The 1980s and 1990s saw a shift in Tamil cinema, with the emergence of modern romance films. Movies like , "Poonthotta" (1987) , and "Mullaikkul" (1991) introduced more realistic portrayals of relationships, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and friendship. This period also witnessed the rise of Rajinikanth, a superstar who would go on to dominate Tamil cinema for decades.