83-459: Kumaravadivel Natarajan (born 12 September 1960) known professionally as Vadivelu , is an Indian actor, comedian and occasional playback singer, having acted mainly in Tamil cinema . He has at least 290 credits to his name . He was a recipient of several awards including two Filmfare Award South and six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards . He was launched in 1988, in T. Rajendar 's En Thangai Kalyani at
166-937: A town or village to screen the films. The first of its kind was established in Madras , called "Edison's Grand Cinemamegaphone". This was due to the fact that electric carbons were used for motion picture projectors. Most of the films screened then were shorts made in the United States and Britain . In 1909, an Englishman, T. H. Huffton, founded Peninsular Film Services in Madras and produced some short films for local audiences. But soon, hour-long films, which narrated dramatic stories, then known as " drama films ", were imported. From 1912 onwards, feature films made in Bombay (now Mumbai ) were also screened in Madras. The era of short films had ended. The arrival of drama films firmly established cinema as
249-611: A Tamil cinema dancing troupe at the " MJ & Friends " Michael Jackson tribute concert in Munich , Germany. As of 2010, he serves as chairman and director of the Prabhu Deva's Dance Academy in Singapore . After a series of cameo appearances in songs from Tamil films, Deva was given his first lead role by director Pavithran in the romantic drama film Indhu (1994). Appearing alongside actress Roja and Sarathkumar , Deva's ability to dance
332-549: A boy playing a flute in the song "Panivizhum Iravu", from the Tamil film Mouna Ragam (1986). He later appeared as a background dancer for a song in the 1988 Tamil film Agni Natchathiram . Deva's first venture as a choreographer was the Kamal Haasan starrer Vetri Vizha (1989). He has since then choreographed for over 100 movies. From choreography, he went into acting. In 1999, Deva, Shobhana and A. R. Rahman performed with
415-847: A career spanning 32 years, he has performed and designed dancing styles and has garnered two National Film Awards for Best Choreography . In 2019, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to dance. Beginning with a series of acting roles in the 1990s and early 2000s, Prabhu Deva featured in several commercially successful films including Kadhalan (1994), Love Birds (1996), Minsara Kanavu (1997) and VIP (1997). After further critically acclaimed performances in Kaathala Kaathala (1998), Vanathai Pola (2000), Pennin Manathai Thottu (2000), Alli Thandha Vaanam (2001) and Engal Anna (2004). Deva then failed to recreate
498-478: A considerable margin. Vadivelu, who has been out of public sight ever since the last State Assembly elections, which tripped him, will be seen again in Marupadiyum Oru Kadhal (2012) in which he plays a quack. As his career as a lead actor was waning following negatively received films such as Tenaliraman (2014) and Eli (2015), Vadivelu chose to return to portraying supporting roles. He portrayed
581-582: A decent market. Tamil films have enjoyed consistent popularity among populations in South East Asia . Since Chandralekha , Muthu was the second Tamil film to be dubbed into Japanese (as Mutu: Odoru Maharaja ) and grossed a record $ 1.6 million in 1998. In 2010, Enthiran grossed a record $ 4 million in North America. Many Tamil-language films have premiered or have been selected as special presentations at various film festivals across
664-518: A few months. Once it was demonstrated as a commercial proposition, a Western entrepreneur, Warwick Major, built the first cinema theatre , the Electric Theatre, which still stands. It was a favourite haunt of the British community in Madras. The theatre was shut down after a few years. This building is now part of a post office complex on Anna Salai ( Mount Road ). The Lyric Theatre was also built in
747-635: A global presence, enjoying strong box office collections among Tamil-speaking audiences in Sri Lanka , Malaysia , and Singapore . Tamil films are also distributed throughout the Middle East , Oceania , Europe , North America , parts of Africa , and Japan . The industry also inspired independent filmmaking among Tamil diaspora populations in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and the West . M. Edwards first screened
830-420: A grand exhibition was organised in Madras . Its major attraction was the screening of short films accompanied by sound. A British company imported a Crone megaphone , made up of a film projector to which a gramophone with a disc containing prerecorded sound was linked, and both were run in unison, producing picture and sound simultaneously. However, there was no synched dialogue . Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu ,
