Case-registered-against-Seeman/article16813015.ece |access-date=30 December 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=7 February 2010 |language=en-IN}}</ref> During his high school and college years, Seeman was enthralled with the ideals of the [[Dravidian movement]]. He moved to [[Chennai]] to pursue his dream of working in the film industry.<ref name="BBC-23March2021" />

== Film career ==
{{See also|Seeman filmography}}
Seeman took up film direction as a career after being inspired by the films of [[Bharathiraja]] and [[Manivannan]]. He worked as an assistant director with Bharathiraja and Manivannan.<ref name="BBC-23March2021">{{Cite news|last=Vijayanad|first=A|date=23 March 2021|title=சீமான் வளர்ந்தது எப்படி? திராவிட இயக்கப் பாசம் முதல் தமிழ் தேசியம் வரை|language=ta|work=BBC News தமிழ்|url=https://www.bbc.com/tamil/india-56468760|access-date=20 April 2021}}</ref> Seeman started his career by directing ''[[Panchalankurichi (film)|Panchalankurichi]]'' (1996), a village action film starring [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu]] and [[Madhoo|Madhubala]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070815073739/http://www.cinesouth.com/cgi-bin/filmography/newfilmdb.cgi?name=panchalanguruchi Panchalanguruchi (1996)]. cinesouth.com</ref> He collaborated with Prabhu again in ''[[Iniyavale]]'' (1998), a romantic film which also featured actresses [[Suvalakshmi]], [[Gouthami Tadimalla|Gouthami]] and [[Keerthi Reddy]]. Seeman's third film was ''[[Veeranadai]]'' (2000) with [[Sathyaraj]] and [[Khushbu Sundar|Khushbu]], which garnered mixed review from critics and underperformed commercially.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/film-review-veera-nadai/article28013618.ece|title=Film Review: ''Veera Nadai''|newspaper=The Hindu|date=28 April 2000|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> The failure of his initial films made it difficult for Seeman to attract producers to work on his next films. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, he worked on four other projects, ''Vaigai Karai Oram'' with [[Vijayakanth]], ''Anandham'' with [[Karthik (actor)|Karthik]], ''Karma Veerar'' with [[Sarathkumar]], and ''Sethupathi Cheemaiyile'' with [[Rajkiran]], but all failed to develop beyond production.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/15-07-98/seemaan.htm|title=dinakaran|date=12 March 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050312000422/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/15-07-98/seemaan.htm|archive-date=12 March 2005}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/11-12-98/ravichan.htm|title=dinakaran|date=1 March 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050301211557/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/11-12-98/ravichan.htm|archive-date=1 March 2005}}</ref>

Seeman then made the village-based vigilante film, ''[[Thambi (2006 film)|Thambi]]'' (2006), starring Madhavan in the titular role.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/Interview4/html/tamil-cinema-interview-madhavan.html|title=Behindwoods : "Maddy" Madhavan|website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/aug/31mad.htm|title=An actor who researches on the Net|website=www.rediff.com}}</ref> The film's production was briefly halted following a disagreement between the actor and director, after Seeman raised an objection to Madhavan returning to be with his family for the birth of his son.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/News/News27/20-8-05/tamil-movies-news-madhavan.html|title=Behindwoods : Madhavan makes amends with the producer's guild|website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref> The film opened to mixed reviews but performed well commercially.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/madhavan-returns-as-thambi/article3183445.ece|title=Madhavan returns as Thambi|newspaper=The Hindu|date=25 February 2006|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/thambi-review-tamil-pclvQCcdiiidb.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314102337/http://www.sify.com/movies/thambi-review-tamil-pclvQCcdiiidb.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 March 2016|title=Thambi|website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> His most recent directorial release, ''[[Vaazhthugal]]'' (2008), received negative reviews and performed poorly at the box office. A reviewer from Sify noted the "execution is tacky and the final outcome is a dreary and boring message film that leaves you exhausted."<ref>{{cite web|title=Movie Review : Vazhthukkal|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vazhthukkal-review-tamil-14591429.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212040301/http://www.sify.com/movies/vazhthukkal-review-tamil-14591429.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 December 2013|access-date=20 February 2014|website=[[Sify]]}}</ref>

