Why Tamil Cinema Lags Behind: Misogyny and the Demand for Stereotypes

The question has puzzled many: despite having world-class movies, why do Tamil cinema fail to produce more women-centric films akin to those seen in Bollywood and Mollywood? Is it a result of audience demand or supply, and does it reflect a broader cultural shift?

Demand and Supply

The audience for Tamil cinema is predominantly young men who have been shielded from direct interactions with women, either by choice or societal norms. This has created a significant communication gap, leading to entrenched stereotypes about women. Over time, these stereotypes have become normalized and are unfairly leveraged for economic gain by Tamil cinema. Renowned actors such as Rajnikanth, Kamal, Vijay, and Dhanush have all contributed to perpetuating these archetypes.

However, it would be unfair to wholly blame these performers. They cater to the market, supplying what their audience demands. But there are many educated and cultured Tamil men who respect women equally. For them, movies like Raavanasuram and Kaththi are not merely entertainment but a reflection of societal biases.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of positive change. The song 'Amma Ragangal Mullai' went viral, even garnering praise from world leaders like Barack Obama, despite its problematic lyrics. This highlights the ongoing dichotomy within the Tamil film industry. The song's popularity among young Tamil men raises questions about the deep-seated misogyny within the demographic.

The Progressive Era of Tamil Cinema

Tamil cinema has a rich history of progressive, women-centric stories. The works of directors like K Balachander stand out, showcasing strong and independent female characters. These films, such as Dinagam and Naadineen Varblue, were groundbreaking for their time, challenging societal norms and providing role models for young Tamil girls and women.

The legend of Silappatikaram, one of the five great Tamil epics, offers a stark contrast to contemporary narratives. The story of Kannagi, a woman who burns her own city out of grief and restores justice, set a high standard for female empowerment. Her journey reflects the cultural reverence for women's strength and righteousness.

Current Revival: A Positive Sign

Despite the challenges, there are encouraging signs of change. The film Iraivi (meaning 'Goddess') is a breath of fresh air, signaling a potential renaissance for Tamil cinema. The film features strong female characters and tackles issues of gender inequality, providing a more balanced and empowering narrative.

The lyrics of one of the songs in Iraivi, 'Vaadi Naan Paravai', highlight this shift:

"("Director: Karthik Subbaraj
Music Director: Santhosh Narayanan")"

This song's message of empowerment is a stark contrast to the status quo, suggesting that there is a changing generational attitude towards women in Tamil cinema.

Ultimately, the lack of women-centric films in Tamil cinema can be attributed to the deeply ingrained misogyny among young Tamil men of the 90s and beyond. However, with films like Iraivi leading the way, there is hope for a more progressive and equitable future in Tamil cinema.

This essay is written with great concern for both the current generation and the art form that has taught me so much. The fight for women's empowerment in Tamil cinema is not just about producing more diverse films, but about reshaping societal norms and challenging the status quo.