913-425: A lead actor, Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi (2006), also achieved commercial and critical success. His comedic portrayals have been critiqued as using the persona of a misunderstood, mistreated Subaltern rogue, often subject to on-screen violence and ridicule in the style of slapstick comedy. Images and videography of Vadivelu's expressions found a second life despite the corresponding dormancy in his career during
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#1732898840106996-622: A permanent cinema house in Madras—Gaiety, in 1914, the first cinema house in Madras to be built by an Indian. He soon added two more, Crown Theatre in Mint and Globe (later called Roxy) in Purasawalkam . Swamikannu Vincent, who had built one of the first cinema halls of South India in Coimbatore , introduced the concept of "Tent Cinema" in which a tent was erected on a stretch of open land close to
1079-467: A police officer for the first time. In 2022 he had three releases with Theal , My Dear Bootham and Poikkal Kudhirai . Prabhu Deva then delivered an intense performance in the film Bagheera (2023) despite the average reviews received. In 2024, he was seen in Kannada cinema after a long time and shared screen for the first time with Shiva Rajkumar for this period film Karataka Damanaka . He
1162-555: A popular entertainment form. More cinema houses came up in the city. Fascinated by this new entertainment form, an automobile dealer in the Thousand Lights area of Madras, R. Nataraja Mudaliyar , decided to venture into film production. After a few days' training in Pune with the cinematographer Stewart Smith, the official cinematographer of Lord Curzon 's 1903 Durbar, he started a film production concern in 1916. The man who truly laid
1245-480: A press conference, accusing fellow comedian and actor Singamuthu for forgery and financial cheating. Vadivelu, who was previously friends with Singamuthu, purchased land from him but later came to learn that the documents were void. This resulted in the former taking legal action against the latter. In the year 2011, Kaavalan movie with actor Vijay was a remarkable one. During the 2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election , Vadivelu vehemently campaigned for
1328-589: A project, the comedian said, "You've also been asking why I'm not acting yet. Soon, I will make my entry in a grand manner". In 2021, in a significant hint about his return to the Tamil cinema, Vadivelu said that a good thing will happen definitely. On 28 August 2021, joining an over the phone interview with Puthiya Thalaimurai TV , Vadivelu confirmed that his ban was lifted and he has agreed for 5 films with Lyca Productions . First of which will commence shooting in September 2021, named Naai Sekhar . Vadivelu confirmed
1411-404: A reunion with him. Furthermore, Ramlath threatened to go on a hunger strike if Prabhu Deva married Nayanthara. Several women's organisations conducted protests against Nayanthara for bringing disrepute to Tamil culture, burning an effigy of her. Ramlath and Deva divorced in 2011. In 2012, Nayanthara confirmed that she had ended her relationship with Prabhu Deva. Deva has moved to Mumbai and
1494-585: A role alongside Vishal in Suraj 's Kaththi Sandai (2016), before collaborating again with P. Vasu in the horror comedy Shivalinga (2017). Vadivelu then portrayed a supporting role alongside Vijay in Mersal (2017), with critics lauding his performance. A critic from The New Indian Express noted that it was a "brilliant comeback for Vadivelu" and that "his comedy is subtle, yet sufficient". After agreeing to work with Chimbu Deven on Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi ,
1577-576: A selection of silent films at the Victoria Public Hall in Madras in 1897 during the British Raj . The selected films all featured non-fictional subjects; they were mostly photographed records of day-to-day events. The film scholar Stephen Hughes points out that within a few years there were regular ticketed shows in a hall in Pophams Broadway, started by one Mrs. Klug, but this lasted only for
1660-405: A sequel to their successful film, he fell out with the director over an issue regarding his costume designer and subsequently refused to cooperate. The film's producers, S. Shankar and Subaskaran Allirajah , later filed a legal case over his unexplained absence. Likewise, R. K. and Stephen, the producers of Neeyum Naanum Naduvula Peyum and another untitled film, also opted to file complaints to
1743-399: A servant who loses his hand for acting on the whims of his adored landlord. This raised attention, and the revisiting of Mari Selvaraj 's earlier condemning letter to Kamal Haasan , the scriptwriter-lead of the movie, for its unchecked glorification of oppressor caste lifestyles and privileges. This renewed controversy has placed Vadivelu in new light, especially given his filmography where he
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#17328988401061826-460: A standard deviation of ±10 lakh tickets during 2011–16. The Chennai film industry produced the first nationally distributed film across India in 1948 with Chandralekha . They have one of the widest overseas distribution, with large audience turnout from the Tamil diaspora . They are distributed to various parts of Asia, Africa, Western Europe, North America and Oceania. Many successful Tamil films have been remade by other film industries. It