The failure of ''Vaazhthugal'' made it difficult for Seeman to find producers and actors to work on his other proposed projects, despite his interest in continuing work as a film director.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Madhavan-is-like-a-family-member-Seeman/articleshow/13316070.cms|title=Madhavan is like a family member: Seeman|website=The Times of India}}</ref> In the late 2000s, Seeman attempted to make a film titled ''Pagalavan'' with either [[Ajith Kumar]] or Madhavan starring, but was unsuccessful.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/july-09-01/madhavan-02-07-09.html|title=It is not Ajith, it is Madhavan - Behindwoods.com - Tamil Movie News - Seeman Pagalavan Thambi Vazhthukkal Ajith|website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref> Seeman then hoped to make the film with [[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]] for director [[Bala (director)|Bala]]'s production studio, but the venture did not materialise.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-10-03/vijay-seeman-vikram-pahalavan-18-06-10.html|title=Vijay - Tamil Movie News - Vijay snatches it from Vikram - Vijay &#124; Pahalavan &#124; Vikram &#124; Seeman - Behindwoods.com|website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref> In mid-2010, producer [[Kalaipuli S. Dhanu]] agreed to finance the project, and Seeman held talks with [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] to be a part of the film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jan-11-04/vijay-seeman-28-01-11.html|title=Vijay Extracts A Promise From Seeman - Vijay - Seeman - Pagalavan - - Tamil Movie News - Behindwoods.com|website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-11-02/vijay-seeman-10-08-11.html|title=What Is The Status Of Pagalavan? - Vijay - Seeman - Tamil Movie News - Behindwoods.com|website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref> The actor later refused to work on the project, which prompted Seeman to speak out against Vijay.<ref name="jeeva">{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-12-03/vijay-seeman-15-06-12.html|title=Vijay Will Definitely Regret, Says Seeman - Vijay - Seeman - Pagalavan - Tamil Movie News - Behindwoods.com|website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref> In 2013, Seeman approached [[Jiiva]], [[Jayam Ravi]], [[Arya (actor)|Arya]] and [[Vishal (actor)|Vishal]] to work on the project, but none of the actors agreed to be a part of the film.<ref name="jeeva"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/jayam-ravi-takes-vijays-role-jayam-ravi-seeman-23-05-13.html|title=Jayam Ravi takes Vijay's role!, jayam ravi, seeman|website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-12-04/vijay-vikram-22-05-12.html|title=Vijay Declines, Vikram Too Follows - Vijay - Vikram - Jiiva - Seeman - Pagalavan - Tamil Movie News - Behindwoods.com|website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref> In 2017, Seeman was in talks with [[Vijay Antony]] to feature in the lead role, and then with [[Silambarasan]] in 2018, but both actors later opted to prioritise other projects.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/politician-seeman-to-direct-a-film-with-gvprakash-as-the-hero.html|title=Politician Seeman to direct a film with G.V.Prakash as the hero|date=6 April 2017|website=Behindwoods}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/simbu-to-do-3-movies-with-seeman-tamil-news-227077|title=Simbu is the real Superstar! - Tamil News|date=7 January 2019|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref> In 2017, Seeman announced another project titled ''Kobam'' with [[G. V. Prakash Kumar]] in the lead role. However, despite an announcement, the film failed to find producers and was stalled.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/030617/gv-prakash-and-seeman-unite.html|title=GV Prakash and Seeman unite|first=Janani|last=K|date=3 June 2017|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2017/jun/03/gv-prakash-seeman-join-hands-for-kobam-1612197.html|title=GV Prakash, Seeman join hands for Kobam|website=The New Indian Express|date=3 June 2017 }}</ref>

Since the mid-2000s, Seeman has mostly worked as an actor. His notable roles including supporting characters in ''[[Pallikoodam (film)|Pallikoodam]]'' (2007) and ''[[Evano Oruvan]]'' (2007).

