Tamil Nadu is a state far in the south of the Indian subcontinent. It spreads over a quite large area (over 130 thousand kilometres), with more than 72 millions inhabitants. It is famous for mineral resources, a well-developped automotive industry and brilliantly rich ancient cultural traditions. Just like other southern states of India, Tamil Nadu has reached high level of social development, which is confirmed, for instance, by relatively high literacy rate (over 80% in 2011).
The Tamil people speak Tamil, a language closely related to Malayalam as well as other important languages of the Indian South. Tamil is written in a particular, complicated script consisting of a few hundred characters. Tamil is considered one of the oldest living languages in the world; it is also one of just a few classical Indian languages still in use. Incredibly rich Tamil literature is a phenomenon which has no counterpart anywhere in the world. The language has also been, just like Malayalam, a medium of greatly developed performing arts.
History of the Tamil cinema begins in 1917, with Rangaswamy Nataraja Mudaliar and his Keechaka Vadham. Due to the pioneering role he played, this person deserves a separate entry. Here I would just like to mention that, without a doubt, he should be considered the father of cinema which influenced strongly not only Indian cinema, but also those of nearby states (Malaysia and Sri Lanka in particular).
Tamil cinema is characterized by extreme social and politicial sensitivity. The filmmakers have reached perfection in portraying power. They show unique sensibility when it comes to show psychological aspects of politics. To be short, they raised what we call ‘politicization of cinema’ to a new level. Tamil cinema has been sometimes tool for social change – and not only on the screen, but also in real life.
Of course, Tamil cinema is not limited by its complicated relations with the local politics and social structure. There exist Tamil films about family life, Tamil comedies (let me just mention legendary comedians like Nagesh or Vivek) or great love stories (enough to mention Gemini Gamesan and his excellent acting). Nevertheless, political themes, present in virtually every film, remain the most striking characteristics of this cinema.
This feature of Tamil cinema generated an exceptionally propitious background for hegemony of great stars. Out of many personalities who impressed the viewers over the years of Kollywood history, at least a few must be mentioned here: M.G. Ramachandran (MGR; 1917-1987), Sivaji Ganesan (1928-2001), Rajinikanth (born 1950) and Kamal Haasan (born 1954). These people were able to create around themselves an atmosphere of ecstatic, passionate admiration, typical for the Indian South. The level of control they have had over the local film industry is, most probably, an exceptional case worldwide. At the same time, every of these film stars has entered Tamil collective identity, has become an important reference point, an example to follow, a particular modern hero. At least two of them – MGR and Rajinikanth – achieved such a position thanks to able exploiting of their personal charisma which served to create a hyperbolized, heroic image. This aspect of stardom is typical for Tamil cinema, but not only – it is present in Telugu cinema as well. I would write about that later in more detail.
Rajinikanth
To sum up, one must agree that the Tamils have created a cinema which is definitely worth attention. No open-minded film fan can stay indifferent to magnetism of Tamil films, particular sharpness and severity with which they deal with social quesions, unique readiness to change the real world that they constantly manifest.
And, just a closing remark (and a reference to the title). One must note that the essential characteristics of this cinema, its political engagement, has its reflection in real life. However, to describe the relationship between Tamil cinema and Tamil political life, a much longer entry would be necessary.
English translation – Małgorzata Kulbaczewska
Polish original by Bacus15
Photo from flickr