1909-399: A streetwise hairstylist who inadvertently attracts the attention of a young woman, who he tries to help set up with another man but instead falls in love with her. Featuring Deva alongside Arvind Swamy and Kajol , the film went on to win four National Film Awards , three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and a Filmfare Award mostly for the film's soundtrack by Rahman. Meanwhile, Deva also won
1992-572: A studio, the first in south India, was set up in Madras at 10 Millers Road, Kilpauk. He called it the India Film Company. Rangavadivelu, an actor from Suguna Vilasa Sabha, a theatre company then, was hired to train the actors. Thirty-five days later, the first feature film made in south India, The Extermination of Keechakan / Keechakavatham , based on an episode from the Mahabharata , was released produced and directed by R. Nataraja, who established
2075-682: A successful photographer , took over the equipment after the exhibition and set up a tent cinema near the Madras High Court . With this equipment, he screened the short films Pearl Fish and Raja's Casket in the Victoria Public Hall. When this proved successful, he screened the films in a tent set up in Esplanade. These tent events were the true precursors of the cinema shows. Naidu travelled with this unit to Burma (now Myanmar ) and Sri Lanka , and when he had gathered enough money, he put up
2158-568: A wide theatrical release in overseas destinations and won Deva positive reviews for his portrayal. Meanwhile, for Mr. Romeo , Deva charged a comparatively high ₹60 lakhs for his remuneration and appeared in a double role alongside Shilpa Shetty and Madhoo . The music and dance portions of both films were praised by critics, though both endured middling performances at the box office. Deva won critical acclaim for his role in Rajiv Menon 's romantic drama Minsara Kanavu (1997), where he portrayed
2241-451: A worker in patriarch Sivaji Ganesan 's household. Vadivelu's first solo came in director Shankar 's Kadhalan (1994), in which he played the friend of Prabhu Deva 's student character. He made his singing debut with the song 'Ettanaa Irundha' from the film Ellame En Rasathan (1995). They were also considered sidekicks for an older generation of heroes, which included Kamal Haasan , Rajinikanth , Vijayakanth and young heroes in
2324-528: Is Bliing (2015). Prabhu Deva was born on 3 April 1973 in Mysore , Mysore State (present-day Karnataka state) to Mugur Sundar and Mahadevamma Sundar. Inspired by his father Mugur Sundar , a choreographer for South Indian movies , he took up dancing, learning Indian classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam from Dharmaraj and Udupi Lakshminarayanan. as well as Western styles. Raju Sundaram and Nagendra Prasad are his brothers. Deva first appeared as
2407-754: Is estimated by the Manorama Yearbook 2000 (a popular almanac) that over 5,000 Tamil films were produced in the 20th century. Tamil films have also been dubbed into other languages, thus reaching a much wider audience. There has been a growing presence of English in dialogue and songs in Chennai films. It is not uncommon to see movies that feature dialogue studded with English words and phrases, or even whole sentences. Some movies are also simultaneously made in two or three languages (either using subtitles or several soundtracks). Chennai's film composers have popularised their highly unique, syncretic style of film music across
2490-711: Is heavy-handedly cast in the role of the mistreated and ridiculed Subaltern friend of the protagonist. In December 2023, he wins Best Actor award for Maamannan at Chennai International Film Festival . Vadivelu's roles involve heavy use of slapstick and puns, which has led him to be typecast . His comedy sequences typically end with him getting thrashed and a closing quip from him bemoaning his situation or antagonists. His popularity has been described as stemming from audiences identifying with his rustic appearance, accent, and body language. Vadivelu's dialogues served as an inspiration for memes in social media. Many meme creators use Vadivelu's dialogues for all ongoing situations in
2573-566: Is known to assist directors, with his own input being used during sets. The hallmark of his comedy was self-deprecation. Vadivelu's characters thought very highly of themselves – they were clownish versions of the gang leader. After a certain stage of success, he started to act as a solo comedian, supported by other minor comedians. He starred in movies as Kaathala Kaathala (1998), Kannathal (1998), Viralukketha Veekkam (1999), Nesam Pudhusu (1999), Mudhalvan (1999), Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa (1999) and Paattali (1999). As
Vadivelu - Misplaced Pages Continue
