BEHINDWOODS COLUMN

Tamil cinema has no dearth for comedians. Yet comedy as a genre has not been exhaustively exhausted. Barring a few successful full length movies like Imsai Arasan, directors have feared to trend this path. Every movie with a big star features a comedian either as a side kick or for the sole purpose of giving the much needed relief for the audience.Chennai 600028 and Boss engira Basakaran changed that.

Venkat Prabhu and his band of boys appear to be conveying strong emotions of love, betrayal and redemption. But it is crystal clear that they are merely having a gala time. Their youthful camaraderie and carefree life translates to the big screen effortlessly. The director cashedin on this merry go round and created a cult. If anything else, VenkatPrabhu promises and delivers on the fun quotient repeatedly.

Santhanam and Arya managed to dispel the belief that a movie focusing solely on comedy cannot be commercially successful. Not only did it create mass appeal but Boss inspired more directors and actors to embrace this genre. If there were any doubts lingering Rajesh quashed them in OKOK.Comedy had finally found its rightful standing in Tamil cinema.

So 2013 is going to be a fun filled year. Santhanam started off with Kanna Laddoo Thinna Aasaiya and will be a raging tornado in Settai with Arya and Premgi. If that is not enough he will join hands with his SMS hero Jeeva in Mapillai Vinayagar and Endrendrum Punnagai and roar with the Singam Surya in Singam 2. He has also earned a berth in Shankar’s I thereby appeasing his blink and miss role in Endhiran. Santhanam’s devotion to STR is well-known and Vaalu and Vettai Mannan is further proof of their mutual admiration. Rajesh will bank on his reliable star Santhanam to pull off the trick in All in All Azhagu raja. Going by the statistics, Santhanam has the most releases in 2013 which is a treat to our funny bone.

2013 will also be the year when fans are thankful to Sundar C.This director proved his mettle in movies like Ullathai Allitha and Kalakalappu.Much to our relief, he has abandoned his acting hat in favor of direction and we have two comedy riots rolling out from his stable - Madha Gaja Raja and Theeya Vellai Seiyanum Kumaru,both featuring Santhanam.

Mirchi Siva’s mere appearance sends audiences into a laugh riot. 2013 will bring in Sonna Puriyadhu, Ya Ya and Thillu Mullu 2. Then there is Amudhan’s spoof film Rendavathu Padam. Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga embraces the romantic comedy genre. A road trip with Premgi can only derail with fits of laughter in Onbathulla Guru.

2013 has a delicious spread for a fan with a humorous appetite.Hopefully it will satiate our hunger and pave way for directors to explore more genres with confidence and success.Until then,Theeya Velai seiyanum.