Raja Raja Chozhan (1973), starring Sivaji Ganesan and directed by Krishna Rao, was the first Tamil film shot in Cinemascope format. This widescreen format offered a more immersive viewing experience. Alibabavum 40 Thirudarkalum was the first color film (not Cinemascope), Naam Iruvar came earlier, and Kappalottiya Thamizhan was a different historical film altogether.