Original Article ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts

ISSN (Online): 2582-7472 International Conference on Innovative Techniques in Artificial

Intelligence and Communication Technologies
May 2024 5(ICITAICT), 11–18

A RESEARCH INVESTIGATION ON THE CHANGES IN EDITING TECHNOLOGY AND

NARRATIVE TECHNIQUES OF SELECTED TAMIL CINEMA

Hari Prasad 1 , Senthil Kumar 2

1 Research Scholar and Associate Professor, Department of Visual Communication, SRM Arts and Science College and VISTAS,
Chennai, India
2 Research Supervisor, and Associate Professor, Department of Visual Communication, VISTAS, Chennai, India

ABSTRACT
The primary aim of the research is to study the evolution of editing technology with
reference to selected Tamil films. The case study methodology was adopted in this
research to analyze the evolution of editing technology and its changes. The movies like
Indian, Anbe Sivam, Ayirathil Oruvan, Naduvulakonjam pakkatha kaanom and Visaranai
Corresponding Author were selected to as the cases for the study. The selected Tamil movies represent an
Hari Prasad, [email protected] important milestone in the history of editing technology in Tamil cinema, highlighting
creative approaches that have pushed the frontiers of storytelling and visual expression.
The Tamil film 'Indian' included significant visual effects a sequence, including moments
DOI in which Kamal Haasan’s character transforms from an aged to a younger man. These
10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.iICITAICT.2 effects were accomplished using innovative editing techniques that smoothly blended
024.1389
live-action film with computer-generated graphics. "Anbe Sivam" is known for its unique
Funding: This research received no editing techniques, especially cross-cutting and parallel editing. The picture expertly
specific grant from any funding agency in mixes many narrative strands and timeframes, enriching both storytelling and character
the public, commercial, or not-for-profit development. The editing approach of "Anbe Sivam" contributed considerably to the
sectors. film's critical praise and long-term appeal with spectators. "Aayirathil Oruvan"
Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s). demonstrated considerable use of the digital intermediate (DI) method. This technique
This work is licensed under a Creative enabled accurate color grading, visual augmentation, and post-production alteration. The
Commons Attribution 4.0 film's amazing sights and atmospheric cinematography, enhanced by DI, added to the
International License. immersive and cinematic experience."Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom" used digital
With the license CC-BY, authors retain non-linear editing technologies, which marked a change from standard linear editing
the copyright, allowing anyone to processes. This change increased editing flexibility and efficiency, allowing for the
download, reuse, re-print, modify, seamless integration of disparate views while also improving the film's humorous timing
distribute, and/or copy their and narrative flow. "Visaranai" used a raw, realistic editing approach evocative of
contribution. The work must be documentary filmmaking. The film's editing methods forgo theatrical gloss in favor of a
properly attributed to its author. gritty, vérité style, which successfully conveys the characters' brutal circumstances.

Keywords: Film Editing Technology, Linear and Non-Linear Editing, Story-Telling

Visual Expression

1. INTRODUCTION
Throughout the history of film editing technology, a plethora of significant
milestones and innovations have played an indispensable role in molding the
progression of this domain. In the timeframe encompassing the 1890s to the 1900s,
the nascent stages of cinema bore witness to a noteworthy transformation in editing
methodologies. Initially, films predominantly unfolded in a single continuous shot,
thereby necessitating minimal intervention in the editing realm. Nonetheless, as

How to cite this article (APA): Prasad, H., and Kumar, S. (2024). A Research Investigation on the Changes in Editing Technology 11
and Narrative Techniques of Selected Tamil Cinema. ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, 5(ICITAICT), 11–18. doi:
10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.iICITAICT.2024.1389
 A Research Investigation on the Changes in Editing Technology and Narrative Techniques of Selected Tamil Cinema