== Politics and activism ==
=== Early political life and Naam Tamilar Katchi ===
Seeman addressed [[Periyar]]'s ideology and [[Caste system in India|caste]] abolition in the film industry. In the 2006 assembly elections, he campaigned for the [[DMK alliance]], and notably sided with [[Pattali Makkal Katchi]]'s [[S. Ramadoss]] and delivered speeches against the candidature of [[Vijayakanth]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-02/10-05-06-vijaya-kanth.html|title=Tamil movies : Vijayakanth: Will fortune favour the bold?|website=www.behindwoods.com|accessdate=7 April 2023}}</ref> He met with [[LTTE]] leader [[Velupillai Prabhakaran]] in 2008 when the [[Sri Lankan civil war|Sri Lankan Civil War]] between the [[Sri Lankan government]] and the LTTE was looming. Following this, Seeman began to speak out against the killings of several Tamils during Sri Lanka's civil war. Seeman's ensuing speech in Rameswaram marked a turning point in his political career for which he was arrested. He was also detained for continuing to speak out in Erode in favour of the LTTE. He was subjected to the [[National Security Act (India)|National Security Act]], passport block and state monitoring.<ref name="BBC-23March2021" />

Seeman was arrested in March 2009 under the National Security act for speaking in favour of the LTTE and was lodged at the Kalapet prison.<ref name="nsa">{{cite web | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article44103.ece | title=Seeman's remand extended | work=The Indian Express | access-date=2 April 2014 | archive-date=17 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417153211/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2009/mar/07/seemans-remand-extended-31051.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Seeman along with several other activists gathered on 18 May 2009, coinciding the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War at [[Madurai]] to form the Naam Tamilar Iyakkam, as a social outfit.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tamilkathir.com/news/3531/57/.aspx | title=ஆய்வுகள் | publisher=Tamilkathir | date=30 November 2012 | access-date=1 January 2013 | language=ta | archive-date=7 April 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407093659/http://www.tamilkathir.com/news/3531/57/.aspx | url-status=dead }}</ref> It subsequently transformed into a political party named [[Naam Tamilar Katchi]] (NTK).<ref>{{cite web|author=Gopal Ethiraj from Chennai |url=http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/04/15/seeman-convert-his-%E2%80%98naam-tamilar-political-party |title=Seeman to convert his 'Naam Tamilar' into political party |work=Asian Tribune |date=15 April 2010 |access-date=20 February 2014}}</ref>

Seeman was arrested at Chepauk under the [[National Security Act (India)|National Security Act]] for making inflammatory speeches at a meeting protesting against the killing of a Tamil fisherman by the [[Sri Lanka Navy|Sri Lankan Navy]].<ref name="nsa2">{{cite news | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article184172.ece | title=National Security Act slapped on Seeman | work=The Indian Express | access-date=2 April 2014 | archive-date=29 May 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529152832/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2010/jul/18/national-security-act-slapped-on-seeman-170795.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> He was detained at the [[Vellore Central Prison]] for five months.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Out of jail, Seeman vows to defeat DMK in polls|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2010/dec/11/out-of-jail-seeman-vows-to-defeat-dmk-in-polls-209983.html|access-date=20 April 2021|work=The New Indian Express|date=11 December 2010}}</ref>

