Film industry in the world is very stable and cinema is fancied and adored by millions of people around the world. It is in fact part and parcel of a person’s life. Hence film-makers must focus on what they are producing and whether they have produced it right! The message they convey through their innovations should be substantially meaningful.

They have to identify the flaws in society and script the story to relate the problems rationally. This is not an easy task and should not be taken lightly. Cinema should be entertaining but should not forget its purpose of existence. Is the Tamil film industry using cinema as a media or an entertainment?

Tamil film audience welcomes both kinds. therefore film-makers are giving a blend of both. Enhancing the quality and standard of Tamil cinema totally depends on the audience. Film makers will produce better films when the audience demands better films.

Almost 90 per cent of the Tamil films are below average in standard. In this context, standard means the story and screenplay. The only area Tamil cinema needs to improve are the story and screenplay but these are the vital aspects of a film.

Directors are more focused on producing a commercially successful film rather than an internationally compatible film. There are some remarkable films produced in 2005 such as Kadhal, Chandramukhi, Anniyan, Ghajini and Thavamai thavam irunthu.

Kadhal revolved around lovers of distinct castes who fail in their love marriage due to social boundaries. The specialities of the film were the simplicity in scenes, portrayal of the characters like real life characters and a natural milieu with suitable music and other aspects.

Chandramukhi was scripted with full importance and prominence to the heroine’s role. Jyothika’s tremendous effort in portraying herself as a split personality added spice to the plot with the presence of the super star Rajnikanth.

The ‘ra ra’ song with Telungu lyrics and the ‘laka laka’ verse mimicked by fans of all ages are a few unforgettable memories left over by this film. Anniyan focused on tiny faults of the public such as ignoring the traffic lights, spitting on the road and discounting the consequences of tiny faults which could be punished.

Although it was an exaggerated script with flaws, the grandeur in the making of the film by the director Shanker and Vikram’s performance as a multi-personality were extraordinary. Ghajini revolved around a short term memory loss patient who seeks revenge of the villain who brutally hammered his lover to death. The highlights of the film were the spontaneous Surya and Asin.

Like many films, music also played a major role in the success of this film.

Some of the recently notable films include Thavamai thavam irunthu, ABCD, Kasturiaman and Kanda Naal muthal. These are low budget films with prominence to story and its necessities. They conveyed strong messages by using interesting cinematic twists and turns.

Thavamai thavam irunthu depicts the kind of treatment and support that should be given to parents by their children in their later stages of life. Rajkiran spontaneously expressed himself as a caring father who shed sweat and blood to bring up his children in his poverty.

From time to time creators and producers are awakening the public of the importance of emancipation of women. ABCD, the abbreviation for the names of the main characters, revolves around three women and a man who all these women are in love with.

These women who are hurt by society at certain stages are portrayed as modern, bold and forward thinkers. The film moves interestingly by maintaining the pace of suspense to which woman he will get married to out of the three.

Meera Jasmine is a tremendously talented actress whose talent has not yet been experimented by the Tamil film makers. Kasthuriman reflected her flair. Her facial expressions are clear and poignant. The film moves along with the story without getting out of track. Music fits well with the scenes.

Female film directors are scarce in the Tamil film Industry. Kanda Naal Muthal a romantic comedy, has been directed by a female director. The film moves with humour and seriousness by using them at the right situations.

The success of these films was totally due to their story and screen play. They had a strong base to move along script. Lack of a strong base could hinder the success of the film.

The innovators must hunt for stories before they hunt for the call sheets of actors. It is up to the audience to begin eliminating low grade films and encourage films with heavy plot and message for this industry to see an everlasting bright future.

Karthiga Rukmanykanthan
 

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