Before you jump into the conclusion that yours truly is one of those slipper slapping Tamil-only puritans, let me assure you that my intention is far removed from it. My idea is to analyze whether ethnicity has any bearing on performance. Cinema is a creative medium and each artiste is unique. The greatness of the Tamil industry which has survived despite the onslaught of other modes of entertainment rests in its vibrancy. It has had an inclusive character which has been preserved till date. Anyone with talent can find the spotlight and survive here. Several yesteryear stars are not strictly Tamilians. There is no point in listing them out as we all know them too well. While they came from a different linguistic background, they were interested in imbibing the language and cultural ethos of Tamil Nadu. As Indians, we all share certain similarities, but Tamil culture has its own peculiarities. Stars of those days consciously attempted to portray these cultural elements. Credit is largely due to the directors who penned the screenplay set in the Tamil milieu.

With the dawn of the technical marvels in filmmaking, there is a mistaken notion that movies are salable products. It is also held that technology can shoulder a film rather than the cinematic technique. Hence, a huge sum of money is spent on inanimate technology. Similarly, screenplay is not thought out in the total scheme of the social conditions. It is as if in a pipedream. Neither the artistes nor the directors have a feel for the man on the street. The filtered halo around the reigning queens and princes is quite superficial.

We do not clamour that non-Tamilians should not enter the industry. Doing so would be barbaric and going back to the medieval times. But, what we do wish to state is, you are welcome, but please attry to pick up something from us in return for the adulation we give you.