Kollywood, the Tamil-language film industry based in Chennai (formerly Madras), is one of the largest and most influential segments of Indian cinema. It is known for producing films that appeal to both local and global audiences, with its vibrant storytelling, music, and star power. Here's a detailed history of Kollywood:
1. Early Beginnings (1910s – 1930s)
1916: The roots of Tamil cinema can be traced back to the release of "Keechaka Vadham", a mythological film directed by P. Subramaniam Iyer. It is considered one of the first Tamil films, though it is a lost film today.
1931: "Kalidas", directed by Raghupathi Venkayya, was the first Tamil talkie (sound film). It marked the transition from silent cinema to sound films and paved the way for Tamil-language films to gain more popularity.
During the 1930s, Tamil cinema saw a slow but steady development, with films based on mythology, folklore, and social issues. The emergence of playback singing and early pioneers like M. S. Subbulakshmi and K. B. Sundarambal helped establish the musical heritage of Tamil cinema.
2. 1940s to 1960s: The Foundation and Golden Age
1940s: The period saw a rise in the production of Tamil films with a focus on stories about Indian mythology, folklore, and social dramas. "Vasantha Maligai" (1942) and "Avvaiyar" (1953) became notable hits. M. Karunanidhi, who later became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, wrote scripts for several successful films during this time.
1950s: The post-independence era saw significant progress, with Tamil cinema growing in terms of quality and quantity. M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) became a dominant star during this period, representing the common man’s struggle, and his films were known for their strong political undertones. Sivaji Ganesan, another acting legend, emerged in this era, known for his dramatic performances and mastery over dialogue delivery.
The Golden Age of Tamil cinema is considered to be during the 1950s and 1960s, which featured a rise in film production and thematic depth. Films like "Parasakthi" (1952), "Thiruvilaiyadal" (1965), and "Veerapandiyan" (1965) became milestones in Tamil cinema for their socially relevant themes and cinematic excellence.
3. 1970s to 1980s: The Rise of Commercial Cinema
The 1970s and 1980s were characterized by the dominance of M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Jayalalithaa in Tamil cinema. MGR's films during this era, like "Adimai Penn" (1976) and "Raja Desingu" (1981), played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. His films glorified the themes of justice and social upliftment.
Sivaji Ganesan also continued to shine in this period with notable films like "Sivakamiyin Sabatham" (1978) and "Thiruvilaiyadal" (1965).
Kamal Haasan, another prominent figure, entered Tamil cinema in the 1970s, quickly establishing himself as a versatile actor. Films like "Apoorva Raagangal" (1975) and "Nayakan" (1987) became landmarks in Tamil cinema, with Nayakan being one of India's most celebrated films, directed by Mani Ratnam.
The 1980s also saw the rise of the Tamil action film genre, with stars like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan becoming icons. Rajinikanth's superstardom began to grow with films like "Billa" (1980) and "Muthu" (1995).
4. 1990s: The Superstardom of Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan
The 1990s marked the zenith of Rajinikanth's career. Films like "Baashha" (1995) and "Muthu" (1995) made Rajinikanth a global icon. His charismatic presence, unique dialogue delivery, and larger-than-life roles became a cultural phenomenon.
Kamal Haasan continued to be a dominant force in the industry with films like "Indian" (1996) and "Hey Ram" (2000), both of which received critical acclaim for their complex narratives and his acting prowess.
The 90s also saw the rise of S. A. Chandrasekhar, R. K. Selvamani, and Vikraman, who were influential directors of the time, producing hits with strong emotional appeal and family-oriented themes.
The Tamil film industry in the 1990s witnessed a shift towards commercial cinema, with a greater emphasis on masala films (a blend of action, drama, music, and comedy) designed for mass appeal.
5. 2000s to Early 2010s: New Age Tamil Cinema
The 2000s introduced a new wave of filmmakers, with Mani Ratnam, Shankar, and Gautham Menon pushing boundaries in terms of storytelling and technical execution. Films like "Alaipayuthey" (2000), "Kannathil Muthamittal" (2002), and "Vaaranam Aayiram" (2008) were hailed for their innovative narratives.
The early 2010s witnessed the rise of Vikram, Ajith Kumar, and Surya as the new generation of stars. Vikram's performance in "Deiva Thirumagal" (2011) and "Raavanan" (2010) demonstrated the increasing focus on character-driven roles and diverse genres in Tamil cinema.
Filmmakers like Atlee, Hari, and Karthik Subbaraj introduced fresh storytelling techniques, mixing elements of mass entertainment with innovative concepts. Films like "Ghajini" (2005) and "Vettaikaran" (2009) became major box-office successes.
6. 2010s to Present: Global Influence and Innovation
Rajinikanth continued his dominance with films like "Enthiran" (2010) and "Kabali" (2016), which were major international hits. Shankar's "Enthiran" (Robot) was one of the biggest sci-fi films in Indian cinema, and its visual effects were groundbreaking.
Vijay and Ajith Kumar became huge stars with successive blockbusters like "Mersal" (2017), "Theri" (2016), and "Veeram" (2014), solidifying their places as the new superstars of Tamil cinema.
Tamil cinema has increasingly gained recognition on the global stage with films like "Super Deluxe" (2019), "Vikram" (2022), and "Jai Bhim" (2021) receiving critical acclaim. "Jai Bhim", a legal drama based on real events, became one of the most praised films in recent times.
Rajinikanth's film "2.0" (2018), the sequel to "Enthiran", made waves in the international market due to its high-budget production and pioneering use of visual effects.
The use of OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar has allowed Tamil cinema to reach global audiences, giving films a wider reach than ever before.
Key Elements of Kollywood Cinema:
Stars and Superstars: Kollywood has produced legendary stars like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), and Sivaji Ganesan. New-generation stars like Vijay, Ajith Kumar, and Surya are now also household names.
Music and Dance: Tamil cinema has a rich musical tradition, with composers like A. R. Rahman, Ilaiyaraaja, and Harris Jayaraj making a significant mark. The songs in Tamil films are an essential part of the narrative, and dance numbers are often integral to the film’s appeal.
Political Influence: Kollywood has had a longstanding relationship with politics, with stars like MGR and Jayalalithaa transitioning from film to politics, influencing the political climate in Tamil Nadu.
Conclusion
Kollywood has evolved into a powerful film industry with global recognition, continuously adapting to technological changes, evolving storytelling styles, and the increasing influence of digital platforms. Today, Kollywood represents a fusion of tradition and innovation, making a significant mark on both the Indian and international cinema