2656-1167: Is residing at Boney Kapoor 's old place called Green Acres. Prabhu Deva's mother Mahadevamma is from the village of Doora , about 17 kilometres (11 mi) from Mysore . He owns property in Doora, and has developed a farm there. In May 2020, amid the COVID-19 lockdown in India , Deva married Himani, a Mumbai based physiotherapist. He had a fourth child, a girl, on 13 June 2023. Deva made brief appearances in solo items such as "April Mayile" in Idhayam (1991), "Lallaku Doldapi Ma" in Suriyan (1992), "Chinna Rasave" in Walter Vetrivel (1993), " Chikku Bukku Rayile " in Gentleman (1993), after appearing as junior artist in songs such as "Rajathi Raja" in Agni Natchathiram (1988). He performed with Madhuri Dixit in
2739-448: Is to sweep out Vijayakanth's whole team and to campaign vigorously for DMK's victory". Vadivelu was criticised as being biased, only supporting a DMK-led victory for personal gains and not once mentioning anything against the official opposition, the AIADMK, or its leader. In a turn of events, the election was eventually successful for the AIADMK alliance, and Vijayakanth won his constituency by
2822-738: The Central Board of Film Certification alone were eligible for tax exemption and those with an "A" certificate could not fit into this category. There are three major roles in the Tamil film value chain viz producer, distributor and exhibitor. The distributor purchases theatrical distribution rights from the producer for exhibiting the film in a defined territory. The distributor performs enhanced functions such as: There are three popular approaches to transfer of distribution rights via distribution contracts: There are four popular approaches to transfer of exhibition rights via exhibition contracts: Film studios in Chennai are bound by legislation, such as
2905-648: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its alliance. During his public speeches, he predominantly condemned politician and actor Vijayakanth , whose party, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), allied with the opposition party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), headed by Jayalalithaa . His allegations of Vijayakanth included him being a "drunkard". In a campaign speech in Tiruvarur , Vadivelu stated that "(his) only aim
2988-485: The Goundamani - Senthil -Vadivelu combination that produced a few skits in the early 90s. Vijayakanth supported Vadivelu during his early career. He stated that he was substantial in casting him in 1992's Chinna Gounder . In 1992, he played contrasting characters in both Kamal Haasan films. Vadivelu joined Goundamani and Charle in the comedy film Singaravelan . Then in the movie Thevar Magan , Vadivelu played
3071-412: The Madras audience. The legendary Otraivadai drama theatre had been built in 1872 itself in Mint. Many drama halls had come up in the city where short silent films were screened in the afternoon and plays were enacted in the night. The scene changed in 1934 when Madras got its first sound studio. By this time, all the cinema houses in Madras had been wired for sound. Narayanan, who had been active during
3154-822: The Nadigar Sangam against Vadivelu's lack of cooperation. The Tamil Film Producers Council issued a ban against casting Vadivelu in future films. In a video sent to Sun TV , Vadivelu said that a few vested interests are trying to stop his growth in the film industry. In 2019, Vadivelu was interviewed by Behindwoods , in which he criticized Chimbu Deven and Shankar for their creative differences. Producer T. Siva and director Naveen (who worked as an assistant to Chimbu Deven in Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi ) spoke out against Vadivelu's comments. In 2020, Vadivelu, who had recently joined Twitter , has not been taking up as many roles as he did earlier. Adding that he would soon take up
3237-514: The National Film Award for Best Choreography for his work in the song "Vennilave". A critic from Indolink.com wrote: "it is easy to become a fan of Prabhu Deva after this movie if you are not one yet", while Rediff.com referred to his performance as "graceful". Minsara Kanavu performed well at the box office and also had a wide release in Hindi, under the title Sapnay . His following release,
3320-509: The Saligramam neighbourhood in Chennai was pelted with stones by a gang, leaving several windows broken and furniture damaged. The actor had taken refuge in a room in his home and was safe. Vadivelu is said to have suspected Vijayakanth because of a recent case that he had filed against the latter for assault and because the final court hearing was to take place the following day. He suspected that
3403-403: The Tamil -language only. This is in accordance with Government Order 72 passed on 22 July 2006. The first film to be released after the new Order was Unakkum Enakkum . The original title had been Something Something Unakkum Ennakkum , a half-English and a half-Tamil title. In July 2011, strict norms on entertainment tax were passed which stated that films which were given a "U" certificate by