filmmakers ventured into the uncharted territories of the medium, rudimentary

editing methodologies such as cutting emerged to establish a seamless flow between
disparate scenes. The introduction of seminal inventions like the Kinetoscope in
1891 and the Mutoscope in 1894, both attributed to the ingenuity of Thomas Edison,
enabled audiences to partake in short cinematic experiences but lacked the
sophistication essential for intricate editing procedures.
Transitioning into the epoch spanning from the 1910s to the 1920s, a
momentous juncture in the annals of film editing transpired with the inception of
continuity editing. Visionaries like D.W. Griffith assumed a pivotal role in laying the
groundwork for this editing style, aimed at ensuring narrative cohesion through
techniques such as cross-cutting and parallel editing. By seamlessly interlacing
diverse shots and sequences, continuity editing spearheaded a revolution in the
narrative capabilities of cinema and set the foundation for subsequent
advancements in the field. This period witnessed a paradigm shift towards more
refined editing techniques, thereby paving the way for the exploration of intricate
narrative frameworks and visual storytelling methods in the domain of filmmaking.
The development of editing technology during this specific timeframe denoted a
critical juncture in the cinematic saga, underscoring an escalating emphasis on the
artistry and dexterity entailed in sculpting cinematic narratives through the editing
conduit.
Sound editing technology brought about a major shift in cinema editing
throughout the 1930s and 1940s, resulting in linear editing devices such as the
Moviola and synchronized soundtracks. Non-linear editing gained popularity in the
1950s and 60s, because to advancements in magnetic tape technology that made
devices like the CMX 600 possible. Digital non-linear editing systems such as
Montage and EditDroid began to appear in the 1970s and 1980s, and in 1989 AVID
Media Composer completely changed the sector. In the 1990s and 2000s, the digital
revolution persisted with the release of sophisticated editing tools like Adobe
Premiere and Final Cut Pro, along with the development of digital intermediate (DI)
procedures.

2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The search for novel methods that accept inner realities has impacted the
development of editing technology in the Tamil cinema industry [1]. Technological
developments have made it possible for filmmakers to work on a more difficult craft,
telling complex tales and influencing the creation of unique techniques and styles
[2]. Nevertheless, despite the linear advancement of technology, the filmmaker's
skill in properly expressing stories and emotions is a more important factor in
determining the quality of a film than its technological sophistication [3]. Extraction
of co-reference chains from text has been studied in the Tamil language,
demonstrating the significance of cohesive indicators such as pronouns and lexical
cohesion in natural language processing applications [4]. The various film industries
use different ways for editing films. Three distinct ways to editing exist: Hollywood,
Soviet montages, and the Indian film business. Modern digital editing tools have
been included into editing technology in the Indian film industry [5]. In contrast,
Hollywood has a long tradition of editing techniques, emphasizing the creation of
cohesive end products that capture the vision of the filmmaker [6]. On the other
hand, Soviet montages—which were led by directors such as Ėsfir' Sub and Elizaveta
Svilova—highlighted the ability of editing to create alternative narratives and
subvert official versions, demonstrating the strength of editing in transforming
meaning in motion pictures [7]. Every sector adds to the rich tapestry of cinematic
ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts 12
 Hari Prasad, and Senthil Kumar

