User:Ssven2/New Wave films in Tamil cinema

New Wave Tamil cinema, also called Tamil New Wave, is a film movement in Tamil cinema which refers to the time from roughly 2003-2004 (Anbe Sivam, Pithamagan, Autograph and Kaadhal) to present when a new generation of young filmmakers and actors came to prominence in Tamil cinema, influencing the types of films produced, their production and marketing, and the way major studios approached filmmaking. In these New Wave films, the film director took on a key authorial role. Many of these films combine elements of commercial cinema with the complexity of art films unlike traditional commercial cinema. Some of these films also experiment with concepts which were/are new to Tamil cinema. Films categorised as "Off-beat films" or "Realistic cinema" were/are very prominent during this period.

Background
Tamil cinema had a string of revolutionary films beginning from the 1970s onwards. Directors like K. Balachander, Balu Mahendra and J. Mahendran revolutionising the Tamil film industry in the 1970s and early 1980s with films such as Arangetram (1973), Uthiripookkal (1979) and Moondram Pirai (1982) that focused on story and screenplay rather than the just the actors' screen presence to ensure that the films are commercial successes. Then a string of commercial films followed beginning with Sakalakala Vallavan (1982) and less amount of these films were made in the 1980s to late 1990s.

The New Wave Tamil cinema was kickstarted by Bala's Sethu... (1999), which broke all norms about conventional film-making in Tamil cinema. However, the films that paved way for more New Wave films were Autograph (2004) and Kaadhal (2004). Both these films earned critical acclaim and commercial success and inspired more "Realistic" and "Offbeat" films such as Raam (2005), Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei (2006), E (2006), Veyil (2006), Paurthiveeran (2007), Anjathe (2008), Subramaniapuram (2008), Naan Kadavul (2009), Pasanga (2009), Angadi Theru (2010), Mynaa (2010), Aaranya Kaandam (2011), Attakathi (2012), Pizza (2012), Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012), Soodhu Kavvum (2013) and Jigarthanda (2014).

Another popular genre in the New Wave films is comedy horror. This genre was kickstarted by the success of P. Vasu's Chandramukhi (2005), which became a trendsetter for later comedy horror films such as the Muni series, Yaamirukka Bayamey (2014), Aranmanai (2014) and Darling (2015).

Characteristics of New Wave Tamil films
The New Wave Tamil films are usually either independently filmed or are studio-based. They are generally characterised by either one of these aspects — songs are placed in the background of the film's narrative rather than the lead actors lip syncing and dancing to them in exotic locations, a shorter running time, no comic subplot (the comedy remains central to the plot as seen in the films of director M. Rajesh), themes that are sharply observed, tough-minded explorations of rural life and life on the streets. The characters here are rooted in family, culture and tradition but are forced to break with everything because of their personal choices — usually love or ambition.

Notable films
The following are a chronological list of notable New Wave Films that featured in this period.


