Today Tamil cinema after completing 77 years of history has grown to such an extent, that it is released all over the world even in countries like Japan.

In olden days of tamil cinema ( may be upto late 60's ) if somebody wants to act in films, they should know alteast any one art ( Singing / Dancing ), should speak tamil fluently

( as there was no dubbing in that period ),should know acting and should have a good look. So the actors and actresses in that period were very talented and also competition was

less at that time.Films in this period had more songs ( some films even had ten songs ) ,lengthy dialogues, sentiment, comedy, fight etc.

Now-adays i don't think people need to have all those mentioned above to act in a tamil film. If somebody has got a good producer that's enough,he/she can act in a film. They don't

even need to know tamil language ( As dubbing is available ).Almost all actresses in tamil cinema these days are from north india or southern part of india.But sustaining in tamil

cinema these days is very difficult because so much competition is there not only in acting but also in music direction, cinematography ,direction etc. Also it is difficult to predict

which film will be a hit as sometimes a new comer's film runs for 50 days and a super actor's film becomes an utter flop.Because of the advent in technology, a good DVD of a

new film reaches the market with in a month though pirated DVDs comes within a week.So lot of luck is needed nowadays for a film to be a superhit.

Ok. Let's see the journey of tamil cinema from where it has started.

1920's :

In this period only silent movies were produced.Films were produced in Chennai and sent to northern part of India for technical processing.The first silent tamil fim was

'Keechaka Vadham' produced and directed by R.Nataraja mudaliar.

1930's:

During this period the first talking film 'Kalidas' was produced.Kalidas was directed by H.M.Reddy.The heroine of this film was T.P.Rajalakshmi. This period marked the debut

for M.K.Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, the great singer with 'Pavalakodi', P.U.Chinnappa with 'Chandrakantha'. Bhagavathar also gave some more hit films which include 'Chintamani',

'Ambikapthy','Thiruneelakantar'. Ambikapthy and chintamani ran for more than a year.Ambikapathy was directed by the American film director Ellis.R.Dungan.

N.S.Krishnan (NSK ) famously known as "Kalaivanar" made his debut with the film 'Ambikapathy'. One cannot forget the combination of NSK and T.A.Madhuram in many movies.

The greatest chief minister of tamilnadu Mr.M.G.Ramachandran popularly known as MGR also made debut in this film but not as a hero.Raja Sandow was the famous producer

and director during this period.

1940's:

Whenever we think of this period the first film that comes in to our mind immediately is the film 'Haridas'.M.K.Thyagaraja Bhagavathar popularly known as MKT,was the hero

of this film and T.R.Rajakumari played the female lead role. NSK and T.A.madhuram took care of the comedy. This film run successfully for more than 2 years which was an

achievement in those days.Today we cannot imagine a film which will run successfully even for 100 days.

AVM productions ( more than 60 years old and surviving till today ) was born during this period with its first film 'Naam Iruvar'.Another famous productions 'Gemini Studios'

was also born during this period which produced the most expensive tamil cinema ( Close to 30 lakhs )'Chandralekha'. The flim was released all over India and was a big hit .

One cannot forget the wonderful drum dance in this movie till now.MGR's first movie as hero named 'Rajakumaari' was released during this period.

1950's:

This period marked the debut of the greatest ever actor of Tamil as well as Indian cinema 'Chevaliye' Sivaji Ganesan with the film 'Parasakthi'. I don't wish to write

about Sivaji ganesan here because pages are not enough to write about that wonderful actor.The lyrics of this film was written by our honourable chief minister M.K.Karunanidhi.

'Kadhal Mannan'( King of Romance ) Gemini ganesan made his debut in early 50's but he got popularity only in mid 50's.One cannot forgot the song 'Kadhalile Tholviyutral'

from the film 'Kalyana parisu' acted by Gemini ganesan released during the late 50's. First colour film in Tamil 'Alibabavum Narpadhu Thirudargalum' starring MGR was

released during this time.Actresses Savitri made her debut with the film 'Samsaram' and Saroja devi with 'Nadodi Mannan'.

Some of the Popular films during this period :

• Manohara,

• Nadodi Mannan

• Sabash Meena

• Veerapandiya Kattabomman

• Uthamaputhiran

• Malaikallan

• Kulabaghavali

• Madurai Veeran

• Missiamma

• Mayabazaar

1960's :

This period was predominantly dominated by the two super stars of tamil cinema MGR and Sivaji.Both of their 100th films were released during this period.MGR has acted

in around 60 films and sivaji has acted in around 50 films during this period.'Navarathiri' was sivaji's 100th film in which he played 9 different characters. 'Oli vilaku' was

MGR's 100th film.Sivaji acted in many historical and religious films during this period.