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3486-483: The film projector and silent films from the Frenchman Du Pont and set up a business as film exhibitor . Soon, he tied up with Pathé , a well-known pioneering film-producing company, and imported projectors . This helped new cinema houses to sprout across the presidency . In later years, he produced talkies and also built a cinema in Coimbatore . To celebrate the event of King George V 's visit in 1909,
3569-691: The 2000s began, Vadivelu became the undisputed "King of Comedy. He later went on to perform numerous roles, including Kandha Kadamba Kathir Vela (2000), Vetri Kodi Kattu (2000), Koodi Vazhnthal Kodi Nanmai (2000), Friends (2001), Middle Class Madhavan (2001), Manadhai Thirudivittai (2001), Thavasi (2001), Arasu (2003), Winner (2003), Giri (2004), Chandramukhi (2005), Thalai Nagaram (2006), Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei (2006), Pokkiri (2007), Karuppusamy Kuththagaithaarar (2007), Aarya (2007), Marudhamalai (2007), Kathavarayan (2008) and Ellam Avan Seyal (2008). Cashing in on his popularity, he starred in
3652-716: The 2010s in Indian Internet subcultures. In 2017, The News Minute reported, "Vadivelu's career is not what it used to be but Tamil Nadu still turns to him for a laugh or to a summarize a situation in one line." In 2019, Vadivelu was featured in the sudden viral memes related to the hashtag Pray for Nesamani which was the most trending hashtag in India during the year. Prior to his career, Vadivelu worked in his father's glass cutting business and continued it with his brothers after his father died. In his free time, he participated in local stage plays, usually in comedic roles. In 1988, he
3735-711: The Cinematography Film Rules of 1948, the Cinematography Act of 1952, and the Copyright Act of 1957. In Tamil Nadu , cinema ticket prices are regulated by the government . Single screen theatres may charge a maximum of ₹ 50, while theatres with more than three screens may charge a maximum of ₹ 120 per ticket. Prabhu Deva Prabhu Deva (born 3 April 1973) is an Indian dance choreographer, film director, producer and actor who has worked predominantly in Tamil , Hindi and Telugu language films. In
3818-503: The India Film Company Limited. Despite a century of increasing box office takings, Tamil cinema remains informal. Nevertheless, there are few exceptions like Modern Theatres, Gemini Studios , AVM and Sri Thenandal Films that survived beyond 100 productions. In 2017, opposing the dual taxation of GST (28%) and entertainment tax (30%), Tamilnadu Theatre Owners Association announced indefinite closure of all cinemas in
3901-454: The Kannada film H 2 O . He made a special appearance in Pokkiri (which was directed by himself), with Vijay in the song "Aadungada". He performed again with Vijay in his own directional Villu for the song "Hey Rama" as a guest appearance. He performed with Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Govinda for a song in his 2009 directorial Wanted . He performed at the opening ceremony of
3984-601: The Mount Road area. This venue boasted a variety of events, including plays in English, Western classical music concerts, and ballroom dances . Silent films were also screened as an additional attraction. Swamikannu Vincent , a railway draftsman from Tiruchirapalli , became a travelling exhibitor in 1905. He showed short movies in a tent in Esplanade , near the present Parry's Corner, using carbide jet-burners for projection. He bought
4067-714: The Telugu film industry, appearing in multi-starrer films or as the second lead actor, in projects including Santosham (2002), Kalyana Ramudu (2003) and Andaru Dongale Dorikite (2004). Following the success of his directorial ventures, Deva actively began to appear in fewer acting roles. He portrayed leading roles in the dance film Style (2006). Deva also portrayed a supporting role in Santosh Sivan 's Malayalam historical drama film Urumi (2011), featuring in an ensemble cast including Prithviraj , Arya and Genelia D'Souza . The film opened to critical acclaim, while Deva
4150-705: The attack may have been carried out to prevent Vadivelu from attending the hearing. As a result, Vadivelu filed another case against Vijayakanth for attempted murder. He later mentioned his interest in contesting against Vijayakanth in the upcoming assembly elections and in his words, "teaching him a lesson." In response, actor Vijayakanth, in a press meet on 22 September, claimed that Vadivelu's allegations were based on hearsay . Vadivelu appeared in notables comedy roles such as Villu (2009), Kanthaswamy (2009), Peranmai (2009), Aadhavan (2009), Kacheri Arambam (2010), Sura (2010), Thillalangadi (2010) and Nagaram Marupakkam (2010). In 2010, Vadivelu held
4233-522: The box office began to decline. Despite winning critical acclaim for his performance as a bus conductor in Eazhaiyin Sirippil (2000) and commercial success with his work in Sundar C 's Ullam Kollai Poguthae (2001), Manadhai Thirudivittai (2001) and Charlie Chaplin (2002), many of his other Tamil films during the period did not perform well financially. In this period, he also notably worked on
