Chennai to host Indian cinema's centenary celebrations

The southern film industry will come together here Sep 1-3 to celebrate Indian cinema's centenary year. Chennai has been chosen as it is the birthplace of southern cinema.

"The celebrations of 100 years of Indian cinema will kickstart in Chennai starting Sep 1. Since Chennai is the birthplace of south cinema, we unanimously chose it," C. Kalyan, president of South Indian Film Chambers of Commerce (SIFCC), told IANS.

It will be a three-day event, and all four southern (film) industries will come together to make it a grand success," he said.

Noted personalities from the Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada film industries will be a part of the event, which will be conducted at an indoor stadium here.

"All the four industries will remain closed starting Aug 28 to Sep 3 in view of the function. The first day will have programs associated with Tamil and Malayalam industries; the second day is reserved for Telugu and Kannada industries, while the last day will honour industry legends," added Kalyan.

"Besides film personalities, we have sent invites to the Chief Ministers of all the four states (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka). A special invite has also been sent to the President," said Kalyan.

As many as 1,500 artists and technicians from the Telugu industry will felicitated at the event.

A committee has been formed and members from each industry have been appointed to supervise arrangements in their respective cities.

"It will be one of the biggest events ever. We are in the process of finalising the program list and will soon announce complete details. The event will focus on the evolution of Indian cinema from silent to digital era," he added.