 * Sethu... (1999)
 * Nandha (2001)
 * Anbe Sivam (2003)
 * Parthiban Kanavu (2003)
 * Nala Damayanthi (2003)
 * Kaadhal Kondein (2003)
 * Kaakha Kaakha (2003)
 * Boys (2003)
 * Pithamagan (2003)
 * Iyarkai (2003)
 * Soori (2003)
 * Virumaandi (2004)
 * Autograph (2004)
 * Perazhagan (2004)
 * Azhagiya Theeye (2004)
 * 7G Rainbow Colony (2004)
 * Kaadhal (2004)
 * Raam (2005)
 * Chandramukhi (2005)
 * Arinthum Ariyamalum (2005)
 * Anniyan (2005)
 * Ponniyin Selvan (2005)
 * Chidambarathil Oru Appasamy (2005)
 * Ghajini (2005)
 * Thavamai Thavamirundhu (2005)
 * Navarasa (2005)
 * Chithiram Pesuthadi (2006)
 * Pattiyal (2006)
 * Kokki (2006)
 * Pudhupettai (2006)
 * Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei (2006)
 * Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006)
 * Emmtan-Magan (2006)
 * Sillunu Oru Kaadhal (2006)
 * E (2006)
 * Veyil (2006)
 * Mozhi (2007)
 * Paruthiveeran (2007)
 * Muni (2007)
 * Chennai 600028 (2007)
 * Periyar (2007)
 * Sivaji (2007)
 * Kireedam (2007)
 * Pallikoodam (2007)
 * Sringaram (2007)
 * Kattradhu Thamizh (2007)
 * Polladhavan (2007)
 * Onbadhu Roobai Nottu (2007)
 * Evano Oruvan (2007)
 * Oram Po (2007)
 * Kalloori (2007)
 * Pirivom Santhippom (2008)
 * Anjathe (2008)
 * Velli Thirai (2008)
 * Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008)
 * Santosh Subramaniam (2008)
 * Arai En 305-il Kadavul (2008)
 * Dasavathaaram (2008)
 * Subramaniapuram (2008)
 * Saroja (2008)
 * Kadhalil Vizhunthen (2008)
 * Vaaranam Aayiram (2008)
 * Poo (2008)
 * Abhiyum Naanum (2008)
 * Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu (2009)
 * Naan Kadavul (2009)
 * Siva Manasula Sakthi (2009)
 * Yavarum Nalam (2009)
 * Kanchivaram (2009)
 * Pattalam (2009)
 * Ayan (2009)
 * Pasanga (2009)
 * Naadodigal (2009)
 * Achchamundu! Achchamundu! (2009)
 * Ninaithale Inikkum (2009)
 * Eeram (2009)
 * Peranmai (2009)
 * Renigunta (2009)
 * Aayirathil Oruvan (2010)
 * Goa (2010)
 * Thamizh Padam (2010)
 * Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (2010)
 * Angadi Theru (2010)
 * Goripalayam (2010)
 * Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam (2010)
 * Kalavani (2010)
 * Madrasapattinam (2010)
 * Baana Kaathadi (2010)
 * Sindhu Samaveli (2010)
 * Boss Engira Bhaskaran (2010)
 * Enthiran (2010)
 * Mynaa (2010)
 * Va (2010)
 * Nandalala (2010)
 * Easan (2010)
 * Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010)
 * Aadukalam (2011)
 * Yuddham Sei (2011)
 * Payanam (2011)
 * Kullanari Koottam (2011)
 * Ko (2011)
 * Vaanam (2011)
 * Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai (2011)
 * Aaranya Kaandam (2011)
 * Deiva Thirumagal (2011)
 * Muni 2: Kanchana (2011)
 * Mankatha (2011)
 * Engaeyum Eppothum (2011)
 * Muran (2011)
 * Vaagai Sooda Vaa (2011)
 * Vellore Maavattam (2011)
 * 7aum Arivu (2011)
 * Mayakkam Enna (2011)
 * Mouna Guru (2011)
 * Nanban (2012)
 * Marina (2012)
 * Ambuli (2012)
 * Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi (2012)
 * Aravaan (2012)
 * Kazhugu (2012)
 * 3 (2012)
 * Oru Kal Oru Kannadi (2012)
 * Vazhakku Enn 18/9 (2012)
 * Naan Ee (2012)
 * Attakathi (2012)
 * Naan (2012)
 * Sundarapandian (2012)
 * Saattai (2012)
 * English Vinglish (2012)
 * Pizza (2012)
 * Aarohanam (2012)
 * Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012)
 * Neerparavai (2012)
 * Kumki (2012)
 * Haridas (2013)
 * Paradesi (2013)
 * Chennaiyil Oru Naal (2013)
 * Udhayam NH4 (2013)
 * Ethir Neechal (2013)
 * Soodhu Kavvum (2013)
 * Neram (2013)
 * Maryan (2013)
 * Thanga Meenkal (2013)
 * Moodar Koodam (2013)
 * Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum (2013)
 * Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara (2013)
 * Pandiya Naadu (2013)
 * Pizza II: Villa (2013)
 * Thalaimuraigal (2013)
 * Goli Soda (2014)
 * Pannaiyarum Padminiyum (2014)
 * Thegidi (2014)
 * Vallinam (2014)
 * Cuckoo (2014)
 * Nedunchaalai (2014)
 * Naan Sigappu Manithan (2014)
 * Vaayai Moodi Pesavum (2014)
 * Yaamirukka Bayamey (2014)
 * Kochadaiiyaan (2014)
 * Manjapai (2014)
 * Mundasupatti (2014)
 * Saivam (2014)
 * Arima Nambi (2014)
 * Sathuranga Vettai (2014)
 * Velaiilla Pattadhari (2014)
 * Jigarthanda (2014)
 * Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam (2014)
 * Salim (2014)
 * Sigaram Thodu (2014)
 * Aranmanai (2014)
 * Jeeva (2014)
 * Madras (2014)
 * Naaigal Jaakirathai (2014)
 * Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014)
 * Pisaasu (2014)
 * Kappal (2014)
 * Kayal (2014)
 * Darling (2015)
 * Tamizhuku En Ondrai Azhuthavum (2015)
 * Rajathandhiram (2015)
 * Bench Talkies - The First Bench (2015)
 * Enakkul Oruvan (2015)
 * Kanchana 2 (2015)
 * Purampokku Engira Podhuvudamai (2015)
 * Uttama Villain (2015)
 * 36 Vayadhinile (2015)
 * Demonte Colony (2015)
 * Kaaka Muttai (2015)
 * Indru Netru Naalai (2015)
 * Papanasam (2015)
 * Orange Mittai (2015)
 * Thani Oruvan (2015)
 * Maya (2015)
 * Kirumi (2015)
 * Kuttram Kadithal (2015)
 * Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015)
 * Thoongaa Vanam (2015)
 * 144 (2015)
 * Kirumi (2015)
 * Irudhi Suttru (2016)
 * Visaranai (2016)
 * Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum (2016)
 * Thozha (2016)
 * 24 (2016)
 * Iraivi (2016)
 * Kabali (2016)
 * Dharma Durai (2016)
 * Joker (2016)
 * Kuttramae Thandanai (2016)
 * Aandavan Kattalai (2016)
 * Kaashmora (2016)
 * Chennai 600028 II (2016)
 * Maanagaram (2017)
 * Kuttram 23 (2017)
 * 8 Thottakkal (2017)
 * Aval (2017)
 * Oru Kidayin Karunai Manu (2017)
 * Vikram Vedha (2017)
 * Taramani (2017)
 * Aruvi (2017)
 * Kurangu Bommai (2017)
 * Meyaadha Maan (2017)
 * Aramm (2017)
 * Theeran Adhigaram Ondru (2017)
 * Sathya (2017)
 * Merku Thodarchi Malai (2018)
 * Peranbu (2018)
 * 96 (2018)
 * Pariyerum Perumal (2018)

