The late 1990s were dominated by ( Padayappa , 1999) and Kamal Haasan ( Hey! Ram , 2000; Virumaandi , 2004), alongside emerging stars like Vijay and Ajith Kumar . Films were largely family-centric, with commercial formulas of romance, comedy, and action. However, directors like Mani Ratnam ( Alaipayuthey , 2000; Kannathil Muthamittal , 2002) and Bala ( Sethu , 1999; Nandha , 2001) introduced realism and psychological depth.