I used to watch a lot of Tamil movies growing up in the 90s. It was a great way to spend time with my family, while being entertained by the stunning visuals, songs and crazy/stupid love stories the movies delivered. Also, I thought Senthil and Vadivelu, who appeared in most popular movies in those days, were freaking hilarious!

However, there’s one thing that never impressed me – the appearance of the male leads. Most of them resembled your everyday, lovable Tamil uncle, with their moustaches and pot bellies. Hardly the types a Tamil teenager would post pictures of on her bedroom wall. But to my pleasant surprise, things have changed over the past few years. The norms shifted in Kollywood, and Tamil actors reaped the benefits of working with personal trainers and stylists.

These were some of your Tamil actor #MCM options in the 90s:

These are some of your Tamil actor #MCM options now:

Thank you Kollywood!