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#17328988401064316-617: The career peak of the Goundamani - Senthil duo. His popularity led to his media-coined nickname, Vaigai Puyal , referring to the river that flows through his hometown Madurai . Vadivelu has received awards in the Best Comedian category for his performances in Kaalam Maari Pochu (1996), Vetri Kodi Kattu (2000), Thavasi (2001), Chandramukhi (2005), Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei (2006), Pokkiri (2007), Marudhamalai (2007) and Kathavarayan (2008). His first as
4399-543: The constructed nature of their work so that the realistic narrative was wholly dominant, Indian filmmakers made no attempt to conceal the fact that what was shown on the screen was a creation, an illusion, a fiction. However, they demonstrated how this creation intersected with people's day-to-day lives in complex ways. By the end of the 1930s, the State of Madras legislature passed the Entertainment Tax Act 1939 . In 1916,
4482-572: The early cinema were the cultural influences of the country. The Tamil -language was the medium in which many plays and stories were written since the ages as early as the Cholas . They were highly stylised and nature of the spectacle was one which could attract the people. Along with this, music and dance were one of the main entertainment sources. There is a strong Indian tradition of narrating mythology, history, fairy tales and so on through song and dance. Whereas Hollywood filmmakers strove to conceal
4565-487: The film One Two Three, The Winners (2002) along with Jyothika and real-life brothers, Raju Sundaram and Nagendra Prasad , as well as Siddique 's successful hit Engal Anna (2004), with Vijayakanth . Subsequently, Deva moved on to prioritise acting roles in different industries, notably starring in off-beat roles in the Kannada film H 2 O (2002), alongside Upendra and the Hindi film Agni Varsha (2002), with Amitabh Bachchan . He also worked extensively in
4648-492: The first Tamil film to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film , the feat was repeated by Kanchivaram in 2007. Tamil films enjoy significant patronage in neighbouring Indian states like Kerala , Karnataka , Andhra Pradesh , Maharashtra , Gujarat and New Delhi . In Kerala and Karnataka the films are directly released in Tamil but in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh they are generally dubbed into Telugu where they have
4731-480: The foundations of Tamil cinema was A. Narayanan. After a few years in film distribution, he set up a production company in Madras, the General Pictures Corporation, popularly known as GPC. Beginning with The Faithful Wife / Dharmapathini (1929), GPC made about 24 feature films. GPC functioned as a film school and its alumni included names such as Sundara Rao Nadkarni and Jiten Banerji. The studio of GPC
4814-562: The globe, such as Mani Ratnam 's Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), Vasanthabalan 's Veyyil (2006) and Ameer Sultan 's Paruthiveeran (2007). Kanchivaram (2009) was selected to be premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival . Tamil films have been a part of films submitted by India for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language on eight occasions, next only to Hindi. Mani Ratnam's Nayakan (1987)
4897-458: The good news is that he handles the dramatic scenes well too" for his performance in ABCD . Deva returned to Tamil cinema as an actor after a gap of 11 years with the 2016 film Devi , joining hands with director A. L. Vijay . The film was also simultaneously shot in Hindi and Telugu, titled Abhinetri and Tutak Tutak Tutiya . After several delays Thangar Bachan 's film Kalavaadiya Pozhuthugal
4980-526: The latter film, a reviewer from Indolink.com cited that "Prabhu Deva gets a wonderful script and character that he's comfortable in". He subsequently went on to feature in the Guinness World Record -setting film Suyamvaram (1999) and Vikraman 's successful family drama film Vaanathaippola (2000), where critics praised his "histrionic abilities". In the early 2000s, Deva actively began to work on more smaller-budget comedy films as his appeal at
5063-423: The lead role of the historical comedy in the film Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei . The movie was declared a blockbuster and was widely acclaimed for its 'clean' comedy. Vadivelu played in a dual role, playing twin brothers of a heartless but comical dictator king and a revolutionary. His next venture as the lead star was in the movie Indiralogathil Na Azhagappan (2008). On 21 September 2008, Vadivelu's residence in
