India, May 2 -- Cinema and politics have travelled together in Tamil Nadu for decades now. The Dravidian Movement saw in cinema an instrument to take its radical anti-caste message to the masses. Leaders such as CN Annadurai and M Karunanidhi wrote for films, and later, actors such as MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, Jayalithaa, T Rajendar, Janaki Ramachandran, and Vijayakanth entered politics. The big story of this assembly election has been actor Vijay. He drew huge crowds, though it is unclear if these would translate into seats. However, Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazahagam (TVK) may turn out to be the dark horse in this election. We recommend Cut-outs, Caste and Cine Stars by Vaasanthi, a bilingual writer of non-fiction and a celebrated novelist in Tamil, to understand the fascinating story of the state's politics and its encounters with cine stars. This is a read rich in anecdotes and insights about the world of Tamil culture and politics....