Tamil cinema — popularly known as Kollywood — is one of India’s oldest and most influential regional film industries. From its silent film origins to today’s global streaming platforms, it has shaped storytelling, music, and culture in remarkable ways.
Understanding this cinematic journey isn’t just about movie appreciation — it’s also a valuable part of India’s cultural knowledge tested in many competitive exams.
That’s why we’ve prepared these handpicked Tamil Cinema GK MCQs, designed to help aspirants of UPSC, State PSC, SSC, and other film-related exams strengthen their grasp of Tamil cinema’s milestones, legends, and contributions.
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Table of Contents
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Tamil Cinema GK MCQs – Set 1 for UPSC & State Exams
This curated quiz covers essential facts from Tamil cinema history — from the silent era to modern Kollywood — to help you prepare effectively for UPSC, State PSC, and film-related exams.
Q1. Which was the first Tamil talkie film?
A. Pavalakkodi
B. Kalidas
C. Sivakavi
D. Chandralekha
✅ Answer: B. Kalidas (1931)
📘 Explanation: Kalidas was the first Tamil talkie, directed by H. M. Reddy. Though parts of it were in Telugu, it marked the dawn of Tamil sound cinema.
Q2. Who is known as the “Father of Tamil Cinema”?
A. K. Subramaniam
B. R. Nataraja Mudaliar
C. Ellis R. Dungan
D. A. V. Meiyappan
✅ Answer: B. R. Nataraja Mudaliar
📘 Explanation: He made Keechaka Vadham (1918), the first silent film in Tamil, and laid the foundation for the Tamil film industry.
Q3. The AVM Studio, one of India’s oldest film studios, was established in which year?
A. 1931
B. 1945
C. 1948
D. 1952
✅ Answer: B. 1945
📘 Explanation: A. V. Meiyappan founded AVM Productions in 1945, and it became a symbol of Tamil cinema’s technical excellence.
Q4. Who directed the landmark film Parasakthi (1952)?
A. K. Balachander
B. Ellis R. Dungan
C. Krishnan–Panju
D. A. Bhimsingh
✅ Answer: C. Krishnan–Panju
📘 Explanation: The film marked the debut of Sivaji Ganesan and was scripted by M. Karunanidhi. It set new political and social narratives in Tamil cinema.
Q5. Which was the first Tamil film officially submitted by India for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film?
A. Thevar Magan
B. Deiva Magan
C. Nayakan
D. Jeans
✅ Answer: C. Deiva Magan (1969)
📘 Explanation: A. C. Thirulokachandar’s Deiva Magan starring Sivaji Ganesan, in three roles, was India’s official Oscar entry in 1969 and is regarded as one of Indian cinema’s greatest films.
Q6. Which film introduced playback singing in Tamil cinema?
A. Nandakumar (1938)
B. Haridas (1944)
C. Chintamani (1937)
D. Thyagabhoomi (1939)
✅ Answer: A. Nandakumar (1938)
📘 Explanation: Nandakumar featured playback singing for the first time, revolutionizing the way music was recorded and performed.
Q7. Who is the first Tamil actor to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
A. M. G. Ramachandran
B. Sivaji Ganesan
C. Gemini Ganesan
D. Kamal Haasan
✅ Answer: B. Sivaji Ganesan
📘 Explanation: Sivaji Ganesan received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1996 for his immense contribution to Indian cinema.
Q8. Which Tamil film is known as India’s first panoramic colour film?
A. Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum (1956)
B. Chandralekha (1948)
C. Haridas (1944)
D. Enga Veettu Pillai (1965)
✅ Answer: A. Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum (1956)
📘 Explanation: It was the first full-length colour film made in Tamil, starring M. G. Ramachandran.
Q9. In which city is the Tamil film industry primarily based?
A. Coimbatore3636
B. Madurai
C. Chennai
D. Trichy
✅ Answer: C. Chennai
📘 Explanation: Chennai (formerly Madras) became the production hub of Tamil cinema since the 1930s.
Q10. Who composed the music for Roja (1992), which brought A. R. Rahman to fame?
A. Ilaiyaraaja
B. Deva
C. A. R. Rahman
D. Vidyasagar
✅ Answer: C. A. R. Rahman
📘 Explanation: Roja, directed by Mani Ratnam, marked Rahman’s debut and globalized Tamil film music.
Tamil Cinema GK for Competitive Exams – Quick Recap
Preparing for competitive exams like UPSC or State PSCs? Strengthen your knowledge of Tamil cinema with these Tamil cinema GK MCQs and practice sets designed for exam aspirants.
Each question reflects the evolving history of Tamil film GK, touching upon milestones, personalities, and achievements that shaped the industry.
Whether you’re attempting Tamil cinema quiz for exams or revising key topics from Indian film history, this guide helps you gain an edge with concise and accurate questions curated for success.
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🎬✨ Bonus Reference: Tamil Films Submitted to the Oscars
Tamil cinema has long drawn global interest for its bold storytelling, strong performances, and socially rooted themes.
It’s no surprise that several Tamil films have represented India on the world stage at the Academy Awards. Here is a reliable list you can use for UPSC, State PSC, and film-studies preparation.
🎬 India’s Official Oscar Submissions — Tamil Films
1) Deiva Magan (1969) — Dir. A. C. Tirulokchandar
➝ India’s first Tamil film officially submitted for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
2) Thevar Magan (1992) — Dir. Bharathan
➝ A landmark rural drama with strong performances by Kamal Haasan and Sivaji Ganesan.