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#17328988401065146-584: The lifting of the ban, after 4 years, and returned to play the lead in Naai Sekar Returns ; however the movie received a lukewarm response from critics. His next release, in Mari Selvaraj 's Maamannan (2023) sees him returning to the screens. Selvaraj's comments in the soundtrack launch event of the movie suggests that the movie revisits Vadivelu's previous hit performance in Thevar Magan as Esakki,
5229-540: The making like such as Ajith Kumar , Vijay , Prabhu Deva which began rising in prominence, the script required fresh faces for the role of the comedian. He won his first Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian in Kaalam Maari Pochu (1996). The following year, Vadivelu played many films, but his work in Bharathi Kannamma (1997) was successful and its combination with actor Parthiban . Vadivelu
5312-514: The most commercially successful actors, directors and films of Indian cinema. By the end of the 1930s, the legislature of the State of Madras passed the Entertainment Tax Act of 1939. Madras (now Chennai), then became a secondary hub for Hindi cinema , other South Indian film industries, as well as for Sri Lankan cinema . Over the last quarter of the 20th century, Tamil films established
5395-429: The period, Deva also signed a big-budget bilingual Hindi and Tamil production titled Mazhai Vara Poguthey opposite Juhi Chawla . Despite beginning production, the film was later cancelled. Deva continued to win critical acclaim and commercial success with his roles in the comedy film Kaathala Kaathala (1998), co-starring Kamal Haasan and the drama film Ninaivirukkum Varai (1999). Regarding his performance in
5478-427: The romantic comedy V. I. P. (1997), featuring an ensemble cast of Abbas , Simran and Rambha also did well commercially. Indolink.com described the film as "probably the feel-good movie of 1997", adding that "this movie is important as its probably the coming of age for Prabhu Deva" and that "he has definitely matured since his Kadhalan days and shows a lot more restraint and a little flair for comedy". During
5561-574: The silent era, founded Srinivasa Cinetone in which his wife worked as the sound recordist. Srinivasa Kalyanam (1934), directed by Narayanan, was the first sound film (talkie) produced in Madras. The second sound studio to come up in Madras was Vel Pictures, started by M. D. Rajan on Eldams Road in the Dunmore bungalow, which belonged to the Raja of Pithapuram . Before long, more sound studios came up. Thirty-six talkies were made in Madras in 1935. The main impacts of
5644-481: The song "Ke Sera Sera" for the movie Pukar . He acted along with Lawrence Raghavendra in the 2006 Telugu film Style . He performed with Apache Indian in the song "No Problem" for his film Love Birds . He performed in the film Aabra Ka Daabra , for the song "Om Sh". He performed in the Nana Patekar and Karisma Kapoor -starrer film Shakti: The Power (2002) for a song. He performed with Upendra in
5727-646: The songs "Mukkabla" and "Urvasi Urvasi", became very popular across India. Despite starring relative newcomers, the film went on to become the highest grossing Tamil film of 1994 and the commercial success made Deva a bankable actor. The film also saw success through its dubbed Telugu and Hindi versions, creating a market for Deva in other Indian regional industries. While his next project Raasaiyya (1995) garnered poor reviews and collections, he continued to attract big-budget films and worked in two further films with music by Rahman in 1996, Love Birds and Mr. Romeo . Shot extensively in London , Love Birds received
5810-418: The state from 3 July 2017. The strike has been called off and the cinemas will be playing the movies starting Friday 7 July 2017. Government has formed a committee to decide on the existence of state's 30% entertainment tax. It was reported that, per day business loss during the strike was around ₹ 20 crores. Annual admissions in Chennai multiplexes and single screens averaged 1.1 crore tickets with
5893-556: The success of his earlier films and his box office value began to decline and he subsequently made appearances in supporting roles in Tamil. He then successfully ventured into direction with the 2005 Telugu film Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana , and the success of the project prompted further offers for Deva as a director. He then went on to make highly profitable films in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi languages such as Pokkiri (2007), Shankar Dada Zindabad (2007), Wanted (2009), Rowdy Rathore (2012), R... Rajkumar (2013) and Singh
5976-489: The world to express irony. His lines from certain films also influenced the titles for various Tamil films. Tamil cinema Tamil cinema is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Tamil language , the main spoken language in the state of Tamil Nadu . It is nicknamed Kollywood , a portmanteau of the names Kodambakkam , a neighbourhood in Chennai , and Hollywood . The first Tamil silent film , Keechaka Vadham ,
