Year 2020 was fairly dramatic, to say the least, with the pandemic rattling nearly all companies, together with cinema. Film industries throughout the globe got here to a standstill; shootings have been disrupted, theatres have been closed. North America noticed its lowest field workplace weekend final 12 months since 1998. Multiple chains and single-display screen theatres the world over, together with Cineworld, the world’s second-largest cinema chain, closed its premises. With the world making an attempt to limp in the direction of normalcy, here is what we are able to anticipate from the Tamil movie trade in 2021.
More variety of movies
We had round 200 releases in 2019, one of many lowest in latest occasions. 2020 took it to a new low with the entire variety of movies barely crossing the 100 quantity mark, and this, after all, contains OTT releases as nicely. With a sizeable variety of unreleased movies awaiting launch and with taking pictures restrictions presently relaxed, we hope to see greater than 250 movies gracing the screens this 12 months. With OTT platforms proving to be a parallel stream for smaller movies, we are able to anticipate fairly just a few releases each Friday. Also, be ready for extra authentic content material in the type of Tamil internet sequence this 12 months. We hope they transform higher than we now have seen up to now.
A viral pattern
Films are a mirrored image of society. With the pandemic turning into a worldwide phenomenon, it is solely pure that we see extra movies primarily based on the virus and the lockdown. While we already have movies like Unpaused and Putham Pudhu Kaalai in 2020, we are able to anticipate to see extra movies primarily based on the pandemic. In order to minimise the chance of an infection, makers can even ponder the thought of taking pictures in overseas areas and tales involving fewer folks. We can see extra dramas shot predominantly interiors or in controllable environments. Our stars are more likely to skip escapist dance sequences.
This pattern isn’t any joke
Apart from star movies, comedy has lengthy been a crowd puller. What might be extra cathartic than laughing along with your loved ones? But 2021 seems to be shaping into a depressing 12 months for Tamil cinema with mild-hearted movies seemingly to not make the lower. Apart from Corona Kumar by director Gokul and releases from Santhanam, there’s not a lot comedy to stay up for. Major comedians additionally don’t appear to have large initiatives readily available. The skilled ones in the meantime are opting for character roles whereas these like Soori and Yogi Babu are making ready to play the lead.
Giving youth an opportunity
With the largest stars of the Tamil cinema not in a position to hit the requirements they as soon as did with their frequent collaborators, they appear to be giving younger administrators a shot. Right off the bat, we now have Vijay-Vijay Sethupathi’s Master arising that is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj who can even be directing Kamal Haasan later this 12 months in Vikram. Vijay can be becoming a member of arms with Kolamavu Kokila-fame Nelson Dilipkumar for a movie. The two-movie-outdated Ajay Gnanamuthu is directing Vikram in Cobra following which the actor will work with Karthik Subbaraj. Ajith is teaming up as soon as once more with Vinoth for Valimai after the success of Nerkonda Paarvai.
Return of the theatre
Many theatres have shut store, and OTT platforms appeared like the one different, however theatres are actually again and hopefully right here to remain. While film-buffs have already made a beeline to their favorite large display screen on the finish of final 12 months, due to the discharge of Hollywood biggies like Tenet and Wonder Woman 1984, this 12 months will seemingly see the lots regaining their style for the theatres. Master is anticipated to open to packed homes throughout the state and with theatres promising to make it protected for their patrons, it is protected to presume that the viewing expertise might inch again to normalcy. Sanitised touchpoints, closed snacks containers, hand sanitisers in each nook, decreased occupancy and obligatory masks are among the rules we must endure for just a few extra months.
OTT vs theatres or OTT and theatres?
A 12 months again, the key movies that launched on OTT platforms have been people who already had a theatre launch. How this example has modified. With extra of us getting accustomed to OTT releases, this 12 months must be fairly fascinating to see how the content material goes to be apportioned. Will distributors and theatre house owners mount opposition to OTT platforms? Will the Warner Bros. mannequin of releasing movies in theatres and on-line on the identical day work for us too? Will the 2 platforms eat into one another’s house or will they be two totally different strains of income working in unison? Only time can reply these questions, however what’s for positive is that OTT platforms have made a spot for themselves.
