The history of Tamil cinema dates back to 1920s when silent films were being made in Tamil Nadu. The Tamil film industry is also known as Kollywood. During the initial years Chennai became the hub of movie making. Tamil films were also screened in this city. For screening the films, naturally a number of cinema halls were also constructed with time. The technologies introduced in the first film studios in Madras were unheard of in the sub continent before. The history of Tamil industry thus, clearly reveals the enthusiasm of the people regarding cinema. The history of Tamil cinema has also witnessed the rise of several talented Tamil directors, actors and actresses.

With the arrival of the talkie films the scenario changed in the Indian cinema. Mythological films started to be made across the country. According to the history of Tamil cinema it is during this time that some of the most prolific actors came to the forefront. M.K. Thyagaraja Bagavadhar, P. U. Chinnappa, M. G. Ramachandran, NT Rama Rao and others rose to stardom. The star system in the Tamil film industry is amazing. The hype and hysteria with which the Tamil actors are bestowed are unprecedented. Later actor like Kamal Hassan, Rajinikanth, Ajith Kumar, Surya Sivakumar, Madhavan, Siddharth and others have lit up the silver screen with their performances. Tamil actresses like Savithri, Banumathi, Padmini, Saroja Devi, Raadhika Sarathkumar Kushboo, Soundarya, Simran, Trisha Krishnan, Asin and others have contributed greatly to make the Tamil film industry a leading one in India.

The history of Tamil cinema can be divided into two eras: Tamil cinema from 1950-70 and Tamil cinema from 1970 to the present day. With time the genre of Tamil films have changed and have become more varied. While there are commercial films to entertain audiences, serious films are also being filmed to educate the masses while entertaining them. Tamil film industry has never backed away from experimenting. Even today it keeps on releasing films that surprise the audiences either with their theme or technology. A gifted group of music directors, cinematographer, choreographers and others have made the Tamil film industry grow.