narrative with its own distinct viewpoint and methods for the craft of film editing
[8]. According to Lavanya et al. (2020) there is a change in editing and other filmic
technology between the colonial period and post-colonial era period in Indian
cinema. Swarnavel, Eswaran, Pillai (2012) conducted research on the changes in
Tamil cinema industry during the 1970s. This research focused on movies like
Uthiripookal, Mullum malarum, 16 Vayathiniley. Aval appadithan. It showed that
there was a big change in the portrayal of hero and protagonist characterization
during the 1970s. According to Manoj kumar (2016), the technology assisted the
film makers to narrate the story in an effective manner. This research showed the
importance of technology and narration in filmmaking. Over time, editing technique
in Tamil film has seen substantial evolution. An important turning point in the
history of Tamil film occurred when it moved from the classical to the post-classical
era of the studio system [9]. Furthermore, from 2010 to 2020, technical
developments have an influence on the stories in current Tamil film, particularly in
the sci-fi genre, which combines commercial aspects with science concepts to pique
viewers' imaginations [10]. Given Tamil's complex morphology and agglutinative
character, spell checkers for the language have been difficult to develop. Novel
strategies that make use of hash tables and n-gram algorithms have been put forth
to improve the effectiveness of Tamil spell checkers, yielding suggestions that are
95% accurate [11]. These developments are a reflection of Tamil cinema's ongoing
attempts to improve editing technology.
The visual narratives and storytelling strategies used in Tamil film have been
greatly influenced by the technological revolution in editing. The creation of creative
and culturally appropriate title designs for Tamil movie posters has been greatly
aided by the advancement of digital typography and design [12]. In addition, the
integration of scientific principles into Tamil sci-fi film storylines has given writers
a distinctive opportunity to combine science and commercial aspects, provoking
viewers' curiosity [13]. In addition to having an effect on the visual elements of
filmmaking, this technical progress has also had an impact on how society's
problems are portrayed. For example, Tamil cinema has represented
unemployment and the IT boom, which has ramifications for gender roles and
cultural shifts [14].
The development of digital technologies has had a major impact on the
revolution in editing technique in Indian cinema [15]. The development of editing
technologies has caused a change in the emphasis of filmmaking towards post-
production procedures, which gives viewers a more engaging experience and
fosters screenwriters' creativity and originality [16]. The lines between the pre-
production, production, and post-production phases have become less distinct as a
result of this shift, enabling a more fluid and integrated workflow [17].
Notwithstanding the advantages of digital editing, there are drawbacks as well, such
the possibility of losing the atmosphere and minute nuances of movies, which
detracts from the whole cinematic experience [18]. In addition to changing the
technical elements of filmmaking, the use of digital editing technology has also had
an impact on the socio-technological environment of Indian cinema [19]. DVD
releases and online streaming are common forms of display in the digital revolution,
often known as the digital break through evolution, which is the shift from analog to
digital technology [20].

3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The case study technique is an excellent tool for researching how Tamil cinema
has evolved in terms of film editing technology. This is the reason why:
ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts 13
 A Research Investigation on the Changes in Editing Technology and Narrative Techniques of Selected Tamil Cinema

Over a century has been the rich and varied history of Tamil film. Case studies
provide a detailed knowledge of the technological breakthroughs and editing
techniques used in various situations by enabling in-depth investigation of certain
films or times.
In order to get primary sources including movies, filmmaker interviews, and
archive materials, this study used case studies. The adoption of editing technologies
and techniques across time, as well as the influence of socio-cultural elements on
editing practices in Tamil cinema, are traced through this comparative analysis of
the sources.
This case study technique provides a versatile and comprehensive approach to
researching the evolution of film editing technology in Tamil cinema, allowing
scholars to investigate the role of technology, aesthetics, culture, and industry
dynamics in changing editing practices across time.

Selected Tamil film case studies for the research:

Here are five noteworthy examples of the development of editing in Tamil
cinema, along with the related films and technological innovations.

"Indian" (1996): Utilizing CGI and Special Effects

S. Shankar's breakthrough film "Indian" featured the first use of computer-
generated imagery and innovative special effects in Tamil cinema. By skillfully
fusing live-action video with computer-generated graphics using sophisticated
editing techniques, the movie raised the bar for visual effects in Indian cinema.

"Anbe Sivam" (2003) - Parallel editing and cross-cutting

Breakthrough: "Anbe Sivam," directed by Sundar C., showed off advanced
editing methods including cross-cutting and parallel editing to juggle several story
lines.
The Digital Intermediate (DI) Process in "Aayirathil Oruvan" (2010) is a
breakthrough. Selvaraghavan's "Aayirathil Oruvan" was one of the first Tamil
movies to make considerable use of the digital intermediate (DI) technology. This
made it possible to precisely color grade, improve the visuals, and manipulate the
footage after production, creating an aesthetically spectacular movie experience.