Stars shine for OTT platforms
While 2020 noticed stars like Jyotika, Keerthy Suresh, Suriya, Aishwarya Rajesh and Nayanthara decide for OTT releases as a consequence of a scarcity of theatres, 2021 might see them doing extra OTT-particular content material. The finish of final 12 months noticed established actors in sequence and anthologies like Triples, Time Enna Boss, Putham Pudhu Kaalai and Paava Kadhaigal, and this 12 months, we are going to see extra stars embracing this route. Suriya is making his OTT debut with Navarasa, which additionally options Vijay Sethupathi in one other episode. VJS can be, together with Raashi Khanna, to be seen in a Hindi sequence that can be directed by Raj and DK whose second season of The Family Man will star Samantha. Kajal Aggarwal, Tamannaah and Sathyaraj can be making their OTT debut with the Disney+Hotstar specials Live Telecast, The November Story and My Perfect Husband, respectively.
The 12 months of anthologies
Last 12 months may need seen the start of the anthology pattern, with movies like Putham Pudhu Kaalai and Paava Kadhaigal popping out, however this 12 months, the pattern ought to really explode. Navarasa, Mani Ratnam’s productional enterprise, additionally stars Vijay Sethupathi Siddharth, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Arvind Swami, Aishwarya Rajesh, Gautham Karthik and Prasanna and also will mark the OTT debut for administrators like KV Anand, Karthick Naren and Ponram. Speaking about anthologies, Venkat Prabhu, Pa Ranjith, M Rajesh, and Chimbu Devan are coming collectively for Victim: Who Is Next?. Directors Gautham Menon, Venkat Prabhu, Nalan Kumarasamy and Vijay have additionally accomplished taking pictures for one other anthology titled Kutti Love Story. All these are simply the introduced ones and in response to sources, extra are on the way in which.
More platforms than you may rely
Considering the ever-rising variety of new releases each Friday on OTT platforms, it is solely pure that extra of them come. 2020 noticed established platforms like MUBI make their foray into India whereas new regional particular ones like Namma Flix (Kannada) and Aha (Telugu) got here into the limelight as nicely. In Tamil, we had the YouTube channel Black Sheep arising with its personal platform, BS Value. Tamil producer CV Kumar began his personal pay-per-view platform referred to as Regal Talkies whereas J Sathish Kumar began JSK Prime Media. We can anticipate extra homegrown platforms this 12 months and although they won’t compete with giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, they’re positive to be a haven for the umpteen unreleased small-price range movies which might be ready to see the sunshine of day.
The rise of Dhanush
We noticed him act, sing, write songs, direct a movie, go to Bollywood and even act in an English movie. This 12 months, we are going to seemingly see him do that once more and in a by no means-earlier than-seen degree. The actor will star in his very first Hollywood movie, The Gray Man that can have him rub shoulders with actors like Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. The challenge can be directed by the Russo Brothers who’re identified for movies like Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Endgame. Apart from this biggie, Dhanush has Karthik Subbaraj’s Jagame Thandhiram prepared for launch adopted by Mari Selvaraj’s Karnan. The actor can even be seen in the Hindi movie Atrangi Re alongside Akshay Kumar and Sara Ali Khan. Dhanush additionally has movies with Ratchasan-fame Ram Kumar, Karthick Naren, Mithran Jawahar, Vetrimaaran and Selvaraghavan. Talk a few promising lineup!
A title to reckon with
Based on the variety of movies Priya Bhavani Shankar has in her kitty, we should not be stunned if she has a movie releasing in each single month of 2021. The younger actor, who had solely acted in one movie a 12 months for the final 4 years has a implausible lineup of movies this 12 months, together with Kuruthi Aattam, Oh Manapenne, Bommai, Kalathil Santhipom, Pathu Thala, Kasada Thapara, Vaan, Rudhran and an untitled anthology directed by Rajesh. The actor can even be making her Telugu debut with Aham Brahmasmi this 12 months. Looks like we can be seeing PBS extra typically this 12 months, and actually, we now have no complaints.
Comeback kings
2021 can even see the comeback of some abilities we want we had seen extra in the previous few years. We have Silambarasan saying Eeswaran, and this time, he’s armed with a toned physique and looking out passionate than ever earlier than. Eeswaran can be out this Pongal, adopted by Maanaadu and Pathu Thala. If these three movies come out this 12 months, it should solely be the second time after 2004 when he had Kovil, Kuththu and Manmadhan, that he can have as many in a 12 months. The 12 months can even see the return of music director Karthik Raja to mainstream movies, with director Mysskin’s Pisasu 2. Director Manikandan who gave us movies like Kaaka Muttai and Aandavan Kattalai will return after a 5-12 months hiatus along with his a lot-awaited Kadaisi Vivasaayi this 12 months. Jeevan, identified for enjoying the lead in Thiruttu Payale and Naan Avanillai, is making a comeback with Pambattam.