3) Kuruthipunal (1995) — Dir. P. C. Sreeram
➝ A critically acclaimed action-drama, considered technically ahead of its time.
4) Jeans (1998) — Dir. S. Shankar
➝ A big-budget romance known for its visual appeal and global filming locations.
5) Hey Ram (2000) — Dir. Kamal Haasan
➝ A politically layered period drama with strong international visibility.
6) Indian (1996) — Submitted from the Telugu version “Bharateeyudu”
➝ Still worth noting because the original was bilingual, and Tamil viewers often encounter this confusion.
7) Kakka Muttai (2014) — (Withdrawn internally but appears in some lists)
➝ For UPSC reference only; not an official Academy submission.
8) Visaranai (2015) — Dir. Vetrimaaran
➝ A hard-hitting crime drama produced by Dhanush; officially submitted.
9) Koozhangal / Pebbles (2021) — Dir. Vinothraj P. S.
➝ A festival-favorite minimalist drama, India’s official entry.
🏆 Tamil Cinema Oscars Submissions – Key Questions Answered:
Q1. How many Tamil films have been India’s Oscar submissions so far?
A. A total of nine Tamil films have been submitted over the years.
Q2. Was Nayakan (1987) an Oscar submission from India?
A. No, it was not. Many sources confuse this, but it was never submitted officially.
Q3. Which recent Tamil film was submitted for the Oscars?
A. Koozhangal (Pebbles) in 2021.
Q4. Is Indian (1996) counted as a Tamil submission?
A. It was submitted from its Telugu version “Bharateeyudu,” but remains relevant for Tamil cinema context.
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🕰️📚 Retro Exam Tip
Looking for more verified cinema facts for UPSC and State PSCs?
Explore our full Cine GK series for accurate, exam-focused film history notes.
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Boost Your Prep!
Want to test yourself more? Check out: 👉 Tamil Cinema GK – Advanced Questions (Part 2) and explore Cine GK’s Regional Series for other Indian film industries.
Want to Explore the Full Story Behind Tamil Cinema?
Before (or after!) testing your knowledge with the Tamil Cinema GK MCQs, take a deep dive into the fascinating journey of Tamil films — from their silent-era pioneers to today’s global icons.
Read the history of Tamil cinema here: 👉 Kollywood: The Tamil Film Industry — From Silent Beginnings to a Global Force
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Tamil Cinema GK FAQs – Key Questions Answered
These FAQs address common doubts about Tamil Cinema GK topics, exam preparation, and quiz structure — helping you understand how to get the most out of this quiz series.
Q1. Which was the first Tamil talkie film?
A: Kalidas (1931) is recognized as the first Tamil talkie film and is an important entry in Tamil Cinema GK MCQs, marking the beginning of the sound era in Kollywood.
Q2. Who is known as the “Father of Tamil Cinema”?
A: R. Nataraja Mudaliar is widely regarded as the father of Tamil cinema. Knowing this is essential for Tamil Cinema GK MCQs, especially those covering the silent era.
Q3. When was AVM Studios, one of the oldest Tamil film studios, established?
A: AVM Studios was founded in 1945 by A. V. Meiyappan, a key fact in Tamil Cinema GK MCQs on production milestones.
Q4. Who directed the landmark film Parasakthi (1952)?
A: Parasakthi was directed by Krishnan–Panju. Its historical importance is often featured in Tamil Cinema GK MCQs for competitive exams.
Q5. What was the first Tamil film officially submitted for the Oscars?
A: Deiva Magan (1969) was India’s first official Tamil submission for the Academy Awards.
Q6. Which film introduced playback singing in Tamil cinema?
A: Nandakumar (1938) was the first Tamil film with playback singing a frequently asked topic in Tamil Cinema GK MCQs about musical innovation.
Q7. Who was the first Tamil actor to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
A: Sivaji Ganesan received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1996, an important personality-based question in Tamil Cinema GK MCQs.
Q8. Which Tamil film is known as India’s first panoramic colour film?
A: Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum (1956) introduced panoramic color to Tamil cinema and is featured in Tamil Cinema GK MCQs on technical milestones.
Q9. In which city is the Tamil film industry primarily based?
A: Chennai (formerly Madras) has been the hub of Tamil cinema, a key fact for Tamil Cinema GK MCQs covering geography of Indian film industries.
Q10. Who composed music for Roja (1992), launching A. R. Rahman?
A: A. R. Rahman composed the music for Roja, a crucial personality question in Tamil Cinema GK MCQs, highlighting modern Tamil cinema achievements.
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Conclusion
Tamil cinema’s journey — from its silent beginnings to global acclaim — offers a treasure of knowledge for cinema enthusiasts and aspirants alike.
These Tamil Cinema GK MCQs not only test what you know but also help you appreciate the industry’s legacy, creativity, and cultural influence.
Keep exploring our upcoming quizzes and detailed history posts to deepen your understanding of Kollywood and Indian cinema as a whole.
👉 Explore More Regional Cinema GK: Discover the fascinating stories and exam-ready quizzes from other Indian film industries in our regional cinema section and Cine GK series — coming soon to The Reel Retro!
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Further Reading
For deeper insights into Tamil cinema’s evolution and legacy, explore these trusted resources.
- The Hindu – Tamil Cinema Section – Latest features, retrospectives, and industry insights.
- Wikipedia – Tamil Cinema – Learn more about the history of Tamil cinema.
🔖Attribution Note: These external sources will open in a new tab and are provided for reference only. All rights belong to their respective publishers and content owners.
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