KOLLYWOOD 2012
KOLLYWOOD 2012
by Kannan Vijayakumar
2012 was no doubt an important year for Tamil cinema with
numerous talented debutants making their new treatment get recognized by the
public, creating a positive change in the industry. Even small budgeted films
over shadowed the biggies this year which failed to create the desired impact.
In addition there were loads of comedy films which were released, making 2012 a
light hearted season for all. The following content is my own analysis and takes
on Kollywood 2012 without any biased views.
Best films of 2012.
*The ranking are based on both the trade value
and critical acclaim of the films.
*Ratings are based on my views and take
10) Attakathi
Director: Pa. Ranjith
Casts: Dinesh, Nandhitha
Overview: Love is an oft beat subject in Tamil cinema but what made Attakathi different
was its casual screenplay and relatable characterization. Debutant Pa.Ranjith’s
fresh treatment was well received by the audience and with newcomer Dinesh
making a remarkable portrayal, Attakathi became a rage among the youth
instantly after it release. With right amount of situational comedy and
scenarios, Attakathi marked a new age love story in Kollywood.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Trade Value: Above Average
9) Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom
Director: Balaji TharaneetharanCasts: Vijay Sethupathi, Gayathri, Baghavathy Perumal, Rajkumar, Vigneshwaran
Overview: Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom. What a
title? Not only it had an interesting title but also an unique story line about
a three friends trying to regain their friend’s short term memory loss. Again
it came from a young debut director who has based a story which happened to him
and his friend. Even though it has a simple premise, the relatable dialogues
and puzzle like screenplay was well received by the public. With real charismatic
performances by the debutants Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha
Kaanom became a winner in all aspects.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Trade Value: Above Average
8) Kalakalapu
Director: Sundar.C
Casts: Vimal, Shiva, Anjali, Oviya
Overview: Sunder. C, a man, who redefined comedies in
1990s, was back to his best after a brief hiatus with his typical puzzle like
comedy with Kalakalapu. Kalakalapu
made up for the missed years by offering non-stop tickle to the funny bone. In a
time where serious films were released, with apt casts and fast screenplay,
Sunder C managed to create waves at the box office by offering the audience
something which could ease their stress instantaneously.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Trade Value: Super Hit
7) Sundarapandian
Director: Prabhakaran
Casts: M.Sasikumar (also producer), Lakshmi Menon, Soori
Overview: The film’s debut
director, Prabhakaran, grabbed his story tightly and never deviated. The
character design, screenplay and the unconditional twists he sparkles on it,
proves the ease and confidence of the new comer. Be it the mass introduction of
Sasikumar, the sparkles of humour at serious points, cross teasing of married
women shows what the director wanted the film to shape up to be and gave us a
satisfaction when the film ends. Sundarapandian not only ran
successfully but also went on to be a surprise blockbuster, bringing Sasikumar
back as a bankable star.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Trade Value: Blockbuster
6) Oru Kal Oru Kannadi
Director: M.Rajesh
Casts: Udhyanidhi Stalin, Santhanam, Hanishka,
Saranya
Overview: The proverb
‘Laughter is the best medicine’ it best describes the format of Rajesh’s
previous two films, Siva Manasula Sakthi and Boss Engira Baskaran. His films
are known for wafer thin story with witty dialogues and bright presentation. Similarly, Rajesh have played safe by
following his usual formula in his third instalment, Oru Kal Oru Kannadi and it
did not disappoint anyone which broke all records in the box office at the time
of its release. All eyes are on his next, Karthi-Santhanam starrer ‘All in
Azhagu Raja’ now.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Trade Value: Blockbuster
5) Thuppakki
Director: A.R. MurgadossCasts: Vijay, Kajal Agarwal, Vidyut Jamwal, Sathyan
Overview: As recent big films falling out for too much gimmicks
and tedium, Thuppakki set a new bench mark for commercial cinema by keeping
focus and true to itself, without trying too hard to impress. With
A.R.Murgdoss’s sharp direction and Vijay’s ever dependable dedication,
Thuppakki worked big time, firing with the right sound for this year Deepavali.