=== Political activism (2011–2019) ===
{{See also|2013 anti-Sri Lanka protests}}
[[File:Tamil Eelam Champion Seeman Speech Outside UN headquarters Geneva 002.jpg|thumb|Seeman Speech Outside UN headquarters Geneva]]
Upon his release from a five-month detention at the Vellore prison in 2011, Seeman actively campaigned for the defeat of the [[Indian National Congress]] in the [[2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2011 Legislative Assembly elections]].<ref name="IE">{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/naam-tamilar-katchi-to-work-for-defeat-of-cong-in-tn/584531.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126163050/http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/naam-tamilar-katchi-to-work-for-defeat-of-cong-in-tn/584531.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2013 |title=Naam Tamilar Katchi to work for defeat of Cong in TN, IBN Live News |publisher=CNN-IBN |date=20 February 2011 |access-date=20 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="ie">{{cite web | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article460001.ece | title=Seeman changes tune, targets Congress | work=The Indian Express | access-date=2 April 2014 | archive-date=17 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417112230/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2011/mar/25/seeman-changes-tune-targets-congress-238514.html | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="BBC-23March2021" /> He was neutral on the [[Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|MDMK]] and [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]] and supportive of the [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|AIADMK]].<ref name="ie2">{{cite web | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/NTK-Neutral-on-Vaiko-to-Back-Jaya/2014/03/30/article2138939.ece | title=NTK Neutral on Vaiko, to Back Jaya | access-date=2 April 2014 | archive-date=1 March 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301202457/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2014/mar/30/NTK-Neutral-on-Vaiko-to-Back-Jaya-592409.html | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="truthdive">{{cite web | url=http://truthdive.com/2011/04/20/seeman-effect-on-congress-party.html | title=Seeman effect on Congress Party | first=Sidharth Goutham | last=Sundar | publisher=TruthDive | access-date=2 April 2014 | url-status=usurped | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012050456/http://truthdive.com/2011/04/20/seeman-effect-on-congress-party.html | archive-date=12 October 2013 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Seeman campaigned in 59 of the 63 places the INC contested in, and the party was defeated in all of those constituencies except one.<ref name="truthdive" /><ref name="ie4">{{cite web | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article377773.ece | title=Seeman tears into Congress | work=The Indian Express | access-date=2 April 2014 | archive-date=1 March 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301165402/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2011/apr/12/seeman-tears-into-congress-243767.html | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="congdefeat">{{cite web | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article428631.ece | title=Charges a Bid to Ruin Seeman's Image | work=The New Indian Express | access-date=7 April 2015 | archive-date=21 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421054045/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2011/jun/03/charges-a-bid-to-ruin-seemans-image-259068.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Since the 2011 assembly elections, Seeman and his party have been actively involved in various causes such as the [[Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant#Opposition|anti-nuclear Power plant protests]] in [[Kudankulam]]<ref name="Ctin">{{cite web | url=http://in.christiantoday.com/articles/kudankulam-protesters-bury-themselves-in-sand/7596.htm | title=Kudankulam | access-date=7 October 2013 | archive-date=16 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016112522/http://in.christiantoday.com/articles/kudankulam-protesters-bury-themselves-in-sand/7596.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Madurai bureau |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/fishermen-fast-goes-on-for-fifth-day/article3903008.ece |title=Fishermen fast goes on for fifth day |work=The Hindu |date=16 September 2012 |access-date=20 February 2014 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> or the attacks on Tamil fishermen perpetuated by the [[Sri Lankan Navy]]<ref name="sathiyam">{{cite web | url=http://sathiyam.tv/english/tamil-nadu/cpim-would-be-made-as-political-orphans-seeman | title=Sathiyam News Agency&nbsp;– CPI would be made political orphans in TN | access-date=16 October 2013 | archive-date=16 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016070756/http://sathiyam.tv/english/tamil-nadu/cpim-would-be-made-as-political-orphans-seeman | url-status=dead }}</ref> that claimed the lives of over 800 fishermen.<ref name="800fishermen">{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DMK-AIADMK-target-govt-on-Indian-fishermens-arrest-in-Sri-Lanka/articleshow/18979702.cms | archive-url=https://archive.today/20131016061218/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-15/india/37743611_1_maritime-boundary-indian-fishermen-tamil-fishermen | url-status=live | archive-date=16 October 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=DMK, AIADMK target govt on Indian fishermen's arrest in Sri Lanka | access-date=16 October 2013 }}</ref>

During the [[2014 Indian general election|parliamentary elections in 2014]], Seeman stated that the NTK would campaign for the defeat of all candidates fielded by the INC, [[BJP]] and [[DMDK]] and would support the AIADMK.<ref name="ie2"/>

In February 2015, the party conceived Veera Thamizhar Munnani, aimed at reviving and recovering age-old Tamil culture and traditions.<ref name="VTM">{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/seeman-floats-youth-wing/article6872707.ece | title=Seeman floats youth wing | newspaper=The Hindu | access-date=7 April 2015| date=9 February 2015 }}</ref> In September 2016, Seeman was among some 176 people arrested after "attempting to lay siege to Srivaikuntam dam, where desilting works [were] under way as per a directive from the National Green Tribunal".<ref name="Srivaikuntam Arrest">{{cite web | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/nallakannu-seeman-arrested-near-srivaikuntam-reservoir/article7683268.ece | title=Nallakannu, Seeman arrested near Srivaikuntam reservoir | work=The Hindu | access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref>

