LEVERAGING AI, QUANTUM COMPUTING, AND NEW MEDIA TO REIMAGINE REALISM AND FEMALE PORTRAYAL IN TAMIL CINEMA: A GEN Z PERSPECTIVE ON BALU MAHENDRA'S CINEMATIC LEGACY

This research investigates the intersection of emerging technologies—artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and new media—with traditional cinematic analysis to reexamine Balu Mahendra's pioneering approach to realism and female portrayal in Tamil cinema through the lens of Generation Z perspectives. Drawing from comprehensive analysis of Mahendra's acclaimed works including Veedu and Vanna Vanna Pookkal, this study employs cutting-edge technological frameworks to decode narrative structures, visual aesthetics, and gender representation that continue to resonate with contemporary audiences. The research demonstrates how AI-powered content analysis reveals deeper layers of Mahendra's cinematic realism, while quantum computing algorithms enhance pattern recognition in complex narrative structures. Through digital ethnography and social media sentiment analysis, the study captures Gen Z's authentic engagement with classic Tamil cinema, revealing a 75% increase in awareness of women's mental health issues after viewing Mahendra's films. The findings suggest that technological integration in film studies not only preserves cinematic heritage but also creates new pathways for understanding cultural narratives, with AIgenerated film filmmaking showing a 43% average improvement in overall performance metrics