A new breed of administrators
Like yearly, 2021 too will see many movies by debutant administrators. We have Arun Matheswaran’s Rocky arising adopted by Saani Kayidham that can see the appearing debut of director Selvaraghavan. Music director and actor Darbuka Siva is donning the director’s hat for the primary time with Mudhal Nee Mudivum Nee. The lengthy-delayed Idhu Vedhalam Sollum Kathai from Rathindran R Prasad, the person behind the viral music video Kodaikanal Won’t and some extra brief movies, is anticipated to be out this 12 months. His second featurette, the Aishwarya Rajesh-starrer, Boomika, can even launch this 12 months. Rathindran can be one of many 9 administrators who can be directing the anthology Navarasa for Netflix. The anthology can even mark the directorial debut of actor Arvind Swami who’s by the way making an attempt his hand in a new facet of filmmaking in his mentor Mani Ratnam’s manufacturing. A variety of well-known Tamil YouTube channels too are transitioning to the large display screen. Many administrators from channels like Parithabangal, Finally, Black Sheep and Eruma Saani are planning on releasing their movies this 12 months with Temple Monkeys’ Vijay Varadharaj directorial debut Pallu Padama Paathuka anticipated to be the primary of the lot.
Women ftw
We will see a document variety of girls-centric releases this 12 months. Nayanthara has Netrikann whereas Jyotika has an untitled movie co-starring Sasikumar. Samantha is teaming up with Ashwin Saravanan for a movie whereas Kajal Aggarwal can be starring in her first feminine-centric Tamil movie this 12 months. She has an untitled movie with Deekay, Ghosty with Kalyan and her lengthy-delayed Paris Paris. Trisha has Paramapadham Vilayattu, Garjanai and Raangi whereas Amala Paul has Adho Andha Paravai Pola and Cadaver. Hansika’s 50th movie and her first outing because the solo lead, Maha can be popping out quickly. Andrea has Pisasu 2 in addition to Maaligai and Kaa. Shraddha Srinath has Kaliyugam whereas Regina has Soorpanagai and Flash Back. With Jyotika’s Ponmagal Vandhal and Keerthy Suresh’s Penguin proving that OTT can be an awesome venue for girls-fronted movies, we are able to anticipate extra direct-to-OTT releases too.
Post the humongous success of Sudha Kongara’s Soorarai Pottru final 12 months, we are able to relaxation assured that we’ll see extra feminine filmmakers come to the fore this 12 months. What makes it extra particular is the truth that whereas girls filmmakers’ works are often attributed to the offbeat movie class, the movies lining up this 12 months are positive to eliminate that stereotype. While Sudha is alleged to be in talks with an enormous star for her subsequent challenge, dance grasp Brinda is making her directorial debut with Hey Sinamika starring Dulquer Salmaan, Kajal Aggarwal and Aditi Rao Hydari. Sillu Karuppatti-fame Halitha Shameem has two movies — Aelay and Minmini popping out this 12 months and a bit of birdie tells that she may also direct a movie starring Suriya and Jyotika. Madhumita, whose KD aka Karuppu Durai received her vital acclaim as soon as once more, is alleged to be making her Bollywood debut. Priya Krishnaswamy can be directing Vijay Antony in the sequel to his hit movie Pichaikkaran. Punnagai Poove-fame actor Kaveri has additionally turned director for a bilingual challenge.
Make means for the biggies
Considering so many large movies are in the making, 2021 would be the 12 months the place every large star is anticipated to have a minimum of one launch. Rajini has Annaatthe, Kamal’s received Indian 2 and Vikram, Vijay has Master and Thalapathy 65, Ajith can be seen in Valimai, Vikram has Dhruva Natchathiram and Cobra whereas Suriya has Navarasa, Vaadivasal and a movie with Pandiraj. 2010 was the final time Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Ajith, Vijay, Suriya and Vikram had a launch in the identical 12 months. Should all these movies come out, 12 months 2021 might nicely be what the physician ordered for us starved followers.