6059-509: The world. Quite often, Tamil movies feature Madras Tamil , a colloquial version of Tamil spoken in Chennai . Keechaka Vadham (1918) was the first silent film made in South India . Kalidas (1931) was the first Tamil talkie film made in 1931. Kalava (1932) was the first full-length talkie made entirely in Tamil. Nandanar (1935) was the first film for American film director Ellis R. Dungan . Balayogini released in 1937
6142-420: Was cast in the action thriller film The Greatest of All Time starring Vijay directed by Venkat Prabhu . Prabhu Deva married Ramlath, who later changed her name to Latha. They had three children, but their eldest son died of cancer in 2008, aged 13. In 2010, Ramlath filed a petition at the family court, seeking directions against Deva from live-in relationship with the actress Nayanthara and requesting
6225-436: Was considered to be first children's film of South India. It is estimated by the Manorama Yearbook 2000 (a popular almanac) that over 5,000 Tamil films were produced in the 20th century. Tamil films have also been dubbed into other languages, thus reaching a much wider audience. There has been a growing presence of English in dialogue and songs in Chennai films. In 1991, Marupakkam directed by K.S. Sethu Madhavan , became
6308-570: Was directed by R. Nataraja Mudaliar in 1918. The first Tamil talking feature film , Kalidas , a multilingual directed by H. M. Reddy was released on 31 October 1931, less than seven months after India's first talking motion picture Alam Ara . Tamil cinema has been noted for its advanced narratives and diverse films, with several productions in the 1990s and early 2000s cutting across ethnic and linguistic barriers. Such films include Roja (1992), Indian (1996), Pokkiri (2007), Enthiran (2010). Tamil cinema has since produced some of
6391-521: Was fully utilised in the song sequences, with gaana and disco music thereafter being regularly featured in his films. He made his breakthrough as an actor with Shankar 's sophomore film, the romantic drama Kadhalan (1994), where he portrayed a young student who first stands up against his lover's father and then an international terrorist. The film was highly lauded for its technical prowess and went on to win four National Film Awards , while A. R. Rahman 's songs and Deva's choreography, especially in
6474-446: Was highly appreciated for his performance with a critic from The Hindu noting: Deva "excels with his standout comic repartee". He continued to make occasional appearances and portrayed leading roles in the dance films Style (2006), ABCD (2013) and its sequel ABCD 2 (2015). The films all performed well commercially, with a critic writing: "regarded as the dance legend by many, Prabhu is, expectedly, incomparable in dances, but
6557-688: Was housed in the Chellapalli bungalow on Thiruvottiyur High Road in Madras. This company, which produced the most Tamil silent films, had branches in Colombo , Rangoon and Singapore . The Ways of Vishnu / Vishnu Leela , which R. Prakasa made in 1932, was the last silent film produced in Madras. The silent era of south Indian cinema has not been documented well. When the talkies appeared, film producers had to travel to Bombay or Calcutta to make films. Most films of this early period were celluloid versions of well-known stage plays. Company dramas were popular among
6640-545: Was included in Time magazine's "All-TIME" 100 best movies list. Average annual film output in Tamil film industry peaked in 1985. The Tamil film market accounts for approximately 0.1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the state of Tamil Nadu . For the purpose of entertainment taxes, returns have to be filed by the exhibitors weekly (usually each Tuesday). The Government of Tamil Nadu made provisions for an entertainment tax exemption for Tamil films having titles in words from
6723-466: Was launched through a small character in T. Rajendar 's En Thangai Kalyani . Vadivelu met Rajkiran on a train while on his way to Chennai to visit his bride-to-be. Rajkiran later recalled that he was so amused by their conversation during the train ride that he agreed to give Vadivelu a role in his upcoming film, En Rasavin Manasile (1991), directed by Kasthuri Raja . It was also the beginning of
6806-518: Was released in 2017. The comedy driven heist film Gulaebaghavali (2018) was released in Pongal festival. Followed by silent film, Mercury (2018) and musical dance Lakshmi (2018). The next was Charlie Chaplin 2 (2019) was released, which is a sequel to 2002 film Charlie Chaplin . He also debuted as a lyricist in the film. After that Deva appeared in Devi 2 , which is a sequel of Devi . The film
6889-586: Was simultaneously shot in Telugu as Abhinetri 2 and Khamoshi directed by Chakri Toleti , both co-starring Tamannaah . Apart from directing Dabangg 3 (2019), Prabhu Deva will also be seen in Remo D'Souza dance flick Street Dancer 3D (2020). Then, Prabhu Deva directed Salman Khan in Radhe (2021), a remake of the 2017 South Korean film, The Outlaws . He has acted in his 50th film as an actor titled Pon Manickavel (2021). In this film, Prabhu Deva will play
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