In the early part of the decade, the industry was still dominated by its two biggest icons. MGR continued his record-breaking streak with massive hits, while Sivaji Ganesan remained the master of versatility.
The most dominant force in Tamil cinema during this decade was MGR. Having perfected the "Robin Hood" archetype in the 1960s, MGR’s films in the 1970s—such as Rickshawkaran (1971), Ulagam Sutrum Valiban (1973), and Idhayakkani (1975)—cemented his status as a demigod among the working classes. These films followed a predictable yet powerful formula: the hero fights for the poor, sings philosophical songs, and defeats a corrupt elite. Yet, within this formula, MGR introduced subtle variations, including double roles and exotic locations. His films were not just entertainment; they were political propaganda that paved the way for his eventual rise to Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1977. Simultaneously, Sivaji Ganesan, the great thespian, continued to deliver powerful performances, but his films often veered between grand social dramas like Vietnam Veedu (1970) and historicals like Raja Raja Cholan (1973), showcasing his unparalleled range. old tamil movies list 1970 to 1980
The decade between is often regarded as a golden transitional era for Tamil cinema. It marked the shift from the social dramas of the M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Sivaji Ganesan era to the rise of the "Angry Young Man" persona epitomized by Rajinikanth and the realistic, new-wave cinema led by Kamal Haasan. In the early part of the decade, the
The 1970s and 1980s were a time of significant social and cultural change in Tamil Nadu. The rise of Dravidian politics and the increasing awareness of social issues such as caste, class, and gender equality had a profound impact on the themes and content of Tamil films. Movies like , which explored the struggles of farmers, and "Vayakula Mappillai" (1979) , which tackled issues of caste and social hierarchy, reflected the changing values and concerns of the time. Having perfected the "Robin Hood" archetype in the