Digital Non-linear Editing in "Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom" (2012)

Breakthrough: AVID Media Composer and Adobe Premiere, two digital non-
linear editing programs, were used to edit the movie instead of the more
conventional linear editing techniques. More adaptability and efficiency in the
editing process were made possible by this.
"Visaranai" (2015): A Breakthrough in Realistic Editing and Documentary
Style Under Vetrimaaran's direction, "Visaranai" took on an unvarnished and
authentic editing style that was evocative of documentarian cinema. The film
received critical praise and honors, including an official Oscar entry, for its realistic
representation of real-life events and its minimalist editing style.

ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts 14

 Hari Prasad, and Senthil Kumar

Figure 1

Figure 1 Indian

Figure 2

Figure 2 Anbe Sivam

Figure 3

Figure 3 Anbe Sivam

ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts 15

 A Research Investigation on the Changes in Editing Technology and Narrative Techniques of Selected Tamil Cinema

Figure 4

Figure 4 Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom

Figure 5

Figure 5 Visaranai

These movies reveal innovations that have pushed the limits of storytelling and
visual expression, and they mark important turning points in the development of
editing technology and methods in Tamil cinema.

4. FINDINGS OF THE RESEARCH

Editing evolution in Tamil cinema
• The main differences in editing and storytelling strategies in each of
these films:
• "Indian" (1996) featured dynamic editing that smoothly incorporated
visual effects and CGI into the story. The film's action moments and
visual effects were enhanced by fast-paced cuts and transitions.
• The film's plot was built on a dual timeline, which juxtaposed the past
and present to expose the protagonist's origins and objectives. This
nonlinear narrative style deepened the character and increased tension.

ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts 16

 Hari Prasad, and Senthil Kumar

• "Anbe Sivam" used cross-cutting and parallel editing methods to connect

numerous story strands and timeframes. The editing method enhanced
the film's conceptual complexity and emotional impact, allowing for
subtle character development and narrative.
• The film's plot was driven by its examination of humanity and
compassion, with the cutting emphasizing the individuals' intertwined
lives and experiences. Through its unique editing, "Anbe Sivam"
effectively communicated its message of love and empathy to the
viewers.
• "Aayirathil Oruvan" used the digital intermediate (DI) technology to
improve its visual aesthetics and atmospheric quality. The film's editing
used minor color grading and post-production alteration to produce a
unique visual palette that fit the historical context.
• The story of "Aayirathil Oruvan" evolved through a mix of epic
adventure and political intrigue, using editing that added to the film's
epic scope and immersive world-building. The film's skillful editing
transported viewers to a mystical realm full of mystery and peril.
• "Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom" (2012) used a realistic editing
approach to match its improvised humor and slice-of-life storyline. The
editing in the film provided a feeling of spontaneity and authenticity,
which enhanced the characters' humorous timing and relatability.
• The film's plot evolved through a succession of episodic vignettes, with
editing used to emphasize the absurdity and hilarity of ordinary life.
With its unconventional editing, "Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom"
portrayed the peculiarities and oddities of its characters with charm and
wit.
• "Visaranai" (2015) used a raw and visceral editing technique to
represent its documentary-inspired approach to narrative. The film's
editing avoided cinematic standards in favor of a vérité style, resulting
in an immersive and brutal presentation of its topic.

5. CONCLUSION
The study's findings suggest that the selected Tamil movies utilized unique
editing techniques and narrative strategies to communicate their stories with
precision, illustrating the changing terrain of Tamil cinema and the innovative
opportunities facilitated by advances in editing tools. This study suggests that as
editing technology advances, filmmakers attempt to experiment with new story
structures and narrative approaches. This comprises non-linear storytelling,
fragmented narratives, and subjective perspectives, all of which challenge
traditional storytelling rules and push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling in
Tamil cinema. This research clearly shows the relationship between the
development of genre, story narrative techniques and the evolution in digital
technology and non-linear editing methods.

CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
None.

ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts 17

 A Research Investigation on the Changes in Editing Technology and Narrative Techniques of Selected Tamil Cinema

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
None.

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