A new wave of young filmmakers is raising the bar for local Tamil cinema, bringing fresh narratives and professional quality honed on digital platforms with them. The National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) says the generational shift is driving a significant transformation in the local Tamil film industry.
FINAS Chief Executive Officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said that the emergence of young directors transitioning from YouTube and social media content to full-length feature films has led to remarkable improvements in the quality of local Tamil productions. He cited the recent release ‘Mirugasirisham’ as a standout example of how first-time filmmakers are making their mark.
“The film I watched recently, Mirugasirisham, showcases the kind of quality often seen in works by first-time filmmakers. These are people who started out creating content for social media and Youtube, and now they’re making films, and the results are truly impressive”, he said in an interview with Bernama.
Azmir praised the film’s storytelling, direction, and acting, saying it was comparable to Tamil films from India, an achievement made even more significant by the fact that the creators are newcomers to the industry.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the storytelling, direction, and acting. The quality is on par with Tamil films from India. The issue is that this film hasn’t been widely promoted. Many viewers still assume that local films aren’t worth watching in cinemas, but productions like this prove otherwise’.
A Broader Commitment to Language and Genre
Azmir also reiterated FINAS’s commitment to inclusivity across the local film industry, saying the agency provides support regardless of a film’s language or genre. He added that FINAS actively engages with filmmakers from the Tamil community to better understand their needs, challenges, and current trends.
“We don’t limit support based on language or genre. We’re open to all creative voices and continue to work closely with Tamil filmmakers,”
He pointed to the success of last year’s C4 Cinta, a local Tamil-language film that grossed over RM2.5 million at the box office, more than double the average earnings of previous titles in the same category. According to Azmir, such achievements signal a shift in both production quality and public reception.
He also revealed that the acclaimed team behind Jagat will be releasing two new films this year, Macai and Neer Mel Neruppu, one of which is a festival-style feature expected to carry strong artistic and technical merit.
Industry Potential and The Role of Audience Support
Dr.Sai Suthan Krishnan, general manager of Five Star Trading, and the producer of Mirugasirisham, echoed Azmir’s words and called for greater audience support for local Tamil cinema.
Despite the film receiving rave reviews across different communities, he noted that box office returns remain overwhelming, a challenge he believes can be overcome with better exposure and community backing.
“There are many young and emerging talents in Malaysia who are simply waiting for the right opportunity to showcase their filmmaking skills and tell stories that reflect our regional and cultural roots”, he said.
Mirugasirisham was developed two years ago by a young creative team from Sage Heroes, led by writer-director Vijay Ganesh.
“We discovered a strong script by Vijay Ganesh and a talented young team at Sage Heroes. With a like- minded and passionate cast and crew, Mirugasirisham came to life after two years in production.”
“Every Malaysian who has watched the film, whether Indian or from other communities, has given glowing reviews, particularly for its storytelling and technical aspects. It’s an engaging and entertaining two and a half hours, well spent in the cinema appreciating the film’s sound and visuals,” said Dr.Sai Suthan.
He stressed that strong box office numbers are important in convincing investors to take a chance on new talent, helping to realize bigger artistic dreams and produce films of international calibre.
A Cinematic Turning Point
With institutional support from FINAS and a growing roster of passionate, young creatives, Malaysian Tamil cinema appears to be entering a new chapter, one marked by higher standards, cultural storytelling, and greater ambition.
But as both Dr. Sai Suthan and Azmir emphasise, the road to sustainable growth begins not just with better films but with audiences willing to believe in it and show up for their own stories on the big screen.
Sources: Bernama
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