'Padamashree' Kamalhassan made his debut as child artist in the film 'Kalathur Kannamma'. Kamal has introduced many new technlogies in tamil cinema.He has proved

that a person's look can be changed to anything through make up. Former chief minister Jayalalitha made her debut with the film 'Vennira Aadai'.Veteran film director

Balachander who has directed around 100 films made his debut with the film 'Deivathai' starring MGR and Jayalalitha.Veteran comedian Nagesh got a breakthrough

in his career with the film 'Server Sundaram' even though he made his debut in late 50's.

Some of the Popular films during this period :

• Palum Pazhamum

• Parthal pasi theerum

• Aalayamani

• Periya Idathu Penn

• Padagotti

• Puthiya Paravai

• Enga Vettu Pillai

• Kalangarai Vilakkam

• Anbe Vaa

• Ayirathil Oruvan

• Kudieruntha Kovil Adimai Penn

• Padikkadha Medhai

• Paavamannippu

• Paasamalar

• Kappal Ottiya Thamizhan

• Bale Pandiya Karnan

• Thiruvilaiyadal

• Mahakavi Kalidas

• Thiruvarutchelvar

• Kandhan Karunai

• Uyarndha Manidhan

• Thillana Moganambal

1970's :

During the mid and late 70's kamal hassan was slowly emerging as a hero from supporting actor ( Aboorva Raagangal - Kamal's first movie as hero ) .Super star Rajinikanth

made his debut with the film 'Apoorva Raagangal 'directed by K.Balachander. Before emerging as a superstart rajinikanth initially he was acting in negative and supporting roles.

Rajini and Kamal acted together in many films during this period.

Director Bharathiraja made his debut with the film '16 Vayathinila'.Music genius Illayaraja made his debut with the film 'Annakili'.Actress Radhika made her debut

with the film 'Kizhakke pogum rayil'.Actor Vijaykanth made his debut with the film 'Inikkum Ilamai'.

Some of the Popular films during this period :

• Mattukara Velan

• Rickshawkaran

• Ulagam Sutrum Valiban

• Urimai Kural

• Vietnam Veedu

• Vasandha Maaligai

• Gauravam

• Rajapart Rangadurai

• Thanga Padhakkam

• Baaradha Vilas

• Andhamaan Kadhali

• Aboorva Raagangal

• Aval Oru Thodarkathai

• Ilamai Oonjaladugiradhu

• Moondru Mudichu

• Ninaithaale Inikkum

• Nizhal Nijamaagiradhu

• Bhuvana Oru Kalvi Kuri

1980's:

Rajni emerged as a super hero during this period. This period was dominated by Rajini and kamal.Rajni formed a significant mannerism for him during this period.Karthik

made his debut with the film 'Alaigal Oivathillai' which was a super hit.Actor Prabhu made his debut with the film 'Sangili'.Sathyaraj made his debut with the film

'Kodugal Illaatha Kolangal'.He was initially doing villan roles.He rewrited the looks of a villan in tamil cinema.Later he emerged as a hero.

Some of the Popular films during this period :

• Muthal Mariyathai

• Mr.Bharath

• Kadalora kavithaigal

• Vedam pudidu

• En Bommukutty Ammavukku

• Sattam Oru Iruttarai

• Nooravathu Naal

• Vaidegi Kaathirundhal

• Amman Koyil Kizhakkaley

• Nayagan

• Punnagai mannan

• Sathya

• Unnal Mudiyum Thambi

• Billa

• Jhonny

• Thillu mullu

• Moondru mugam

• Anbulla Rajinikanth

• Nann Adimai Illai

• Velaikaran

• Dharmathin Thalaivan

• Guru Sishyan

• Rajathi Raja

• Raja Chinna Roja

• Agni Natchathiram

1990's:

Many top heroes of today made their debut during this period.Actor Vijay called as 'Ilaya Thalapathi' made his debut with the film 'Nalaya theerpu' in early 90's.The breakthough

for him came from the film 'Poove unakkaga'which established him as good hero.Actor Ajith called as 'Ultimate star' made his debut with the film 'Amaravathi'.The first hit film that

he gave is 'Aasai'.'Cheeyan' Vikram made his debut with the film 'En kaadhal kanmani' in early 90's.But this film was not popular and he had to wait till late 90's for the film 'Sethu'

which was a turning point in his film career.Surya made his debut with the film 'Nerukku ner' as one of the heroes along with actor vijay.But the film that proved surya's ability and

gave him a breakthrough was the film 'Nanda' directed by Bala.Music director A.R.Rahman made his debut with 'Roja'.

