Ornithology in Aadambakkam

This paper is presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Masters in study of films and their impact on biosphere. NO part of this may be cited or reproduced without the written permission of the author.

Abstract

Tamil cinema has always stuck to nature’s rules and not once have the filmmakers violated the sacrosanct laws of the nature. The Flora and the Fauna have been endlessly making their way to almost every aspect of the visual section and the literary section of the industry. Zoology, especially ornithology has been a vital field of research for the filmmakers of the state. This paper attempts to study superficially how Tamil cinema has affected avian ecology and vice versa.

Introduction

Though hundreds of quadrupeds and reptiles have time and again proven their sustained existence in the industry, the special position that their aerial counterparts enjoy is noteworthy. Of high interest is the section of domestic birds that have produced significant impact, primarily for their commonplace characteristic that enables the public to immediately identify with them. This phenomenon, largely unexplored till the advent of the new millennium, seems to be a breakthrough field for the directors of today.

Literature Survey and trends

Of immense interest is the impact of the Vijay (Mechanicus icantactus) film Kuruvi that has been making waves in the ecological circle, particulary because of its connection with the dipping Sparrow (Passer domesticus) population.

Here is a graphical representation of the issue in question.

Sparrow population trend

Here is an excerpt from Dr. Flyer’s thesis on the decreasing sparrow population where he examines the primary reasons for such remarkable fall in the numbers:

“…Vijay…”

Similar trends were observed in the Parrot (Eclectus roratus) population in, coincidentally after the release of the Raj Kiran (Femurexposus brontosaurus) starrer Aranmanai Kili. Some sources suggest Raj Kiran’s own menacing appetite as one of the major causes, but everything remains undocumented. However, laboratory simulations conducted on highly accurate models of common parrots and Raj Kiran seem to indicate that the presence of the latter did create a disconcerted habitat for the parrots. It was found that the parrots of the simulation followed a trend – they tried to displace themselves as far as they could from Raj Kiran. Highly efficient systems are now required to exactly calculate the distance of safest approach as the present figures clearly signal that the distance between the parrots and Raj Kiran are limited by mathematical limitations of the computers.

A rigorous theoretical relation, however, has been obtained. The distance of safest approach for Parrots (though the formula presently holds good for all living things) has been derived and is represented by:

D (distance of safest approach)=

[√ [(x2-x1)^2 + (y2-y1)^2]] / [x1-y1 - (-y1+x1)]

Where (x1,y1) and (x2,y2) are the present coordinates of Raj Kiran and the being under consideration. Note that when the coordinates are same, the bird is considered to be inside Raj Kiran.

Yet another case of ecological disturbance comes, surprisingly, in the same decade. This time it is the chicken (Gallus domesticus) population. Vishal’s (Needahitus Altitudus) Sanda Kozhi did to Poultry what Kuruvi did to the sparrow species. The trend was appalling. The annual egg-production got a massive hit as the public saw considerable increase in the cost of eggs. Some sources misattributed this to the avian-flu, which interestingly was a product of Kollywood itself. But the reason for the egg crisis was later found to be the shocking change in the cardinality of chicken that came about because of Sanda Kozhi.

However, the effect seems to have been forgotten after the release of Seval that counterbalanced the chicken issue by exterminating huge amounts of roosters (Gallus gallus). Bharath (Producerus favoritus) starrer Seval may have got positive response from the homo-sapiens, but the bird community isn’t happy at all.

However, not all such films resulted in alarming ecological trends. In fact, dating back as far as the 60’s comeback star Karthik’s father Muthuraman (Humorous cursedsonus) had played the lead role in a film called Panjavarna Kili (Ara chloroptera). Perhaps because of undeveloped scientific methods, the population numbers don’t show much variation.  And more crucial is the positive impact on the ecology that Rajni-starrer Kazhugu (Aquila hastata) made. This was the first time, an outcast and demonized member of the bird family was getting so much support. Having their lost pride reinstated, the eagles (not to be confused with The Eagles) remain grateful to Rajnikanth (Stylus superstarus) for life.

Additionally, the birds’ entomological counterparts also seem to get into the phenomenon, though only a few cases have been reported. The house-fly species did seem to get a lot of attention after the arrival of the Jeeva (Professionus dancejudgus) film E (aka Eeeeeee…, Musca domestica). Also interesting to note is that their arch rivals, the mosquitoes, were also expected to make it into the circle any time soon. But, perhaps as a result of their blood-sucking nature, the producers of the industry decided hat there were already too many blood-suckers around, though the international directors seem to take no heed about that.

It seemed like almost all of bird kingdom’s members have been exhausted, but history books suggested otherwise – Archaeopteryx (Archaeopteryx lithographica) is still left. The earliest member in the avian family’s exclusion remained a puzzle for years. Dr. Mayilvahanan, a scholar on tamil film industry has this to say:

“…Producers are obviously waiting for a Tamil name for Archaeopteryx. Once it is obtained, the film will get a tax exemption. It is expected to be a sci-…”

Dhanush (Nervous pencilus) is allegedly pushing for the role.

And this list in non-exhaustive. Large number of other instances albeit apparently harmless have made their faint yet noteworthy mark on both the ecology and the filmdom such as the Pandiyarajan film Neela Kuyil, Kovil Pura and Kozhi Koovudhu. Their long-term effects remains to be studied.

Conclusion

The inseparable relation between Kollywood and the bird kingdom has been established but the field remains largely unexplored and unstudied. Going by the serious trends, our filmmakers should take enough action so as to not affect the ecology. However, there are a few more threats in the pipeline viz. Mayilu, Panthaya Kozhi et al. Indications from the bird kingdom hint serious fight back as foreseen by Hitch.  What is sure is that the trend is unhealthy and is poised to be at the top of the agenda at the Planet Earth Summit at Canary Island late next year.

Reference and Bibliography

“Surely You’re Choking, Mr. Feynman!” – Richard Feignman: 1985, Penguin Publications.

“The Kozhiwood Dream” – Dr. Byrd, 1993, Random Louse.

“Yen dhaan intha madhiri padathukku ‘parakkarangalo’?” – interview with Paravai Muniyamma, 2007.

Dhina Thanthi (courtesy: Mr. Nair)

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