Drought in Tamil silver screen offerings as actors swing to politics

SINCE 2020, there has been a great dearth in new Tamil movies. We have not seen the usual flood of releases from the likes of Suriya, Rajnikanth, Kamal Hassan, Ajith, and Vijay.

As an ardent Tamil movie buff, I have found that films from Kollywood post-pandemic have been lacking in numbers and creativity. There are just three movies that stand out for me in recent times - the 2023 Vijay movie Varisu and Ponniyan Selvan 1 & 2.

Surprisingly, since Covid-19, the Bollywood film industry has capitalised on over-the-top platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime and many films have been gaining popularity, such as the latest hit Mrs which is a remake of the Malayalam movie The Great Indian Kitchen.

Perhaps the trickle of blockbuster new Tamil movies is due to too many actors and actresses from down south swapping the box office for the ballot box. They have made a foray into politics as a natural progression from a career in movies.

There is long history of the phenomenon of movie stars taking the plunge into politics, shaping both the cinematic and political landscape in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil cinema has long been a tool for political expression and activism. Since the 1950s, Tamil cinema has played a vital role in shaping public opinion, mobilising people, and reflecting the social and political ideologies of the time. Early Tamil cinema had strong ties to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, which crusaded the rights of the Tamil people.

Several iconic figures made the leap from the silver screen to the political arena, and their legacy continues to shape the state's political landscape. Those who fancied the cinemas in the '60s to '70s would remember the likes of MG Ramachandran (MGR), a legendary actor who became one of the most beloved political figures in Tamil Nadu.

On my many trips to Chennai, I dare not miss admiring the many imposing garlanded statues of MGR sporting his trademark sunglasses and fez cap. MGR’s popularity as a film star helped him connect with the masses, and he went on to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

J Jayalalithaa, a prominent actress who worked in movies with MGR and was later romantically linked to him, went on to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu multiple times. She maintained a solid connection with the masses, using her image as a strong, decisive leader, much like the roles she played on screen. Many will remember the biopic 2021 movie Thalaivii where controversial actress Kangana Ranaut played Jayalalithaa.

In recent years, we have seen actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, choreographer, playback singer, lyricist, television presenter and social activist  Kamal Haasan make headlines when he entered politics in 2018 with his political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (Centre for People's Justice).

In 2019, I had the good fortune of visiting Haasan at his MNM offices in Chennai. Although his party has not yet achieved significant electoral success, Haasan’s move into politics signals the ongoing trend of Tamil film stars pursuing political careers.

Khushboo, a well-known actress in Tamil cinema, transitioned into politics, and has made great strides in advocating for various social issues, especially women's rights.

Let me not forget to mention the Boss himself, Rajinikanth, the larger-than-life figure in Tamil cinema, who has also flirted with the idea of entering politics. However, he is still on the fence in terms of formally joining politics.

Ilayathalapathy (young commander) Vijay, one of the most popular and influential Tamil actors, launched his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), last November, hoping to replicate MGR's success by leveraging his massive fan base.

Vijay’s on-screen image of the "people’s hero" resonates with a large section of society, particularly among the youth. This makes him a potentially powerful political figure, as his influence could be a significant asset in mobilising voters. His hit movie Mersal (2017) raised issues related to the privatisation of healthcare and corruption in hospitals, which sparked a debate in the political realm.

While cinema today remains a significant part of political messaging, the future of Tamil cinema will likely continue to be shaped by the complex relationship between politics and entertainment.

Political leaders use films, songs, and imagery of popular actors to connect with voters. Moreover, actors often weigh in on issues such as caste politics, Tamil pride, and regional autonomy, further merging the realms of entertainment and politics.

As political narratives become more pronounced, films will increasingly serve as a tool for both political expression and influence. Whether this results in more socially aware cinema or the further commercialization of the industry, the intersection of politics and cinema in Tamil Nadu will continue to evolve.

Saranya Devan

Saranya Devan is a theatre-maker, dance performer and academic. She holds an MA in dance from UCT, and a MA in Bharatha Natyam from the University of Madras.

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