A cursory glance at the months gone past tells a great deal about the Tamil cinema industry. Of the nearly 190 releases so far (include December 30 releases number), more than 30 are full-fledged comedies. Drama, with almost the same number, was the next preferred genre. A good chunk of scripts chose horror as their theme; there were even two science-fiction flicks, with one claiming to be the first Tamil movie to feature zombies ( Miruthan).
There were few experimental scripts, or films that strived to push boundaries. One very bright spot was Vetri Maaran’s Visaaranai , which met with much critical acclaim, and an official push for an Oscar slot among the world’s finest foreign language films. Though that fizzled out, it did remind us how serious literature continues to lead to good cinema (the film was based on M. Chandrakumar’s novel, Lock Up ).
There were actors who had more than a good roll with projects: at last count, Vijay Sethupathi appeared in six films in 2016 (as did Samuthirakani), Bobby Simha and Aishwarya Rajesh seem to have bettered him with seven each. And then there were those quite conspicuous by their absence — Kamal Haasan (save for a cameo in Meen Kuzhambum Mann ) , Ajith Kumar, Shankar and Mani Ratnam.
2017 already promises a good line-up if all the projects of the above four release as scheduled. And then there are major commercial ventures involving Vijay ( Bairavaa ), Suriya ( S3 ), Jyotika ( Magalir Mattum), Arya (Kadamban), Silambarasan (Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan ), Sivakarthikeyan (an untitled project), a yet-to-be titled flick combining the skills of Karthik Subbaraj and Dhanush, and a sequel to a biggie from 2015 that would give answers as to why Kattappa killed Baahubali.
For the cinema-as-art lovers, there’s Sila Samayangalil — featuring Prakash Raj and directed by Priyadarshan, the same combo that made Kanchivaram eight years ago, and bagged two national awards for it. And perhaps Mysskin’s feature (directed by his brother GR Adithya) starring director Ram (of Thanga Meengalfame). But at CinemaPlus, we were also curious to know what the film fraternity looks forward to. The only catch: we asked them not to pick a film they were associated with.
Here’s what they said:
Vishal (Actor)
Actor Vishal.
2.0. It’s going to be technically brilliant and take things to the next level for sure. Kaatru Veliyidai . I think Mani Ratnam sir and Karthi will make a good combo. Nenjam Marappathillai, because it looks like a comeback for Selvaraghavan.
Ghibran (Composer)
Dheeran (with Karthi and Sathuranga Vettai Vinoth) because of the great combo, interesting plot and wider canvas for music. Magalir Mattum (with Jyotika and director Bramma). Looks like a fun-filled, women-centric film which can relate to me through my mom, wife and sisters. A yet-to-be-titled film starring Mundaasupatti Ram and Vishnu Vishal. We can expect a very intriguing crime thriller.
Radhakrishnan Parthiban (Director/Actor)
Kaatru Veliyidai . My daughter Keerthana has worked as his assistant director. I’m also eager to see Thiagarajan Kumararaja’s upcoming film.
Kushboo (Actor)
Actor Khushbhu coming out of the Apollo Hospitals. — Photo: V. Ganesan
Baahubali: The Conclusion is a brand and it’s on the top of my list. Being a diehard fan of Mani Ratnam, I can’t wait to see Kaatru Veliyidai .
Anand Shankar (Director)
2.0 , because it’s a film that will push the limits of the film industry, something that Baahubali: The Conclusion also will. And of course, I’ve been a fan of Rajini and Shankar since childhood. The other film I’m looking forward to is a yet-to-be-titled film of A.R. Murugadoss, starring Mahesh Babu.
Sibiraj (Actor)
Bairavaa . I’m a huge fan of Vijay. And of course, Baahubali: The Conclusion , and that’s not just because my father is acting in it.
Prasanna (Actor)
Kaatru Veliyidai . Because Mani Ratnam has never underestimated the intelligence of his audience, and has always left us in awe with each of his films. I’m sure he’ll come up with a trendsetter again. With A.R. Rahman’s music and my favourite cameraman Ravi Varman’s visuals, this is one film all cinema lovers should look forward to.
Karunakaran (Actor)
Eager to see Radha Mohan’s Brindavanam as I’m a big fan of his natural movies that capture emotions beautifully. As a fan of Vetri Maaran, I can’t wait to watch Vada Chennai — also for Dhanush — and Taramani by Ram because I’ve lived a bit of my life in the OMR area as an IT guy.
Aishwarya Rajesh (Actor)
2.0 , goes without saying, because I’m a thalaivar fan. And Baahubali: The Conclusion.
Nikkil Murugan (Film publicist)
Bairavaa , because I’m looking forward to Vijay’s action. Shivalinga , because it’s a power-packed family and action thriller. And S3 , as it will be fast-and-furious entertainer by Hari and Suriya.
Karthik Subbaraj (Director)
CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU, 04/09/2013: Film Director Karthik Subbaraj at an interview with `The Hindu ' Metro Plus weekend in Chennai on September 04, 2013.
Photo: S. S. Kumar
Puriyadha Pudhir . Vijay Sethupathi has told me a lot about this film. And Savarakathi , just for the Mysskin and director Ram combo.
Vijay Antony (Composer/Actor/Producer)
Vijay Antony in the film
For Shankar, 2.0. For Kamal, Sabaash Naidu . For S.S. Rajamouli, Baahubali: The Conclusion.
