Tamil Nadu is a strange place. At once the home of a revolutionary (and in my mind radically progressive) Dravidian movement (the success of which is reflected in the dominance of the various hyper-corrupt Dravidian parties) and a place where fans built a temple to honour an actress, transplanted from the "North" (West would probably be more precise).
That same actress, Khushboo, has been in much trouble lately, for her remark to the effect that pre-marital sex by women is not a big issue any longer as long as it was safe. Much maligned for this opinion, she has since apologized, not to much effect. Protests and lawsuits abound, as do opponents. A few strange supporters have emerged, including the right-wing Hindu RSS organization, in opposition to the attacks from the new parties of the lower castes (PMK, Dalit Panthers, etc).
Chennai Churning http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=82756
Court moves to protect Khushboo http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4467366.stm
Women MPs walk tightrope on Khushboo http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1309180.cms
--ravi
Periyar / Dravidian movement: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanthai_Periyar
Annadurai hagiography: http://www.tamilnation.org/hundredtamils/annadurai.htm