Some of the Popular films during this period :

• Panakkaran

• Dalapathi

• Mannan

• Annamalai

• Yejaman

• Baasha

• Muthu

• Arunachalam

• Padayappa

• Kannupada Poguthaiya

• Sendhoorappandi

• Chinna Gounder

• Captain Prabhakaran

• Pulanvisaranai

• Michael Madhana Kamarajan

• Singaravelan

• Indian

• Avvai Shanmugi

• Walter Vetrivel

• Kadhalukku Mariyadhai

• Thulladha Manamum Thullum

• Poove Unakkaga

• Kathal Kottai

• Vaali

• Amarkalam

• Sethu

• Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen

• Ullathai Allitha

• Ponnumani

• Gopura Vasalile

• Kizhakku Vasal

• Chinna Thambi

From 2000 to till today:

I think many heroes and heroines have come, still coming in this period. So the list is so big to write.

Some of the Popular films during this period :

• Dhill

• Dhool

• Saamy

• Anniyan

• Kanthaswamy

• Kushi

• Ghilli

• Poovellam Un Vasam

• Billa

• Kaakha Kaakha

• Ghajini

• Sillunu Oru Kaadhal

• Vaaranam Aayiram

• Ayan

• Chandramukhi

• Shivaji

• Thenali

• Pammal K Sambandham

• Panchathanthiram

• Anbe Sivam

• Vasool Raja MBBS

• Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu

• Dasavatharam

• Ramana

• Thavasi

• Alaipayuthey

• Vaanathai Pola

• 12B

• Dhum Dhum Dhum

• Boys

• Mozhi

• Abhiyum Nanum

• Chithiram Pesuthadi

• Kadhal konden

• Padikkathavan

• Unnai pol oruvan

Music Directors:

Whenever we think of tamil cinema music, we can remember the three great music directors M.S.Viswanathan, Illayaraja and A.R.Rehman.

M.S.Viswanathan :

M.S.Viswanathan has contributed much to the tamil cinema during 60's and 70's.He is fondly called by the people of tamilnadu as 'Mellisai Mannar'.I think he is the

only successful music director who has worked with the superstars of two generations ( Sivaji,MGR) ( Kamal,Rajni ).He is not only a music director but also a very

good singer.One cannot forget the song 'Engeyum Eppodum' in the film Ninathela inikkum in his voice.Some of the mostpopular songs till today are 'Malarndhum

Malaratha'(Paasamalar),'Adaludan Padalai Kettu'(Kudi irundha kovil),'Nenjam Marappathillai'( Nenjam Marappathillai ),'Partha Nyabagam Illayo'(Pudiya Paravai),

'Chippi Irukkuthu' (Varumaiyin Niram Sivappu),'Ninaipathellam'(Nenjil Or Alayam) etc

Illayaraja:

Maestro Illayaraja's melodies are unbeaten till today.He mixed western style of music and folk music in his songs.He dominated the tamil cinema industry from late

70's to 90's.He has worked with almost every actor and every director during that period.He has composed all varieties of songs including carnatic style,folk style,

pop style etc. He has won three national awards for music.Some of ilayaraja's unbeaten melodies ( though the list is endless ) are 'Nilave vaa' ( Mouna Ragam ),

'Poove Sempoove' ( Solla Thudikkuthu manasu ),'Kanne Kalaimane' ( Moonram Pirai ),'Kaathalin Deepam Onru ( Thambikku Entha ooru ) etc

A.R.Rahman:

Rahman has taken the tamil music across tamilnadu,across India and all over the world.He mixed the electronic instruments with traditional musical instruments

and created a new style of music. He introduced many new singers in the industry.He made the 'Vande Mataram' album for 50th anniversary of Indian independence.

He got the prestigeous oscar award for the song 'Jai Ho' ( Slumdog Millionaire ).Nowadays he is working more in Hollywood films than tamil films.Some of his popular

songs are 'Chinna Chinna Asai' ( Roja ),'Kannalane' ( Bombay ), 'Telephone mani pol' ( Indian ),'Mukkala Muqabla' ( Kaadhalan ),'Mitwa' ( Lagaan ) etc.

Comedy:

It is very difficult to make a person laugh continuosly for 5 minutes.That's really a gift.Tamil cinema has seen different varieties of comedy.

Chandrababu:

He was a great comedian ( as well as singer ) during late 40's to 70's.Especially chandrababu has given many philisophical songs with social reforming ideas .His acting

resembled the famous english comedian 'Charlie Chaplin'.His famous songs include 'Puthiyulla Manidharellam' ( Annai ),'Sirippu Varudhu Sirippu Varudhu'

(Andavan Kattalai),'Bambara Kannale' (Manamagan Thevai),'Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga' (Pudhayal ) etc.

