Hotel Green Park in Vadapalani, Chennai was abuzz
with activity on the 2nd of March, 2011. It was the
launch of the book ‘The Best of Tamil Cinema-
1931 to 2010’ authored by G. Dhananjayan, Chief
of UTV Motion Pictures, South. Stars shined down at
the Hotel as several eminent film personalities such
as Kamal Hassan, Balu Mahendra, Mahendran, Selvaraghavan,
Cheran, Bhagyaraj, Thangar Bachchan and Mysskin graced
the occasion.
The book speaks about the past 80 years of Tamil Cinema.
Giving a gist about the book, the author Mr. Dhananjayan
told that there are 4979 direct Tamil films, about
1000 hits and super hits and several national and
state awards. He also mentioned that Tamil cinema
was known for its creativity in Indian Cinema and
that the book covers all these aspects in two volumes
spanning over 700 pages.
‘Ulaganayagan’ Padmashree Dr. Kamal Hassan
launched the first copy of the book as the audience
cheered. This was followed by each of the chief guests
speaking about the book and the feat that the author
has achieved. Here is a gist of what they had to say.
Balu Mahendra:
Thanks to Mr. Dhananjayan for bringing out such a
great book and also dedicating it to the pioneers
of Tamil Cinema. Authoring a book like this is no
easy task for more than anything else the person doing
it should have immense love and passion for Tamil
cinema. It is obvious that a lot of effort has gone
into this book and that has culminated to a great
result. A great job done by Mr. Dhananjayan.
Cheran:
A book like this has not been seen before. It will
serve as a guide and a history book to all budding
film makers like me and also for film makers in future.
This book is going to be remembered for years to come
and great work by the author to have made such a useful
book.
Mahendran:
An unbelievable feat has been achieved. Frankly speaking,
two years of great hard work has gone into this book
and hence it deserves all the praises. It is a great
book with two volumes, very beautifully written and
highly beneficial.
Bhagyaraj:
In the book I saw clipping of a 1930s film called
Matrubhumi and in that the heroine removes her ‘thaali’
and throws it away. But when I made my heroine do
the same in my film Pudhiya Varpugal, I was wondering
how audience would take it and it became a bit controversial.
But after seeing this book I realized that this had
been tried in the 1930s movie also. We all learn from
history and this book will serve as the history book
for all the learners of Tamil Cinema.
Mysskin:
Two years ago when Mr. Dhananjayan told me he was
going to author a book like this I did not believe
him. I thought it was just all talks and no action.
But today, I am awed and a bit jealous that he managed
to do it with so much effort. This book proves his
involvement with cinema even though he was only a
producer in the beginning. It is a great book. It
is like watching film because the book has a lot of
visuals- interesting posters and pictures of the films
which are a delight to see.
Thangar Bachchan:
Now days, there are several movies coming up and all
of them seem to be romantic films or masala films.
Is this what Tamil Cinema all about? This book talks
about how Tamil Cinema’s rich history was and
how great films were made back then.
Selvaraghavan:
This book is much more than what words describe. It
shows the variety Tamil cinema had. We do need masala
films now and then, because they are fun to watch.
When I watch Pokkiri Pongal song I feel like dancing.
Such films are certainly necessary to add to the variety.
Cinema, just like a coin, has two sides which have
to co-exist to be complete. In the same way, Tamil
Cinema is complete with the co existence of realistic
films and commercial films.
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