List of important figures in the era

 * Writers and directors


 * A. L. Vijay
 * AR Murugadoss
 * Arivazhagan Venkatachalam
 * Ameer
 * Bala
 * Balaji Mohan
 * Balaji Sakthivel
 * Cheran
 * Chimbu Deven
 * Gautham Menon
 * Gokul
 * Jeyamohan
 * K. V. Anand
 * Karthik Subbaraj
 * Lakshmy Ramakrishnan
 * M. Rajesh
 * M. Saravanan
 * M. Sasikumar
 * Madhan Karky
 * Mohan Raja
 * Mysskin
 * Nalan Kumarasamy
 * Pa. Ranjith
 * Pandiraj
 * Prabhu Solomon
 * Radha Mohan
 * Raghava Lawrence
 * S. Shankar
 * S. P. Jananathan
 * S. S. Rajamouli
 * Seenu Ramasamy
 * Selvaraghavan
 * Silambarasan
 * Subha
 * Sudha Kongara
 * Sujatha Rangarajan
 * Sundar C.
 * Suseenthiran
 * Thangar Bachan
 * Thiagarajan Kumararaja
 * Vasanthabalan
 * Venkat Prabhu
 * Vetrimaaran
 * Vishnuvardhan
 * Vijay Milton
 * Vikram Kumar


