Kollywood refers to the Tamil-language film industry based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It’s one of the largest film industries in India and is known for producing films with rich cultural narratives, vibrant music, and a strong focus on family-oriented themes, as well as intense action and drama. Kollywood has a loyal fan base, especially in Tamil-speaking regions and among the Tamil diaspora worldwide.
Why is it called Kollywood?
The name “Kollywood” is a combination of:
- “Kol” from Kodambakkam, a locality in Chennai where many film studios are situated.
- “Hollywood” – to emphasize its scale and popularity, drawing a comparison with the Hollywood film industry.
Much like Bollywood and Tollywood, Kollywood grew to prominence by establishing itself as the center for Tamil-language films, and the name “Kollywood” became synonymous with Tamil cinema.
A Few Key Points:
- Film Hub: Kollywood’s headquarters are in Kodambakkam, Chennai, where most of the filming and post-production activities take place. The area is dotted with production houses, recording studios, and film studios.
- Global Impact: Kollywood has a significant global reach, particularly in regions with large Tamil-speaking populations such as Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and countries with a Tamil diaspora.
- Iconic Films and Stars: Kollywood is known for its huge stars like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vijay, and Ajith Kumar, whose films are celebrated across India and internationally. Directors like Mani Ratnam and Shankar have also brought Tamil cinema to global attention.
Fun Fact:
Kollywood has produced some of the most expensive films in Indian cinema, such as 2.0 (the sequel to Enthiran), and Mersal, which have achieved both national and international acclaim.