With Pongal around the corner, filmgoers can look forward to a feast. Six films are ready for release for the festival — the Vijay-starrer Kavalan , the Dhanush-starrer Aadukalam , the Karthi-starrer Siruthai , the Pa.Vijay-starrer Ilaingan , Karuthakannanc/o Rekla Race directed by A. Senthil Anandan and Sollitharava featuring newcomers. A couple of small-budget films may join the fray at the last minute. S. R. Ashok Kumar takes a look at the line-up.
Kaavalan
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Music: Vidyasagar
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Director's Cut: The film is a remake of the Malayalam blockbuster, Bodyguard . For the second time, the director and the lead actor join hands, while Asin joins Vijay for the third time. It is an out-and-out entertainer, and will appeal particularly to Vijay fans. Besides, Vadivelu is there to provide the laughs.
Aadukalam
Cast: Dhanush, Taapsee, Kishore
Direction: Vetri Maaran
Music: G. V. Prakash Kumar
Cameraman: Velraj
Director's Cut: An ethnic film about people who belong to a sub-cult in rural Madurai, Aadukalam focusses on their pain and aspirations. One can see a totally different Dhanush here. There are no black or white areas, but only shades of grey, when it comes to the characters in the film, which seeks to get close to reality.
Siruthai
Cast: Karthi, Tamannaah
Direction: Siva
Music: Vidyasagar
Cameraman: R. Velraj
Director's Cut: This is a remake of the Telugu superhit, Vikramarkudu . For the first time, Karthi plays a dual role as a police officer and a pocket-picker. I have taken the story from the original and woven a new screenplay to suit the taste of the Tamil audience. We thoroughly enjoyed doing the film.
Ilaingan
Cast: Pa. Vijay, Ramya Nambesan, Meera Jasmine, Kushboo, Vadivelu, Namitha, Suman and Delhi Ganesh.
Direction: Suresh Krishna
Music: Vidyasagar
Cameraman: B. L. Sanjay
Director's Cut: A period film, what makes Ilaingan special is it is scripted by Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi. Incidentally, this is the 75th script written by Kalaignar. The film has shaped up well and won the appreciation of Kalaignar. We wish the film turns out to be a hit and will dedicate the success to him.
Karuthakannan c/o Rekla Race
Cast: Rishi Raj, Subash, Soundarya and Stalin
Direction: A. Senthil Anandan
Music: R. K. Sundar
Cameraman: C. H. Rajkumar
Director's Cut: A rural theme, Karuthakannan c/o Rekla Race has all the ingredients to make it a box office hit. We have shown the rekla race for nearly 10 minutes on screen, which is one of the highlights of the film.
Sollitharava
Cast: Sivan, Sharmila, Sivaraman
Direction: Sivaraman
Music: Bobby
Cameraman: Murthy
Director's Cut: At a time when IT professionals from India are keen to pursue a career in the U.S., the film speaks against brain drain. Sivan plays a wannabe politician, while Sharmila plays an IT graduate, who aspires to go to the U.S. They fall in love and what follows forms the plot.