N.S.Krishanan:

NSK's comedy tracks not only made us laugh but also made to think.He used to write the dialogues on his own.His comedy always had a message.He and his wife

T.A.madhuram were a good comedy pair those days.He was a favourite person for the honourable chief minister of Tamilnadu Mr.M.Karunanidhi.He was also a good

singer.Some of his popular films are Panam,Madurai veeran,Manamagal,Yar paiyan etc.

The ultimate song sung by him is 'Sirippu'( Rajarani ) in which he explains the different categories of laughing.

Nagesh:

Nagesh was a great comedian during 60's to 70's.He was a good dancer and also acted in character roles.His body language and timing of the dialogue delivery were

excellent. One cannot forgot his comedy in the films 'Thiruvilayadal' ( A character named Dharumni asking questions to lord shiva),'Kaadhalikka Neramillai'

( A character trying to become a film director),'Ethir Neechal' ( A character named madhu ).

Goundamani & Senthil:

This pair dominated the tamil cinema for more than two decades.Their comedy is purely an entertainer.Mostly goundamani will be scolding and beating senthil

and in every film they introduced new words for scolding.Some comedy tracks of this pair are still best entertainers even today but some are monotonous.All time

best comedy tracks of this pair are from the films Karakattakaran,Chinna Kounder,Jai Hind etc.

Vivek:

He is called 'Chinna Kalaivanar' as he is giving social reformic ideas in his films after N.S.kalaivanar.He used to praise our former president Abdul kalam in

his films.He attacked many superstitious beliefs in his films.He is more popular in urban areas as his comedy mostly surrounds them.His best ones are

Saami,Run,Minnale,Kushi etc.

Vadivelu:

He is fondly called 'Black nagesh'.His facial expressions and dialogue delivery made him very popular in rural as well as urban areas.His best comedy

tracks are 'Vetri kodi kattu' ( Along with Parthiban ),'Chandramukhi' ( With Rajini), 'Winner' ( With Prashanth ) etc

Female comedians:

Not very female comedians are there in tamil cinema. But the noted ones are Manorama, Sachu, Kovai sarala etc. Manorama fondly called as 'Achi' who acted

in more than 1000 films initially acted in comic roles in the early part of the career.Later she went for character roles.

Sachu paired with nagesh,Cho etc but not acted in many films.Kovai sarala along with goundamani and senthil acted only in comedy roles.

Heroines:

Today we are seeing a new heroines in almost every film but the popular ones are very.Also heroines have only little scope for acting nowadays and

they are mainly used for glamour with a few exceptions.

Good old heroines ( 50's to 70's ) are Savithri, Saroja devi,Padmini ,Bhanumathi etc. Savithri was called 'Nadigaiyar Thilagam'. Saroja devi attracted with

her sweet childish talk and Padmini by her excellent dance and acting.

Later heroines ( 80's to 2000 ) are Radhika,Radha,Ambika,Revathi,Khushboo,Nadhiya,Amala,Meena,Roja,Madhavi,Bhanupriya etc.

Khushboo is the most popular among all of these. Her fans built a temple for her.

Radhika is an ever green actress. Nadhiya is famous for her smile and hair-dos during that period.Radha and Ambika acted in many films

as pair for Rajini and Kamal.

Most popular modern day heroines are Simran, Jyothika, Laila etc.

Directors:

Good directors of old cinema are Sridhar,S.P.Muthuraman,A.Bhimsingh,K.Shankar,Neelakandan etc.

Ever green 'B' directors of tamil cinema are Bharathiraja ,Balumahendra and Balachander.

Maniratnam is a distinguished director . He has given new dimension to tamil cinema and  helped it to grow across tamilnadu.

Shankar's films are released all over the world though he has directed only few films. Also he is  giving good films as a producer.

Many new directors are coming nowadays but the popular directors of tamil cinema are Shankar,K.S.Ravikumar,Bala,Cheran,Selvaraghavan,Gowtham menon,

Dharani, Sundar C etc

Villans:

Tamil cinema has seen many villans but the greatest are only few. Nowadays you can see new villan in every film, and there is no great significance in their acting.

They just do fighting and say some punch dialogues.

Some of the villans who had a different style in their acting are Nambiyar, R.S.Manohar , Raghuvaran, Radharavi, Prakashraj,Sathyaraj etc.

Singers:

We can see new voices in every film now and it is very difficult to recognise the voices. The tamil songs now use lot of english words, stylish pronounciations etc .

So it is difficult to understand the lyrics.

'Old is gold' singers are T.M.Soundararajan, P.Susila, B.B.Srinivas, A.M.Raja, Jikki etc

Ever green singers are S.P.Balasubramanian, S.Janaki and Chitra.

Good singers in today's tamil cinema are Unnikrishnan, Hariharan, Tippu, Harini, Karthik, Madhu Balakrishnan, Nityashree etc