=== 2016 Tamil Nadu assembly elections ===
The NTK contested in the [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2016 assembly election]], with Seeman as the [[List of Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu|Chief Ministerial candidate]] from the [[Cuddalore (State Assembly Constituency)|Cuddalore constituency]].<ref name="ectn1"/><ref name="ectn2">{{cite news |date=28 March 2016 |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Seeman-Sets-Campaign-Ball-Rolling-in-Cuddalore-Meets-Voters/2016/03/28/article3349814.ece |title=Seeman Sets Campaign Ball Rolling in Cuddalore, Meets Voters |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=12 April 2016 |archive-date=11 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511142924/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2016/mar/28/Seeman-Sets-Campaign-Ball-Rolling-in-Cuddalore-Meets-Voters-917092.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The party contested in all the 234 assembly constituencies on its own, in the elections Tamil Nadu and as well as those in [[2016 Puducherry Legislative Assembly election|Puducherry]].<ref name="ectn1">{{cite news |last=Muruganandham |first=T |date=27 March 2016 |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/One-Two-Three-Four-And-More-CM-Aspirants-in-TN/2016/03/27/article3348101.ece |title=One, Two, Three, Four And More CM Aspirants in TN |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=12 April 2016 |archive-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515090628/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2016/mar/27/One-Two-Three-Four-And-More-CM-Aspirants-in-TN-916483.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Seeman contested in the 2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election from [[Cuddalore (State Assembly Constituency)|Cuddalore constituency]] and polled 12,497 votes and lost by a low margin, finishing fifth and forfeiting his deposits in the process.<ref>{{cite news |title=The star losers of Tamil Nadu: Party leaders who could not win their own seat |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/star-losers-tamil-nadu-party-leaders-who-could-not-win-their-own-seat-43520 |access-date=2 April 2021 |work=The News Minute |date=19 May 2016 |language=en}}</ref> The party failed to win a single seat.<ref name="ectn4">{{cite web | url=http://eciresults.nic.in/PartyWiseResultS22.htm?st=S22 | title=General Election to Legislative Assembly Trends & Results 2016 | publisher=Election Commission of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124073713/http://eciresults.nic.in/PartyWiseResultS22.htm?st=S22|archive-date=24 November 2016}}</ref>

=== 2019 Indian general elections ===
In the [[2019 Indian general election|2019 Indian general elections]], the NTK contested in all 39 constituencies in Tamil Nadu,<ref name="ectn6">{{cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/galleries/nation/2019/apr/09/lok-sabha-elections-2019-here-are-the-candidates-fighting-under-seemans-naam-tamilar-katchi-in-tam-102206.html | title=Lok Sabha elections 2019: Here are the candidates fighting under Seeman's Naam Tamilar Katchi in Tamil Nadu | work=The New Indian Express | date=9 April 2019 | access-date=30 November 2019}}</ref> but only won 4% of the vote share, thus losing deposits in all constituencies.<ref name="ectn9">{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/candidates-of-ammk-mnm-ntk-lose-deposit-in-all-ls-constituencies/article27241174.ece | title=Candidates of AMMK, MNM, NTK lose deposit in all LS constituencies | newspaper=The Hindu | access-date=30 November 2019| date=25 May 2019 | last1=Jesudasan | first1=Dennis S. }}</ref> NTK fared better in rural areas when compared to urban areas.<ref name="ectn11">{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha-2019/mnm-fares-well-in-urban-pockets-ntk-in-rural-areas/article27228396.ece | title=MNM fares well in urban pockets, NTK in rural areas | newspaper=The Hindu | access-date=30 November 2019| date=24 May 2019 | last1=Naig | first1=Udhav |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213013034/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/candidates-of-ammk-mnm-ntk-lose-deposit-in-all-ls-constituencies/article27241174.ece|archive-date=13 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Subramanian |first=Lakshmi |date=16 May 2021 |title=How Tamil nationalist Seeman ate into vote bank of Dravidian majors |url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/cover/2021/05/06/how-tamil-nationalist-seeman-ate-into-vote-bank-of-dravidian-majors.html |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=[[The Week (Indian magazine)]]}}</ref>

==Electoral performance==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Elections
!Constituency
!Party
!Result
!Votes
!Vote %
|-
|[[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2016 Assembly Elections]]
|[[Cuddalore Assembly constituency|Cuddalore]]
|[[Naam Tamilar Katchi|NTK]]
|{{Lost}}
|12,497
|7.24%
|-
|[[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2021 Assembly Elections]]
|[[Thiruvottiyur Assembly constituency|Thiruvottiyur]]
|[[Naam Tamilar Katchi|NTK]]
|{{Lost}}
|48,597
|24.43%
|}

