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By:
JBR
Tamil cinema has successfully seen the first six months of 2006. Part of its success lies in the people's growing impatience with mega serials on TV and the near disappearance of pirated VCDs thanks to government's stringent actions.
Last year, 45 films were released in the first half of the year. This year, 42 films have been released in the first 6 months 3 less.
In a positive result, the number may be lesser but success rate is higher. The top grosser of last year were 'Chandramukhi' and 'Anniyan.' The other was 'Thirupachi.' Another successful film was 'Arindhum Ariyaamalum' directed by Vishnuvardan and starring Arya, Navdeep and Prakashraj. Jeeva's 'Ullam Ketkume' and Lingusamy's 'Sandakozhi' also earned profit for the producers, distributors and theater owners.
As far as 2006 is concerned, we could say it is a golden era for small budget films. Mega budget films like 'Paramasivan' and 'Aathi' received lukewarm reception. Small budget films made on 1.5 to 3 crores did great business for the producers and distributors.
'Dishyum,' 'Chithiram Pesudhadi,' 'Pattiyal,' 'Thiruttu Payale,' 'Thalainagaram,' 'Kokki' and 'Parijatham' are the 7 films that were box office hits in the past 6 months. Except 'Pattiyal,' the other films were made at a cost of 1.5 to 3.5 crores. Different story lines, realistic scenes, natural acting were the chief causes contributing to their success, says Ravichandran of Oscar Films.
Last year he made the mega budget 'Anniyan.' This year he could be called the hero of the first half of the year. Among this year's releases, only 'Dishyum' has been produced by him. But he bought films like 'Chithiram Pesudhadi,' 'Thalainagaram' and 'Parijatham' that were struggling to be released and with his energetic publicity campaigns, he turned them into hits.
Two weeks after 'Chithiram Pesudhadi,' the film sank without a trace and the producers who could not bear the loss, sold the film to Ravichandran. Everyone wondered what he was letting himself in for, but by making the 'vaala meen...' song popular, Ravichandran made the film a success the second time around.
'Thalainagaram' that was made at a cost of 1.35 crores did not have any buyers. He bought it for 1.30 crores and released it all over Tamilnadu. In cities, the film did not do well. For instance, in Chennai the film made less than 30 lakhs. But in NSC areas like south Arcot, north Arcot and Chingleput districts, the film made 1.25 crores in 40 days and created a record. Apart from running well in B & C centres, the film gave Ravichandran a neat profit of 5 crores.
'Thiruttu Payale' was made at a cost of 3.5 crores but it has earned up to 8 crores. "The reason for the film's success is the unique story line and the realistic acting of Jeevan, Malavika and Sonia Agarwal," says director Susi. The film is still having a good run in theatres.
The surprise of these 6 months is 'Parijatham.' Brief story line, complicated but clear screenplay and small sentiments have enchanted the audience. Despite it being released a few weeks ago, 'Parijatham' still continues to run in several multiplexes for 5 shows a day.
So, it's not wrong to say the first half of 2006 has seen some healthy trends in Tamil cinema. The audience does not necessarily go for mega stars or mega budget films. Good stories and good scripts have an audience. As long as these two gel together, there is no problem even if there's a new face or a junior actor acting in the film.
Encouraged by the success of 'Chithiram Pesudhadi,' 'Thalainagaram' and 'Parijatham,' Ravichandran has bought 6 more small budget films for release. Three of the films feature newcomers!
Like the last 6 months, the coming 6 months also portend well for Tamil cinema. Kamal's 'Vettaiyaadu Vilayadu,' Surya's 'Jillendru Oru Kaadhal,' 'Vadivelu's 'Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi' (it got released today), Vishal's 'Thimiru,' Vikram's 'Bhima,' Simbu's 'Vallavan,' Arya's 'Vattaram,' Jeeva's 'Aran,' Jayam Ravi's 'Something Something Unakkum Enakkum' are all set for release this year.
So one can safely conclude that 2006 is a better year for Tamil films than 2005 and the situation is all set to improve further.
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-08.07.2006
