12 MOVES FOR 2012

What a packed, dramatic and eventful year this was in the world of Tamizh cinema. Lots of releases, handful of hits, rest of the films had to rest in peace, remakes of other language films were better off not being remade, a record 6 national awards for one single Tamizh film and 14 in total for the industry, inappropriate comments of film personalities leading to controversies and self-imposed exile, celebrity weddings, female actors boldly exposing harassment cases, state governments usurping censor board certifications, tearful departure of talented souls, actors' active political campaigning and support for other national movements, impressive debuts, 'kolaveri' phenomenon resounding across the world and you name it, it was all there.

A lot of people conscientiously buy books on 2012 predictions for their sun, star, moon and mercury signs. While the year that went by had enough drama and excitement packed up to the brim, here's my shorthand notes on twelve prominent moves we can expect to witness in the world of regional entertainment and movies in 2012.

1. Film stars are likely to lap up the small screen more prominently than ever before bringing them closer to the audience.
2. Genres that currently remain like partially unexplored archipelagos will catch up with the rest of the film world with coming-of-age drama, full length animation, war stories, film noir, historical period films in generous budgets, boutique cinema catering to niche and mature audiences.
3. Realism in character etchings and screenplay writing is bound to increase with more true-to-life stories.
4. Increasing impatience and squeezed time among the 'Move on' generation will tempt more filmmakers to trim the running time lesser than the current two and a half hours.
5. Producers' list have been restricted to father launching son, sister directing brother and hero marketing the film under respective home productions, wealthy businessmen, media giants wanting to convert their black money into white, tie-ups with international corporate houses but 2012 will witness new list of successful directors and cinematographers encouraging their co-directors/ first assistants to fly out on their own with gurus supporting their sishyas by producing their protégé’s films.
6. Adaptations, remakes, re-boot and sequels/prequels to franchise films have already been in the making in 2011 and scheduled to release the coming year.
7. Directors opting for virgin locales for filming songs or even the entire movie if the script supports such visual grandeur. This in turn is boosting movie tourism that pulls people to visit places not only because of its heritage or historical significance but also because a certain shot was canned in that location in a movie.
8. Market for bilingual films and dubbed versions with Tamizh and Telugu industry's actors and technicians interspersing in the two languages will enable obnoxious collections at wider markets. Actors popular in two or more states are more likely to be lapped up for such productions.
9. Promotion of films in new / ambient media, viral marketing and online presence in social platforms will be on everybody's media mix.
10. Extensive use of technology in more films right from Stereoscopic 3D formats, making movies with HD DSLRs combined with affordable post production technologies will change the landscape of filmmaking.
11. With a higher awareness on sub-titling in the last one year among film-makers, well-made Tamizh films will reach a wider audience than it ever has in international circuits, film festivals and global markets.
12. And finally, what little is left of starry airs and celebrity tantrums will be packed and shipped out completely. The more approachable you are, the more you're loved by your fans, producers and well-wishers. Actors will go out of their way to attend events, meet contest winners, reply on facebook / twitter directly, get close to their audience and shun their cloak of inaccessible stardom.

From the first Tamizh film talkie 'Kalidas' in 1931 to the most technically advanced 'Endhiran' and beyond, Tamizh cinema has come a long way. Every passing year has its share of movies, awards, scams, gossips and celebrations. All kinds of movies are made and the variety is aplenty from mindless masala fares to commercial potboilers to intellectually stimulating work. But the macro contribution of movies per se for the audience throughout the year every year is non-stop entertainment that transports us momentarily into another world where we can forget our mundane routines, office politics & family pressures that helps us get by tough times. In its own silent way, movies make us laugh, cry, feel, share and give us a reason to spend time with friends, family and even strangers. We have fond memories of going out on our first movie date, showing off a good Tamizh movie when your NRI cousins drop by for holidays, have been influenced by our stars who set the fashion trends, outfits, hair cuts, voting decisions have been made depending on which party your favorite actor vouches for, tried making your 2 year old eat her veggies by playing her favorite filmy song and every other moment where cinema has played an integral part in your unscripted life. Cinema has quietly been there and will continue to be a part of us. So here's raising a toast to all the worthy movies that have been with us over the years and the people behind the making of it. While we all wish each other a very Happy New Year, let's wish the movie industry a memorable year of making sensible and entertaining films in 2012.