{{transcluded section|source=Thiruvottiyur Assembly constituency}}
{{trim|{{#section-h:Thiruvottiyur Assembly constituency|2021}}}}
{{transcluded section|source=Cuddalore Assembly constituency}}
{{trim|{{#section-h:Cuddalore Assembly constituency|2016}}}}

== Personal life ==
Seeman is married to Kayalvizhi, daughter of [[K. Kalimuthu]], former [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Speaker of Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]] from the [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|AIADMK]] party. The ceremony was held according to Tamil traditions at the YMCA grounds in Nandanam, Chennai in September 2013.<ref name=ThatsTamil>{{cite web|title=Seeman ties the knot|url=http://tamil.oneindia.in/news/2013/09/08/tamilnadu-seeman-ties-the-knot-kayalvizhi-gala-wedding-183019.html|publisher=OneIndia Tamil|access-date=8 September 2013|date=8 September 2013}}</ref>

Actress [[Vijayalakshmi (Kannada actress)|Vijayalakshmi]] claimed that she was in a relationship with Seeman who she had met on the sets of Seeman's film ''[[Vaazhthugal]]'' during 2007.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=எஸ்.மகேஷ்,மலையரசு |title='இனிமேலும் பொறுத்துக்கொள்ள முடியாது!' - சீமான் விவகாரத்தில் கொதிக்கும் நடிகை விஜயலட்சுமி |url=https://www.vikatan.com/news/crime/actress-vijayalakshmi-files-police-complaint-against-seeman |access-date=18 April 2022 |magazine=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |date=11 March 2020 |language=ta}}</ref> In 2011, she filed a police complaint against him for cheating on her after promising to marry her.<ref>{{cite news |title=Case against Seeman |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/case-against-seeman/article2074692.ece |access-date=4 April 2021 |work=The Hindu |date=4 June 2011 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nair |first=Shilpa |date=9 September 2023 |title=Actor-turned-politician Seeman asked to join probe in sexual harassment case |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/police-summon-ntk-chief-seeman-over-actress-sexual-harassment-complain-2433318-2023-09-09 |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref> The pair continued to engage in a public war of words throughout the 2010s, with Vijayalakshmi later attempting suicide in July 2020, blaming Seeman and his supporters of torture.<ref>{{cite news |title=There is no limit to Seeman's atrocities: Vijayalakshmi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/seeman-should-come-forward-and-talk-to-me-to-resolve-the-matter-vijayalakshmi/articleshow/77220126.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=28 May 2020 |access-date=20 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Tamil-actress-complains-about-director-Seeman-to-police/articleshow/8685502.cms|title=Tamil actress complains about director Seeman to police|access-date=4 April 2021|work=The Times of India|date=2 June 2011}}</ref> In 2011, Seeman publicly expressed his interest in marrying a [[Sri Lankan Tamil]] woman and chose Yarlmathy, a widow of an LTTE fighter, but later did not do so.<ref>{{cite news |title=Will find my Lankan Tamil dream girl |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2011/jun/05/will-find-my-lankan-tamil-dream-girl-259634.html |access-date=29 December 2020 |work=The New Indian Express |date=5 June 2011}}</ref>

== Controversies ==
Seeman has received several threat letters for his support of the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE) and other controversial remarks on Indian social issues.<ref name="ie3">{{cite web |title=Seeman receives threat letter |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article451649.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527162257/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2011/mar/03/seeman-receives-threat-letter-232139.html |archive-date=27 May 2021 |access-date=2 April 2014 |work=The Indian Express}}</ref>

One of the most controversial aspects of Seeman and his political party is that of ethnic purism arbitrarily based on caste lines. He claims the "decline of Tamil people" is due to continuous rule of Tamil Nadu by 'Vandheris' (refers to outsiders or non-Tamils, especially [[Telugus]] based on caste and history of immigration) and that the only hope for Tamils is to elect a "real Tamilian" to power.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yamunan |first1=Sruthisagar |title=In Tamil Nadu, an ultra nationalist politician who often invokes Adolf Hitler is gaining support |url=https://scroll.in/article/924890/in-tamil-nadu-an-ultra-nationalist-politician-who-often-invokes-adolf-hitler-is-gaining-support |access-date=5 July 2023 |work=Scroll.in |date=30 May 2019}}</ref>

