Veteran actor Kamal Haasan was a stage artiste with the “TKS Nadaga Sabha”. He attributes the name, fame and money he has earned to his early experiences on stage. Kamal appreciated the way theatre artistes rehearsed and said that rehearsals are an integral part of acting. He said, it is sad that cinema actors seldom rehearsed, thinking it is something inferior. He says he really respects those actors who rehearse before the shooting. Sri Thenandal Films, one of the top production companies in Kollywood, is trying to revive Tamil theatre by trying its hand at stage production. It debuted with the “Chillu”, a sci-fi Tamil play, which is about a computer chip. Dheepa Ramanujam of the “Shraddha” theatre group is the director. Dheepa is well known for her acting in veteran director KB’s Premi. She is credited as a director for 9 stage dramas and is also working in movies like “Rajini Murugan” and “Idhu Namma Aalu”. Era Murugan is the scriptwriter of “Chillu”. Film personalities support Murali Ramanarayanan of Thenandal Films in his new venture. Speaking at the event, Kamal Haasan said, “I am happy at your effort to revive Tamil drama. You will be looked upon critically; but you must continue, regardless of the success or failure”.