By most accounts 2015 was a good year for Tamil cinema both in terms of commerce and critical acclaim. Over 200 films--204 to be precise--were released. That momentum seems to be intact, going by Kollywood's output in the first four months of 2016. These are some of the more anticipated movies in the Tamil New Year.
Kabali
Its a Rajinikanth starrer. Do we need to say more? After that unmitigated disaster called 'Lingaa' in late 2014, fans and film tradespeople alike are hoping for a super-duper hit that erases those bitter memories. 'Kabali' grabbed widespread attention ever since the first look of the film was released last year. When 'Kabali' cast and crew flew to Malaysia for a shooting schedule, excited Rajini fans started sharing 'Kabali' pictures on social media. Rajini's daughters Aishwaryaa and Soundarya, Dhanush and the 'Kabali' team had to urge fans to stop circulating such pictures. Meanwhile, a Chennai cafe has constructed a 600 kilo chocolate likeness of Rajini's 'Kabali' look. That tells you all about the weight of expectations.
Theri
'Ilayathalapathy' Vijay's films are always a much-anticipated fare, thanks to his massive fandom. Vijay plays an IPS in 'Theri'. Cop roles are not new for Vijay, think 'Pokkiri', 'Jilla' and 'Thuppakki' where he played an army intelligence officer. But the promos of the film that releases today, had added to the speculation that he plays multiple roles. The first look of the film portrayed him in three different looks. 'Theri' is directed by Atlee of 'Raja Rani' fame. Samantha and Amy Jackson co-star in the film. 'Theri' also happens to be GV Prakash Kumar's 50th film as music composer. Vijay has crooned for 'Theri' as well. As for GV, this is the second time he is working with Vijay after 'Thalaivaa'.
Vishwaroopam 2
The film is a sequel to ‘Vishwaroopam’ (2013) and has Kamal Haasan along with Pooja Kumar, Andrea Jeremiah, and Rahul Bose reprising their roles. ‘Vishwaroopam’ was set in the United States. ‘Vishwaroopam 2’ will be set in India and will reportedly have a strong dose of mother sentiment. Portions of the film were shot during the filming of ‘Vishwaroopam’ itself. Shekhar Kapur and Waheeda Rehmaan will also be seen in the film. The spy thriller is a bilingual like the first installment and its being made in both Hindi (as Vishwaroop 2) and Tamil. Ghibran is scoring the music.
Singam 3
Director Hari’s cop action masala flick ‘Singam’ (2010) with Suriya, Anushka Shetty was a huge commercial success. It quickly turned into a franchise that found popular appeal across the country. Hari roped in Hansika Motwani as the second female lead, British actor Danny Sapani as the main antagonist and Anjali in a special appearance. After the huge commercial success of ‘Singam 2’, Hari is working on ‘Singam 3’. Reports say that the film will be shot across four countries and that Shruti Haasan has been signed on, whilst Anirudh Ravichander will do the music score.
24
The film is a science fiction thriller based on time travel. Suriya’s banner 2D Entertainment is producing the film along with Studio Green. The music is being composed by AR Rahman. The first look of ‘24’ was released on November 24, 2015. However, it was dogged by legal problems. According to an Economic Times report, the look and logo of the film's title were very similar to the popular American TV series 24, for which Bollywood star Anil Kapoor had bought the remake rights for from 20th Century Fox International TV a few years ago. Last year, Kapoor adapted and aired season one of the action drama in Hindi on Colors.
Nayaki
After ‘Abhiyum Naanum’, Trisha and Ganesh Venkatraman will be seen together yet again in 'Nayaki'. The film is a bilingual (Tamil and Telugu) of horror comedy genre. Trisha is said to be singing the title track of the film too. Set in the 1980’s, the film is being directed by Govi Goverdhan who happens to be the former manager of Trisha. ‘Nayaki’ would be another film of hers in the horror comedy genre alongside Aranmanai 2 directed by Sundar C.