In November 2009, while on a speaking tour in [[Canada]], Seeman was arrested by the [[Canada Border Services Agency]] for giving a hate-filled incendiary speech at an event in [[Toronto]]. In the speech, he reportedly talked about restarting the civil war in Sri Lanka, and allegedly said "no [[Sinhalese people|Sinhala]] can live," if the LTTE had taken the same path and bombed 100 Sinhala schools for every Tamil school which was attacked.<ref>{{cite news|author=B. MURALIDHAR REDDY |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/director-seeman-arrested-and-deported-from-canada/article55523.ece |title=Director Seeman arrested and deported from Canada |newspaper=The Hindu |date=27 November 2009 |access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref>

In 2013, Seeman invited [[Kashmiri separatist movement|Kashmiri separatist]] leader [[Yaseen Malik]] for one of his public meetings, which drew significant criticism from both the INC and BJP.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article-amp/pti-stories/seeman-defends-yasin-malik-s-presence-in-pro-tamil-meeting-113052100871_1.html|title=Seeman defends Yasin Malik's presence in pro-Tamil meeting|work=Business Standard|date=21 May 2013|access-date=7 April 2023}}</ref>

While campaigning for the [[Vikravandi (state assembly constituency)|Vikravandi assembly by-election]] in 2019, Seeman purportedly justified the [[Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi|assassination of former Indian Prime Minister]] [[Rajiv Gandhi]], for Gandhi had sent the [[Indian Peace Keeping Force]] (IPKF) to Sri Lanka, which would then go on to kill of numerous Tamil civilians. The speech raised criticism from people from all across the political spectrum. Following this event, many charges were booked against Seeman by the police.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tamilarasu|first=Prabhakar|date=14 October 2019|title=Seeman stirs up a hornet's nest by glorifying Rajiv Gandhi killers|url=https://thefederal.com/states/south/tamil-nadu/seeman-stirs-up-controversy-glorifying-rajiv-gandhi-killers/|access-date=1 August 2020|website=The Federal|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=14 October 2019|title=NTK leader Seeman 'justifies' Rajiv Gandhi's killing, booked by police as Congress seeks action|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ntk-leader-seeman-justifies-rajiv-gandhis-killing-booked-by-police-as-congress-seeks-action-6068748/|access-date=1 August 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=15 October 2019 |title=Seeman booked for hailing Rajiv Gandhi's assassination |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/seeman-booked-for-hailing-rajiv-gandhis-assassination/article29684589.ece |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

In October 2019, Seeman was put under investigation by the Malaysian police over alleged involvement with the LTTE.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Palansamy |first=Yiswaree |date=13 October 2019 |title=Police monitoring pro-LTTE South Indian politician Senthamizhan Seeman |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/10/13/police-monitoring-pro-ltte-south-indian-politician-senthamizhan-seeman/1799886 |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=[[Malay Mail]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 2019 |title=Five men to challenge police detention in Malaysia over alleged Tamil Tiger links |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/five-men-arrested-in-malaysia-over-alleged-tamil-tiger-links-to-challenge-police |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=[[The Straits Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zolkepli |first=Farik |title=Tamil Nadu politician under probe |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/10/15/tamil-nadu-politician-under-probe |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511115058/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/10/15/tamil-nadu-politician-under-probe |archive-date=11 May 2021 |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=[[The Star (Malaysia)]]|date=15 October 2019 }}</ref>

Although Seeman openly claims to be a supporter of [[Tamil Eelam]] and [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam|LTTE]], the sincerity behind his proclaimed stance has been questioned multiple times. In a leaked audio, he was caught using profanity against late LTTE fighter [[Pottu Amman (Tamil militant)|Pottu Amman]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ibctamilnadu.com/article/tamil-diaspora-should-condemn-seeman-vanni-arasu-1618576747|title=பொட்டு அம்மான் குறித்த சீமானின் பேச்சை புலம்பெயர் தமிழர்கள் கண்டிக்க வேண்டும் - வன்னி அரசு - தமிழ்நாடு|website=IBC Tamilnadu|accessdate=7 April 2023}}</ref>

