
In what follows, therefore, we begin with an overview of the key caste clusters discussed in this paper. 3 Tamil caste politics is complex, yet our analysis depends upon a basic understanding of caste dynamics in the state. We support our analysis where appropriate with observations from ethnographic research carried out by both authors. These so-called Backward Castes are increasingly influential in Tamil Nadu and their rise to power has coincided with the cinematic valorization of dominant castes. 3 Whilst this paper does not emerge directly from a particular research project, both authors have be (.)ĤPrimarily drawing on secondary sources and a close reading of multiple films we argue that the films of this period largely carried thematic structures and visuals depicting and glorifying the intermediate castes.This paper focuses on caste as a major element in popular films, and explores how images, screenplay, costumes, dialects and songs depict a certain normative form against which a deviant “other” is constructed. Additionally, we argue that there is a symbiotic relationship between caste politics and cinema particularly through the naturalization of intermediate caste markers and narratives. In this paper we offer an analysis of films since 1985 to suggest that the representations of caste dominance popularized in these movies have served to reinforce a social common sense-following Gramsci (1971) and Pandian (1992)-in which the Thevar cluster of intermediate castes are understood as martial, violent, and socially dominant. Given that politicians have used films to launch and sustain their careers, embed themselves in the public consciousness and shift public discourse in subtle ways, there is a need for analysis of the implicit caste norms and values carried in these films and the impact that they have. This is particularly surprising given the social significance of the medium. 2ģ Likewise, whilst volumes have been devoted to discussing the significance of caste in Tamil politics, there has been less attention paid to the ways in which caste is played out in the cultural sphere of film (but see Srinivas and Kaali 1998). There has been less analysis, however, of the impact of this medium on social relations in the state. All of this, of course, is well known and much has been written about the umbilical link between politics and cinema (Dickey 1993 Hardgrave 1973). Tamil Nadu produces the most films in a year, its landscape is ornamented with cinema posters, cut-outs and fan clubs, and for almost half a century the state has been ruled by politicians who made their names and secured their popularity through their association with the tinsel world (Jacob 2009). 2 Though see Leonard (2015) for a recent exception.Vidya, on the other hand, has the thriller film Sherni, which will have a direct-to-OTT release on June 18. She also has Ajay Devgn starrer Maidaan and Zee 5’s His Storyy in her kitty. Up next, Priyamani has Telugu films Virata Parvam and Narappa in the pipeline. I’m very proud that she’s family, and I wish her a great career.” Ahead of its release in 2010, the actress told BehindWoods, “We don’t meet as often as our parents do. She starred in both the Hindi and the Tamil versions of Raavan, directed by Mani Ratnam. Priyamani has often been asked by the media about her relationship with one of the most acclaimed actresses in Hindi films and how it makes a difference in her approach to work. In 2012, Priyamani spoke highly of Vidya’s bold character in the Silk Smitha biopic. Vidya was recognised for her work in the 2011 film, The Dirty Picture. Priyamani’s performance in the 2007 film, Paruthiveeran earned her the prestigious honour. alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the 2013 film Chennai Express.īoth Priyamani and Vidya have been honoured with National Award for Best Actress. Her first breakthrough on the national scene came with her dance number, 1.2.3.4.


She has made a name for herself by playing various characters in films across languages including Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi. Priyamani kickstarted her career as a model and is one of the most sought-after actresses in the Indian film industry today. Yes, it is a lesser-known fact that the two of the biggest actresses in the country are related. The actress has wowed her fans over the years with her impressive acting prowess and it should not come as a surprise, given the fact that she is the second cousin with a huge Bollywood star, actress Vidya Balan. Currently, she has been impressing the audience with her performance as Suchi in the Manoj Bajpayee-led The Family Man. Last week, South Indian beauty Priyamani rang on her 37th birthday. Are The Family Man Actress Priyamani and Vidya Balan Second Cousins?
