but regarding tamil films i can say this much - there are tamil films and then there are GOOD tamil films. the good ones (believe me, there are many of them) are seriously good - they reflect the kind of thematic filmmaking which people in bollywood can only dream of (if their current standards are anything to go by!)

if you don't believe me, check out the films of mani ratnam and also the early balachandar films - that's quality for you !