It is true that the Tamil Drama movement began by the venerable Shankaradas Swamigal lost some of its glamour with the advent of Cinema. But when compared with the vigour with which the drama movement faced the turmoil situation prevailed then, the achievement of Cinema pales into insignificance. Besides, Tamil Drama has the distinction having produced five illustrious, Chief Ministers in Arignar Anna, Kalaignar Karunanidhi, M.G.R., Tmt.V.N.Jaanaki, Selvi Jeyalalithaa . Tamil Dramas proved to be effective ammunition in the country’s fight for freedom Doyens like Viswanathadas, Bhaskaradas whipped up patriotism among the masses in South India using drama as an effective tool.

MGR and Shivaji who later became legends in cine field began their histrionic career under the tutelage of Shankaradas Swamigal in the Boys’ drama company run by him. In Musical Drama the couple KB Sundarambal and SG Kittappa, with their soul rendering performances became the ‘darlings’ of the people. KB Sundarambal even courted arrest for having sung patriotic songs in her dramas. Under the disguise of mythological dramas the artists spread message of freedom. TKS brothers staged social dramas and these dramas brought about social awareness and the freedom struggle was the core theme of many a dramas. Nawab Rajamanikkam also occupies a pride of place in this respect.

Though the literary works of such geniuses like T.Jaanakiraman and Alagirisaamy found a place in Sahasranamam’s Seva Stage, the real effort to give prominence to such work was made by Prof. Ramanujam of Thanjai Tamil University. In order to give new life and lease to Tamil drama he established drama ‘workshops’ (Koothu-pattarai) His artistically modern approach did full the Tamil drama from the rut it was in. He was followed by Naa.Muthuswamy, Pariksha Gnani, Veli Rangarajan and they did give a new direction and dimension for Tamil Drama. Under the circumstances the street dramas created by Badal Sarkar assumed the roleof a social movement and it created such an impact that it had its influence in Tamilnadu as well. Youths inclined towards left odeologies used this as an effective instrument to spread their messages among the masses. In that respect Thiru Piralayan through his Chennai Kalai-Kulu and Tmt. Mangai through her Chennai Kalai-Kulu are making valuable contribution for the renaissance of Tamil drama. Through experiment young artiste like Murugaboopathy are show-casing ancient glories to the modern era.

Art and culture are two most integral parts of human civilization, particularly sculptures, painting and temple architecture. In these respects Tamilnadu stands head and shoulder above all others. As far asbsculptures are concemed the Mahisasa-mardhini belt of sculptures of Pallava Period is really a challenge to anyone of such nature throughout the world says the Principal of Chennai Fine Arts College Thiru Chandru. The metal statues of Nataraja is the finest example. It is the personification of the magnificent concept of the Universe.

So are the Rishaba Vaahana of Lord Siva, Gaja Samharam, Sandiya Nadanam. These depicted in painting as well do illustrate the mastery of Tamilnadu in these fields. The line , life and rhythm found in these master pieces vouch for the sway Tamilnadu still holds in these form of art. Tamilnadu temples built in stone adhering to Sirppa Saastra like the Kanchipuram Kailasanathar Kovil, Thanjavur Brahatheeswarar Kovil and the one at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the role model for all these the Kodumbaloor Moovar temple stand as monuments and fine example of temple architecture and appreciated by the art connoisseurs throughout the world.