History of Tamil cinema

 

Tamil cinema, also known as the Kollywood film industry, has a rich and vibrant history that spans over a century. It originated in Chennai, the capital city of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Here is  the history of Tamil cinema

Early Years (1897-1920s)

The first screening of a motion picture in Chennai took place in 1897. The Lumière brothers' Cinematographe was showcased at Victoria Public Hall. The early years of Tamil cinema were marked by short films and documentaries. The first Tamil silent film, "Keechaka Vadham," was released in 1916. It was produced and directed by R. Nataraja Mudaliar. 

(Keechaka vachan 1916) 

(1885 To 1975

R. Nataraja Mudaliar

Father of Tamil cinema) 

R. Nataraja Mudaliar was a prominent figure in the early days of Indian cinema, particularly in the Tamil film industry. Born in 1885 in Madras (now Chennai), Mudaliar came from a family of lawyers. However, he developed a keen interest in photography and eventually ventured into the world of cinema.In 1916, Mudaliar directed and produced "Keechaka Vadham," which is widely regarded as the first full-length silent film in South India. It was a retelling of an episode from the Indian epic Mahabharata. The film was a critical and commercial success and established Mudaliar as a pioneer in the nascent Tamil film industry.Following the success of "Keechaka Vadham," Mudaliar went on to direct and produce several other films, including "Draupadi Vastrapaharanam" (1918) and "Nandanar" (1921). He founded India's first film studio, The National Art Pictures, in Madras in 1916, which became a hub for Tamil filmmaking.Mudaliar's contributions to Tamil cinema extended beyond filmmaking. He played a key role in the formation of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce (SIFCC), a representative body for the film industry in South India. He served as the president of the SIFCC and worked to protect the interests of filmmakers and promote the growth of the industry.Sadly, many of Mudaliar's films are no longer available today, as they were made during the silent film era, and the preservation and restoration of films from that period were challenging. Nevertheless, his pioneering efforts and contributions to Tamil cinema have left an indelible mark on the industry, earning him the title of the father of Tamil cinema. 

Silent Era (1920s-1930s)

The 1920s witnessed the growth of Tamil cinema with the release of several silent films. "Pavalakkodi (1920), directed by R. Prakash, was the first silent feature film in Tamil.

The first talkie film in Tamil, "Kalidas," was released in 1931. It was directed by H.M. Reddy and was a critical and commercial success.The legendary

Sanskrit poet. It had a cast consisting of P.G.Venkatesan, T.P. Rajalakshmi,

Thevaram Rajambal and M.S.Sabthanalakshmi.Mythologicals, folklores, pseudo historicals and photographed stage plays were the themes of Tamil cinema in the thirties. Films had as many as 30 songs. Musicians like Dandapani Designer, G.N.Balasubramanian, Musiri, M.S.Subhalakshmi and others were cast in the Tamil movies of thirties for he sake of music. A.Narayanan’s 1934 film Srinivasa Kalyanam was the first Tamil talkie to be produced in a

South Indian studio.

(11 November 1911, Thiruvaiyaru

Died: 20 August 1964)

In 1935,

South India Film Corporation made Kausalya, the first Tamil film on a contemporary theme. The first female producer and director of Tamil cinema was T.P Rajalakshmi and the film was Miss Kamala in 1936.Chinthamani(1937) was the first Tamil film to run for more than a year in a Single cinema house.

Golden Age (1940s-1950s)

(Release in 1936 directed
By

K. Subramanya)

The 1940s and 1950s are often referred to as the Golden Age of Tamil cinema. During this period, several iconic films and stars emerged. Renowned studios like AVM Productions and Gemini Studios played a significant role in shaping the industry. Pioneering filmmakers like K. Subramanyam, Ellis R. Dungan, and A. V. Meiyappan made notable contributions to Tamil cinema.The late forties witnessed the excellent exploitation of Tamil cinema for

achieving certain political aims. C.N. Annadurai, who later went on to

become the chief minister of Tamilnadu was the leader of this rare

phenomenon in the history of world cinema. Annadurai wrote the script for

Velaikkari (1949), directed by A.S.A.Swamy. Velaikkari had a cast

consisting of T.S. Balaiah, M.N. Nambiar, K.R.Ramaswamy, M.V. Rajamma

and Balasubramaniam D. Velaikkari was a huge success and it set a new

trend in Tamil cinema. M. Karunanidhi, Annadurai’s trusted assistant followed his path and wrote

screen plays for several films. Karunanidhi also rose to the level of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Some of his films as a script writer were

Rajakumari, Parasakthi, Malaikallanand Pudhumai Pithan.

By the early fifties three actors rose to fame in Tamil film industry and

they ruled the film world in the fifties, sixties and seventies. They were M.G.

Ramachandran (M.G.R), Sivaji Ganesan and Gemini Ganesan.

M.G. Ramachandran made his debut in Ellis R Dungan’s 1935 film Sati

Leelavati. His breakthrough role was in the 1947 film Rajakumari, which

was written by M. Karunanidhi. He attained superstardom after his 1954

movie Malaikallan.

(K.Subramaniyam

 (20 April 1904 – 7 April 1971 ) 

Krishnaswami Subrahmanyam was an Indian film director of the 1930s-40s and a key figure in establishing the Tamil film industry. He directed around 20 films and is known for ground-breaking socio-political themes, criticizing the caste system, advocating for women, and critiquing untouchability. His most famous work is nationalistic film

 Thyagabhoomi (1939), which was based on the novel banned by the colonial British government.

