#half saree

Besides, love between siblings, particularly between the elder brother and younger sister, has become a specific marker of Tamil culture, mainly due to the impact of canonical Tamil films like En Thangai (My Sister, dir. M.K.R. Nambiar and Ch. Narayanamurthy, 1952) and Paasamalar (the Flower of Love, dir. A. Bhimsingh, 1961). [X]

Add to that the landmark 1952 film, Parasakthi which examines post-independence Tamil society through the story of a brother’s search for his younger sister. 

The whole look on the actress Sriranjaniis classic 1950s, specifically South Indian, but also seen elsewhere. This is a half-saree and the skirt in this decade was quite gathered and full. See also this costume from the same movie.