In February 2023, during the [[Erode East Assembly constituency]] by-election campaign, when talking about the [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijaynagar kings]] capturing Tamil Nadu, he had mentioned "they brought members of the [[Arunthathiyar]] community to this region to do scavenging".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/ec-notice-over-seemans-remark-on-arunthathiyars/articleshow/98167242.cms|title=EC notice over Seeman's remark on arunthathiyars|newspaper=The Times of India |date=23 February 2023|accessdate=7 April 2023}}</ref> He received backlash and his comments also sparked protests by Arunthathiyar outfits. The Election Commission also issued a notice to the NTK seeking an explanation. Seeman was also booked by the Karungalpalayam police, registering a case under three sections.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/erode-east-bypoll-seeman-booked-for-making-remarks-insulting-scheduled-caste-community-people/article66543671.ece|title=Erode (East) bypoll &#124; Seeman booked for making remarks 'insulting' Scheduled Caste community people|newspaper=The Hindu |date=23 February 2023|accessdate=7 April 2023|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> The police added more [[Indian Penal Code]] sections to the case due to his claims that "using an iron fist" will "get rid of the problem" of North Indians and Hindi speakers coming to Tamil Nadu for employment during the same speech.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chandrababu |first=Divya |date=13 March 2023 |title=Tamil Nadu leader S Seeman booked for hate speech against Hindi speakers: Police |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-leader-booked-for-hate-speech-against-hindi-speakerspolice-101678648173034.html |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> He later said that he was not specifically talking about North Indian migrant workers, but instead about [[M. K. Stalin]]'s alleged falsification of the increase in crimes committed by people from north India living in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Janardhanan |first=Arun |date=13 March 2023 |title=Tamil nationalist Seeman booked for remarks on north Indians, says 'was not my intention' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/tamil-nationalist-seeman-booked-for-remarks-on-north-indian-workers-8492305/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230313134323/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/tamil-nationalist-seeman-booked-for-remarks-on-north-indian-workers-8492305/ |archive-date=13 March 2023 |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref>

While speaking at a demonstration to condemn the [[2023–2025 Manipur violence]] on 30 July 2023, Seeman called [[Muslims]] and [[Christians]] as "[[Satan]]'s children" by blaming them that they had consistently voted for DMK and Congress.<ref>{{Cite web |title="முஸ்லிம்களே நான் உங்களுக்கு எதிரியாகி விட்டேன்".. உங்களால் முடிந்ததை செய்யுங்க.. சீமான் பேச்சு |url=https://tamil.samayam.com/latest-news/state-news/seeman-again-criticizes-muslim-people-for-supporting-dmk/articleshow/102746750.cms |access-date=26 January 2025 |website=Samayam Tamil |language=ta}}</ref><ref name="DH2023">{{Cite web |title=NTK chief under fire for calling Muslims, Christians 'Satan's children' |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/ntk-chief-under-fire-for-calling-muslims-christians-satan-s-children-1243536.html |access-date=26 January 2025 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref name="BBC2023">{{Cite web |date=2 August 2023 |title=சீமான் கிறிஸ்தவர்கள், இஸ்லாமியர்களை 'சாத்தானின் குழந்தைகள்' எனக் கூறியது ஏன்? |url=https://www.bbc.com/tamil/articles/clewz1d27nno |access-date=26 January 2025 |website=BBC News தமிழ் |language=ta}}</ref> Despite condemnation from multiple organisations and political parties representing minority communities, Seeman questioned whether Muslims and Christians would begin "voting for me if I apologize for my remarks." Political parties accused Seeman of venturing down a "dangerous path" by adopting the "BJP's language" in Tamil Nadu.<ref name="DH2023" /> The Tamil Nadu Platform for People's Unity (TNPPU) condemned his statements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=DTNEXT |date= August 2023|title=TN Platform for People's Unity condemns Seeman for anti-minority speech |url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/tn-platform-for-peoples-unity-condemns-seeman-for-anti-minority-speech-727519 |access-date= |website=www.dtnext.in |language=en}}</ref><ref name="BBC2023" />

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Seeman}}

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