Is cinema a positive influence in Tamil Nadu politics?

This episode of InFocus by The Hindu examines the evolving relationship between cinema and politics in Tamil Nadu, tracing its roots to the Dravidian movement’s strategic use of film as a tool for social reform and ideological mobilization. The discussion highlights how figures like C.N. Annadurai, M.G. Ramachandran, and M. Karunanidhi leveraged cinema not just for entertainment but as a 'via media' to shape public consciousness, embedding coded messages in films and theatre that challenged dominant nationalist and caste hierarchies. The conversation then shifts to contemporary figures like Vijay and Seeman, contrasting their approaches: while Vijay embodies a modern 'hero worship' model rooted in charisma and apolitical messianism, Seeman represents a more ideologically driven Tamil nationalist alternative. Experts argue that Vijay’s appeal, though massive among youth, lacks the ideological depth and broad demographic reach of past cinematic-political figures, risking the dilution of Tamil Nadu’s historically critical political culture. The episode also underscores a dual current in today’s Tamil cinema—on one hand, mainstream films that reinforce celebrity-driven populism, and on the other, a growing wave of progressive, independent filmmakers tackling taboo issues like custodial violence, communalism, and Dalit rights. The hosts conclude that cinema’s power lies not in its inherent political influence, but in its role as a medium shaped by political movements, and that Tamil Nadu’s unique resistance to Hindutva hegemony is sustained by a vibrant civil society and critical cinema.