BEHINDWOODS COLUMN

Thamizh cinema is at a very healthy and a promising phase now. Gone are the days when stars decided the box office results of a film. Now, it is the content and presentation that is ruling the game which has been proved by the success of Pizza, Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, Soodhu Kavvum and the likes.

Tamil audiences are open to experimentations and welcome attempts that are sincere and honest, that result in a good time at the theatres. Another encouraging trend is the emergence of producers who are willing to trust the new breed of creative intellects and invest their money on such talents.

Anything that is new and unpretentious will always find good patrons and this fact has upped the morale of independent film makers who have faith on their raconteuring skills more than anything else and enter the fray with much confidence. The TV shows like Naalaya Iyakkunar and experience with ‘short films’ also add up to the assurance levels.

Sans any star value that pledges a good opening, these films rely mainly on an innovative script that has the backing of actors who are more characters than actors, a natural performance and humor that runs along with the story rather than sticking out as a sore thumb. The intelligent usage of music is another important element.  

Having experienced such films recently, the coming months boast of quite a few small budgeted indie flicks that show a lot of promise and buzz. Let’s take a ride through some of them.

Kutti Puli- Directed by Muthiah who apprenticed under Bhoopathy Pandian, the film has Sasikumar and Lakshmi Menon, the success combo of Sundarapandian. Music by Ghibran was released a few days ago and true to Ghibran’s style, the tracks have the potency to be chartbusters. The fact that Sun Pictures is distributing Kutti Puli is definitely an advantage for the film.

Rendavadhu Padam – Adman turned film maker C S Amudhan made the movie going populace break into raptures with his spoof Thamizh Padam. He is ready with his Rendavadhu Padam and the songs have again reiterated the fact that the film could be as whacky and irreverent as his first. The star cast includes Arvind Akash, Vemal, Richard and Vijayalakshmi.

Pannaiyaarum Padminium- The poster boy of indie films, Vijay Sethupathy will don the role of a driver of a Premier Padmini owned by a Pannaiyaar being played by Jayaprakash. Directed by newcomer Arun Kumar of Naalaya Iyakkunar fame, there is a lot of buzz that the film will turn out to be as interesting as its title.

Kalyana Samayal Saadham – Produced by Arun Vaidhyanadhan and directed by R S Prasanna, KSS features Prasanna and Lekha Washington and appears to be a feel good rom-com. The single ‘Mella Siriththaal’ innovatively picturized with Facebook status messages, portends a clean family entertainer.

Sonna Puriyaadhu - Directed by Krishnan Jayaraj, an erstwhile assistant of C S Amudhan, Sonna Puriyaadhu has Mirchi Shiva and Vasundhara Kashyap in lead. The additional attraction of this film happens to be Sam Anderson and an attractive characterization of the lead as a dubbing artist of English films.

Added to these, there is also Idharkuthaane Aasaipattai Balakumara by Rowthiram Gokul with Vijay Sethupathy, Vanakkam Chennai by Kiruthiga Udhaynidhi and Rummy directed by K Balakrishna with Vijay Sethupathy to name a few.

The common thread that connects all these celluloid enterprises is that all of them suggest a different experience for the viewers at the movie hall. As long as the spectators are given a good time and value for their money, there is no room for complaint and why should there be!