The box office is not exactly in the pink of health: A bunch of films
released during Deepavali in October saw only one being declared a hit
while another with superstar Rajnikant''s son-in-law in the lead had the
best openings but did well only in the so called ''B'' and ''C'' centres.
Since the taste of the audience changed last year with films reflecting
a slice of life bringing them to the theatres, typical formula films
have come a cropper at the box office.
For the south Indian film industry, Pongal festival is as important
as Deepavali when it comes to having a go at the box office.
According to industry sources, this year''s Pongal has a rich crop
of films, atleast six, hoping to hit the bull''s eye at the box office.
Leading the pack is one of the most talented among the present generation
of actors; if his award winning performances so far is any indication.
Vikram will have a major release after a long gap of two year and his
''Bheema'', the lone big budget film, is symbolically based on the character
of Bheem in Mahabharata. The action thriller has the most popular heroine
Trisha playing the lead with him once again after their earlier box
office hit ''Saamy''. The film is expected to hit the bull''s eye what
with Vikram fans waiting for it in between hiccups between the actor
and producer A M Ratnam. Its music by Harris Jayaraj has already caught
the imagination, reportedly.
Keeping Vikram in company is another charismatic actor Madhavan who
has come out with ''Vaazhthukal'' which has so far been sold for Rs
4.5 crore.
National award winning director and actor Cheran''s yet another sensitive
film ''Pirivom Sandhipom'' is being most looked upon this Pongal .
It is about the ups and downs in the relationship of a couple played
by Cheran himself, who for a change is not wielding the megaphone for
this film. It is directed by Karupalaniappan.
The musical score by another talent Vidyasagar has already struck a
chord.
And with Cheran''s family drama, there is another film whose story
line is on a different wavelength with the plot set in Sri Lanka in
the second half.
The film directed by Cheran''s assistant Mukesh has new stars led by
Balaji and Anisha as the lead pair. The latter playing a Sri Lankan
girl.
Two other films arousing expectations are comedian Vadivelu’s
''Indiralokathil Naa Azhagappan'', being described as another big buget
film alongside ''Bheema'' and a fantasy with a comedy track. Silambarasan''s
Kaalai (bull), a typical box office ''masala''is yet another release
for the Pongal.
The line up of films this Pongal is perhaps possible due to the broader
distribution canvas created by the entry of corporates like AdLabs,
SaiMeera and Pyramid Enterprises into film production and exhibition.
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Bheema Movie Preview
