Bejoy Nambiar's 2017 film, was one of the earliest films to be made in the anthology format, in the mordern era. Consisting of four short segments, each named after a form of the God Shiva, the segments was also based on the theme of the four classical elements of nature, viz., Water, Wind, Fire, Earth. But it was during the period leading up to the 2020 lockdown that the format found more prominence in India. But where did it start?

We go back to Madras, 1939, when the SS Vasan backed Sirikkadhey made its debut in theatres in the city. The film consisted of five short segments directed by different directors, which were: Yama Vadhanai, Adangapidari, Puli Vettai, Poli Saamiyar, and Malai Kannan.

Sirikkadhey, which was shot in the erstwhile Newton Studios, was a major commericial success according to Randor Guy of The Hindu.

Beyond Sirikkadhey, Puttana Kanagal's Katha Sangama (1976), starring Rajinikanth in one of his earliest films roles, is considered to be a major entrant in the genre.

In Tamil the genre saw a rise in projects with Paava Kadhaigal, which featured segments directed by Vetri Maaran, Sudha Kongara, Gautam Vasudev Menon, and Vignesh Shivan, Putham Pudhu Kaali, Sivaranjaniyum Innum Sila Pengalum, Sillu Karupatti, and Hotspot.