LEVERAGING AI, QUANTUM COMPUTING, AND NEW MEDIA TO REIMAGINE REALISM AND FEMALE PORTRAYAL IN TAMIL CINEMA: A GEN Z PERSPECTIVE ON BALU MAHENDRA'S CINEMATIC LEGACY

Priya Palanimurugan; N. Nazini; A. R. Vimal Raj; V. Shanthi; S. Shridevi; Thulasi Bharathi M.

doi:10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i2s.2026.7014

Authors

Priya Palanimurugan Research Scholar, Department of Visual Communication, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Chennai, India
N. Nazini Professor, Department of Media Sciences, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences SIMATS, Chennai, India
A. R. Vimal Raj Professor, Department of Media Sciences Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, India
V. Shanthi Principal, Faculty of Humanities and Science, Computer Science, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Chennai, India
S. Shridevi Assistant Professor, Department of Visual Communication, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, VISTAS, Pallavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Thulasi Bharathi M. Assistant Professor, Department of Visual Communication, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Vadapalani Campus, Chennai, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i2s.2026.7014

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, New Media, Digital Realism, Female Portrayal

Abstract [English]

This research investigates the intersection of emerging technologies—artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and new media—with traditional cinematic analysis to reexamine Balu Mahendra's pioneering approach to realism and female portrayal in Tamil cinema through the lens of Generation Z perspectives. Drawing from comprehensive analysis of Mahendra's acclaimed works including Veedu and Vanna Vanna Pookkal, this study employs cutting-edge technological frameworks to decode narrative structures, visual aesthetics, and gender representation that continue to resonate with contemporary audiences. The research demonstrates how AI-powered content analysis reveals deeper layers of Mahendra's cinematic realism, while quantum computing algorithms enhance pattern recognition in complex narrative structures. Through digital ethnography and social media sentiment analysis, the study captures Gen Z's authentic engagement with classic Tamil cinema, revealing a 75% increase in awareness of women's mental health issues after viewing Mahendra's films. The findings suggest that technological integration in film studies not only preserves cinematic heritage but also creates new pathways for understanding cultural narratives, with AI-generated filmmaking showing a 43% average improvement in overall performance metrics.

References

Amaljith, N. K. (2021). Feminism and Representation of Women Identities in Indian Cinema: A Case Study. Brazilian Journal of Policy and Development, 3(2), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.52367/BRJPD.2675-102X.2021.3.1.10 DOI: https://doi.org/10.52367/BRJPD.2675-102X.2021.3.1.10

Angel, D. A., and Rufina, F. A. (2023). Unveiling Women's Stories: An Analysis of Director Balu Mahendra's National Award Winning Tamil Films. Seybold Report, 18(9), 309–319.

Beverly Boy Productions. (2025a, June 10). Quantum Cuts: Redefining the Future of Filmmaking. Beverly Boy.

Beverly Boy Productions. (2025b, June 29). What is Digital Realism? Beverly Boy.

British Film Institute. (2024, December 11). 2024: The Year in AI. Sight and Sound.

Chakraborty, G. D. (2018). Female Identity and the New Bollywood: Goliyon Ki Raas Leela Ram-Leela, Race 2 and Gulab Gang. Film Studies Quarterly, 12(3), 78–94.

Cinema Express. (2025, July 17). Bun Butter Jam Movie Review: An Earnest, Flavourful Attempt to woo Gen Z. The New Indian Express.

Constellation Research. (2025, August 12). 2025 is the Year of Quantum Computing (Already). Constellation Research.

Dalvi, M. C. (2015). The Delineation of Women Characters in Film and Fiction: A Comparative Study. Gender Studies International, 8(4), 156–171.

Feminism in India. (2021, March 11). What Does Feminist Film Theory Say? Feminism in India.

FilmU Stage. (2025, March 3). Digital Cinematography: New Era in Filmmaking. FilmU Stage.

Genovese, M. (2025, May 19). Top Trends in Quantum Computing for 2025: How can the Media and Entertainment Industry Benefit? LinkedIn.

Georgia State University. (2025, March 31). Lights, Camera, Algorithm: How AI is Transforming Filmmaking. GSU Provost Office.

IBM Corporation. (2025, June 9). What is Quantum Computing? IBM Think.

International Journal of Research in Industrial Engineering Management Systems. (2024). Analyzing Balu Mahendra's Approach to Creating Authentic Female Characters. IJREMS, 11(11), 45–68.

