Tamil cinema began in the early 1900s, with the first Tamil film, "Keechaka Vadham," being released in 1918. The industry gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, with the emergence of legendary actors like M.G.R. (Mani Gramamuthu Rajagopal) and Sivaji Ganesan. Over the years, Tamil cinema has evolved, incorporating various genres, themes, and innovative storytelling.