 * Producers and distributors


 * A. M. Rathnam
 * AR Murugadoss
 * Arya
 * C. V. Kumar
 * Dayanidhi Azhagiri
 * Dhanush
 * Elred Kumar
 * G. Dhananjayan
 * N. Lingusamy
 * N. Subash Chandrabose
 * P. Madhan
 * S. Shankar
 * Udhayanidhi Stalin
 * Vetrimaaran
 * Vishal

Below is a list of actors who are/were prominent/who made their debuts/who made their breakthroughs during this period.
 * Actors


 * Aadhi
 * Aadukalam Naren
 * Aadukalam Murugadoss
 * Aishwarya Rajesh
 * Ajith Kumar
 * Ajmal Ameer
 * Amala Paul
 * Anandhi
 * Anjali
 * Ananya
 * Appukutty
 * Arya
 * Arulnithi
 * Ashok Selvan
 * Ashwin Kakumanu
 * Atharvaa
 * Bagavathi Perumal
 * Bala Saravanan
 * Bharath
 * Bindu Madhavi
 * Bobby Simha
 * Cheran
 * Chithra Lakshmanan
 * Daniel Balaji
 * Dhanush
 * Dhansika
 * Dinesh Ravi
 * Dulquer Salmaan
 * G. V. Prakash Kumar
 * Ganja Karuppu
 * Gayathrie
 * Guru Somasundaram
 * Iniya
 * Jagan
 * Jai
 * Janani Iyer
 * Jayam Ravi
 * Jayaprakash
 * Jeevan
 * Jiiva
 * John Vijay
 * Jyothika
 * Kalaiyarasan
 * Kamal Haasan
 * Karthi
 * Karthik Kumar
 * Karthika Nair
 * Karunakaran
 * Karunas
 * Kathir
 * Keerthy Suresh
 * Kishore
 * Kreshna
 * Lakshmi Menon
 * M. Sasikumar
 * M. S. Bhaskar
 * Manobala
 * N. Santhanam
 * Nakul
 * Nandha Durairaj
 * Nandita Swetha
 * Nassar
 * Nayantara
 * Nazriya Nazim
 * Nithya Menen
 * Oviya
 * Pasupathy
 * Ponvannan
 * Prakash Raj
 * Prasanna
 * Premgi Amaren
 * Prithviraj Sukumaran
 * Priya Anand
 * Priyamani
 * R. Madhavan
 * Raai Laxmi
 * Raghava Lawrence
 * Rajendran
 * Rajinikanth
 * Ravi Krishna
 * Remya Nambeesan
 * Ritika Singh
 * S. J. Surya
 * Samantha Akkineni
 * Sampath Raj
 * Samuthirakani
 * Sanchita Shetty
 * Sandhya
 * Saranya Ponvannan
 * Sathyan
 * Shaam
 * Shiva
 * Shruti Haasan
 * Siddharth
 * Silambarasan
 * Singampuli
 * Sivakarthikeyan
 * Sneha
 * Soori
 * Srikanth
 * Sriman
 * Subbu Panchu Arunachalam
 * Sudeep
 * Sundar C.
 * Suriya
 * Swathi Reddy
 * Taapsee Pannu
 * Tamannaah
 * Thambi Ramaiah
 * Trisha
 * V. I. S. Jayapalan
 * Vaibhav Reddy
 * Vadivelu
 * Vasundhara Kashyap
 * Vedhicka
 * Vivek
 * Vidharth
 * Vimal
 * Vijay
 * Vijay Antony
 * Vijay Sethupathi
 * Vikram
 * Vikram Prabhu
 * Vishal
 * Vishnu Vishal
 * VTV Ganesh