Journal of Artificial Intelligence. (2023, December 31). A Comparative Analysis of Conventional and AI-Generated Filmmaking Techniques. JAI, 8(4), 234–251.

Karuppiah, P. (2015). Hegemonic Femininity in Tamil Movies: Exploring the Voices of Youths in Chennai, India. Cultural Studies Review, 21(2), 89–107.

Kidwai, S. (2016). Representation of Women in Hindi Cinema: A Comparative Study of Commercial and Parallel Cinema Post 1980s. Shodhganga Digital Repository.

Kumar, A., and Singh, R. (2025, February 4). Generative AI for Film Creation: A Survey of Recent Advances. arXiv Preprint.

Mahendra, B. (Director). (2012, July 16). More Digital Studios Needed [Interview]. Now Running.

McKinsey and Company. (2025, June 22). The Year of Quantum: From Concept to Reality in 2025. McKinsey Digital.

Moody's Analytics. (2025, February 3). Quantum Computing's Six Most Important Trends for 2025. Moody's Insights.

Nature Publishing Group. (2024, January 1). The AI-Quantum Computing Mash-Up: Will it Revolutionize Science? Nature, 625(7993), 18–21.

New Indian Express. (2025, July 23). 2025: An Eventful Year for Quantum Computing. The New Indian Express.

RSI International. (2025, July 11). The Evolving Landscape of Digital Technology in Tamil Cinema: Visual Grandeur and the Rise of New Filmmakers. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, 10(7), 123–145.

Rediff Movies. (2014, February 12). The Best Films of Balu Mahendra. Rediff Entertainment.

Roland Berger Strategy Consultants. (2024, December 19). Quantum Computing and AI – A Superpower in the Making? Roland Berger Insights.

Scribd. (2025, September 17). A Study on Cultural Representation of Women in Tamil Films. Scribd Academic Papers.

Shahina, K. (2014). The Representation of Women in Selected Films of Mani Ratnam. Shodhganga Digital Repository.

Smart Click AI. (2023, February 9). How Artificial Intelligence is Used in the Film Industry. Smart Click AI Blog.

Smelik, A. (2015). Feminist Film Theory. In The Wiley Handbook of Gender and Communication (298–315). John Wiley and Sons.

Spin Quanta. (2025, January 22). Top 9 Quantum Computing Applications in Key Industries. Spin Quanta News.

StudySmarter. (2024, October 29). Cinematic Realism: Definition and Techniques. Studysmarter Media Studies.

Tamil Cinema Research Institute. (2025). Portrayal of mental health issues among women in Tamil cinema. International Journal of Progressive Research in Engineering Management and Science, 15(2), 234–251.

Tamil Nadu Film Studies. (2024, May 28). Dear Gen Z cinephiles: What are Your Top 10 Favorite Tamil Films? Reddit r/Kollywood.

Telefónica Servicios Audiovisuales. (2024, July 31). Quantum Computing and Its Impact on the Media and Entertainment Industry. TSA Insights.

The New Indian Express. (2025a, April 25). Firefly Movie Review: Vamshi Krishna's Ode to Gen Z Glows Through Its Gaps. Cinema Express.

The New Indian Express. (2025b, February 20). Nilavuku Enmel Ennadi Kobam Movie Review: Dhanush Directorial is a Regular Gen Z Romcom. Hindustan Times.

The Print. (2025, February 28). Ghilli to Vallavan—Tamil Nadu's Gen Z Watch Old Movies in Theatres, It's a Dance Party. The Print Entertainment.

The Quantum Insider. (2024, November 12). Discover how AI is Transforming Quantum Computing. The Quantum Insider.

The Quantum Insider. (2025, June 6). Quantum Industry Sees Big Bets and Bigger Deals in Early 2025. The Quantum Insider.

Thinking Got Loud. (2017, September 23). Portrayal of Women in Tamil Cinema: A Few Reflections. Thinking Got Loud Blog.

Times of India. (2025, August 2). Where is Gen Z's Friendship Anthem? Tamil Movie News.

University of Helsinki. (2025, June 15). Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence: Status and Future Directions. arXiv Preprint.

Women in Tamil Cinema Studies. (2025). A Study on Women Empowerment in Tamil Cinema: Breaking Stereotypes and Building Narratives. Tamil Philosophical Studies International Periodical, 47(8), 189–205.