Modernization and Technological Advancements (1960s-1970s)

The 1960s and 1970s witnessed the modernization of Tamil cinema. The introduction of cinemascope and other technological advancements brought significant changes to the industry. Filmmakers like Sivaji Ganesan, M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), and Gemini Ganesan became popular leading actors during this period. The emergence of talented directors such as K. Balachander and Bharathiraja also marked this era. Cinemascope, an anamorphic lens technology that widened the aspect ratio of the film, was introduced in Tamil cinema during the 1970s. This innovation resulted in a more. 

An anamorphic lens technology that widened the aspect ratio of the film, was introduced in Tamil cinema during the 1970s. This innovation resulted in a more immersive and visually appealing cinematic experience for the audience.The 1970s saw advancements in sound technology in Tamil cinema. Mono sound gave way to stereo sound, resulting in better audio quality and a more immersive auditory experience. The introduction of magnetic sound recording and playback systems further improved sound clarity and fidelity.

Emergence of 70mm Films: The 1970s witnessed the emergence of 70mm films in Tamil cinema. Films like "En Annan" (1970) and "Apoorva Raagangal" (1975) were shot and released in the 70mm format. This larger film format provided a wider aspect ratio, sharper images, and enhanced visual grandeur.The 1970s witnessed the establishment and growth of modern film studios, equipped with advanced infrastructure and facilities. Studios like AVM Productions, Gemini Studios, and Vijaya Vauhini Studios expanded their operations, offering state-of-the-art production, post-production, and distribution services.

Kamal Haasan's Debut: The year 1972 marked the debut of Kamal Haasan, one of the most iconic actors in Tamil cinema, with the film "Kalathur Kannamma." His performance earned him the President's Gold Medal for Best Child Actor.

(Kalathur Kannamma

 release: 12 August 1960) 

Sivaji Ganesan's Performances: Sivaji Ganesan, a veteran actor, delivered powerful performances in films like "Guru Sishyan" (1988) and "Thirisoolam" (1979) during this period. His acting prowess continued to impress audiences.

Rise of Superstars (1980s-1990s)

The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of superstar actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, who achieved immense popularity and fan following. Commercial cinema dominated this era, with a focus on action, romance, and family-oriented dramas. Directors like Mani Ratnam and Shankar introduced fresh storytelling techniques and explored diverse themes.

Rajinikanth made his debut in Tamil films as a cancer patient in Apoorva

Raagangal (1975). In the mid seventies he played supporting and villainly

roles in films usually with Kamal Haasan as the hero. In S.P. Muthuraman’s

Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri (1977), he played a villain in first half and the

protagonist in the second half. Mullum Malarum (1978) directed by J.

Mahendran established Rajinikanth as a hero. Rajinikanth started the eighties

with a bang with the release of Billa. Billa was a remake of the the

bollywood movie Don. Rajinikanth consolidated his stardom in the eighties

with hits like Murattu Kaalai, Pokkiri Raja, Thanikattu Raja, Naan

Mahaan Alla, Moondru Mugam, Netrikan, Padikkathavan, Thee,

Velaikaran, Dharmathin Thalaivan, Mr. Bharath, Maaveeranand Sri

Raghavendra.Rajani continued his good run in the nineties with super hits

like Thalapathy, Mannan, Annamalai, Uzhaippali, Veera, Baasha,

Muthu, Arunachalamand Padayappa. His recent movies Chandramukhi

and Sivaji: The Boss were also stupendous hits.

More actors entered the Tamil film industry in the eighties. Prominent

among them were Vijayakanth, Prabhu Ganesan, Mohan, Sathyaraj, Karthik,

Sarat Kumar, Arjun and Murali. Popular heroines were Khushboo, Radha,

Ambika, Gouthami, Saranya and Rupini.

The eighties and early nineties witnessed the emergence and excellence of

some talented directors like Mani Ratnam, S.A. Chandrasekhar, Manivannan,

T. Rajender, Vikraman, R.K. Selvamani, Santhana Bharathi, K.S. Ravikumar

and S. Shankar. Mani Ratnam and S. Shankar stand out among the others.

Mani Ratnam had scripted and directed critically and commercially

successful films like Mouna Raagam, Nayagan, Agni Natchathiram,

Anjali, Thalapathi, Roja, Bombay, Iruvar, Alaipayutheyand Kannathil

Muthamittal. S. Shankar is known for his excellent treatment of commercial

cinema and has won accolades for his films like Gentleman, Kadhalan,

Indian, Jeans, Mudhalvan, Boys, Anniyan and Sivaji: The Boss.

The Nineties Up To the Present Era

In the nineties actors like Aravind Swamy, Vijay, Ajith, Prasanth and

Prabhu Deva entered Tamil filmdom. Heroines like Nagma, Rambha,

Soundarya, Madhoo, Meena, Devayani, Roja and Simran gained popularity

during this period. Directors like Sundar C, Rajeev Menon, S.J. Sooryah,

S.Ezhil, Selva and Cheran entered Tamil film industry during the nineties.

Vijay and Ajith Kumar rose to fame in the late nineties and became the

new sensations of Kollywood. By the early 2000’s R. Madhavan, Vikram and

Surya Sivakumar also attained stardom. Jyothika and Laila gained popularity

as heroines in the early 2000’s.

Tamil cinema has produced some of the most talented music directors in

India. Foremost among them (currently active) are Ilayaraja and A.R.

Rahman. Notable among the other music directors of Tamil film industry. The Tamil Film industry enjoys the widest visibility of any regional South Asian cinema. Many of Indian cinema’s popular figures had made their debut in Tamil films. Bollywood actress and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai made her debut in the Tamil film ‘Iruvar’ before entering the national film industry. Music Composer A.R. Rehman also had his debut in Tamil industry

Tamil film industry doing great job in film making recently fist Indian documentary film wins 95th Academy Awards