The fondness of animals especially the elephants are seen in many south Indian films. Elephants are considered verysacred from the very old times probably from the beginning of Indian civilization. It is considered so because Lord Ganesh has the head of an elephant. Moreover, in Indian structures, elephants as well as the lotuses have dominated from the very ancient period of time. Elephants are considered as strong and powerful and thus they are mainly used in the pillars of the structures. The Tamil movies as well as the Tamil actors have favored the use of elephants in their movies.
Importance of Elephants in India culture
Elephants are a very important animal from the ancient ages like the Maurya emperors as well the Mughals and many other great kings of India. The Mauryans used copper coins sculpted with elephants. Moreover, in the past, it was considered that the increased in the number of elephants, the increase in power of the king. Some political parties of India and Sri Lanka use the elephant as their party’s emblem. Moreover, Kerala has the state animal as an elephant. They even use these animals during the festivals and all the temples have their own pet elephants.. Even the Mughal King Akbar went for fighting with the elephants. He used them for carrying canyons as well as the soldiers. Moreover, these animals are also known for their tusks which are very expensive and precious. The tuskers are a very popular item for art both in the ancient times as well as now. Now also, for carrying heavy goods they are used. Moreover, passengersare carried with them for wildlife views in most of the national forests like Kanha National Park.
Use of the Tuskers in Films
The usage of elephants is seen from the very ancient times. Many Hollywood films as well in many Indian as well as the Tamil movies have seen its importance. Some very famous foreign movies which have used elephants are Troy, 300 B.C, Cabaria, Water for Elephants and so on. In the Bollywood industry, one movie which is worth mentioning is Hathi Mere Sathi. This is a story of an elephant and has acclaimed much popularity after its release.
Use of Elephants in Tamil Films
The Kollywood films have used them from a very ancient period of time. The first of its kind is seen in the movie Vana Mohini in the year 1941. An elephant has been seen as the best friend of the heroine. After that through the years we have seen them being used in many movies like, Avvaiyar, Annai Oru Aalayam, Karnan, Ram Lakshman, Nalla Neram and then in the 2012 film Kumki. This industry is very well known for worshipping its heroes and they have started to refer them in reference with the elephants. So the Tamil actors are also becoming very fond of these animals.
Conclusion
So it is clearly seen that the Kollywood directors as well as the Tamil actors have taken these animals into account very seriously and have started using them in the Tamil movies. These animals have been in their culture from a long time ago and rave regained their importance.