In addition, Thuppakki broke all box office records and emerged as the third
highest grosser in Kollywood, just falling behind, Superstar’s Sivaji and
Endhiran.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Trade Value: Highest Grosser of 2012
4) Kadhalil Sothapuvadhu Yeppadi
Director: Balaji MohanCasts: Siddarth, Amala Paul, Suresh
Overview: Debutant Balaji Mohan has made an impressive debut with KSY with such a strong grip on the audiences with an engaging screenplay. It can be boldly defined as one of the best ‘battle of the sexes’ story of the decade. The casting was perfect and Siddarth is an apt choice who carried the film on his shoulder with his charm and balanced expressions. Others like Amala and Suresh impressed while the newbies of friends made a thunderous debut by pulling the roofs down at many parts of the story.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Trade Value: Hit
3) Naan Ee
Director: S.S. Rajamouli
Casts: Nani, Sudeep, Samantha, Santhanam
Overview: ‘Naan Ee’. The title itself reflects innovation and evokes
curiosity. The man who created blockbuster hits in Telugu like Magadheera
(Maaveeran in Tamil) and Vikramarkudu (Original Siruthai) came up
with another imaginative content. This time he propelled on a fly which flew
high and fetched unbelievable recognition in all three languages it was
released. Actor Sudeep’s ultra-menacing articulation was even praised by Rajini
and Naan Ee grew big on all aspects becoming a milestone in commercial
cinema.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Trade Value: Super Hit
2) Kumki
Director: Prabhu SolomonCasts: Vikram Prabhu, Laksmi Menon, Thambi Ramaiah
Overview: Prabhu Solomon proved that Myna was not just
a flash on the pan by continuing his analysis about self-centred society in his
latest film, Kumki. Vikram Prabu and Lakshmi Menon gave a best debut
anyone could ask for which ensured that the film pricked the heart of many when
it ends. Releasing together with a biggie like Neethane En Ponvasantham,
Kumki gave a tough fight and proved once again that crisp content
matters.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Trade Value: Super Hit
1) Pizza
Director: Karthik SubburajCasts: Vijay Sethupathi, Remya Nambeesan
Overview: And yes, Pizza fetches the top spot of this year
which proved that small is big by coming up with a different thriller which is
not only visually spellbinding but psychologically intense, infringing a slow
death fear over the audience. Vijay proved once again his calibre by bringing
us to an unforgettable journey with his dedicated performance. Debutant Karthik
Subburaj successfully brought us a new age thriller which became a stupendous
box office run.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Trade Value: Super Hit
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Special Mention: Vazhaku En 18/9
I felt that it will not be right to rank such a gem like,
Vazhakku En 18/9 in this list as it is in a class of its own. There are
countless of film makers in the industry who add commercial values to different
degrees of extent which includes exaggerating reality. But there are only few
gems in the list that show reality as it is and Balaji Sakthivel is one if the
prominent gem. The maker’s soul and anger on the society is evident in the film
throughout. The last scene and shot of the film will never be able to be
forgotten by the audience for at least for two nights. Even though the film was
not celebrated as it deserved, it certainly made Kollywood proud. Other notable box office hits:
Nanban
Vettai
Marina
3
Manam Kothi Paravai
English Vinglish
Fresh/novel attempts:
Naan
Neerparavai
Aarohanam
Saatai
Dhoni
Raatinam
Poda Podi
Thadaiyara Thaaka
Kazhugu
Neethane En Ponvasantham
Finds of the year:
Director Karthik Subburaj (Pizza)
Director Pa Ranjith (Attakathi)
Director Balaji Mohan (Kadhalil Sothapuvadhu Yeppadi)
Director Balaji Tharaneetharan (Naduvula Konjam
Pakkatha Kaanom)
Director Prabhakaran (Sundarapandian)
Director Lakshmy Ramakrishnan (Aarohanam)
Director Vignesh Sivan (Poda Podi)
Actor Vikram Prabhu (Kumki)
Actor Siva Karthigeyan (Marina, 3, Maram Kothi Paravai)
Actor Siva Karthigeyan (Marina, 3, Maram Kothi Paravai)
Actor Dinesh (Attakathi)
Actress Lakshmi Menon (Kumki, Sundarapandian)
Actress Varalakshmi Sarathkumar (Poda Podi)
Music Director Santosh Narayanan (Attakathi, Pizza)
Music Director Anirudh (3)
CelluloidCritic Awards 2012
Best Actor - Dhanush (3)
Best Actress - Samantha (Neethane En Ponvasantham)
Best Film - Vazhaku En 18/9
Best Director - Balaji Sakthivel (Vazhaku En 18/9)
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