From Kamal Hassan's 'Thoonga Vaanam' to Ajith's 'Vedalam': Cracker of a Diwali in Kollywood

Diwali is considered to be a big ticket release day for Kollywood. There is a belief that after the traditional oil bath and sumptuous breakfast, one should watch a new Diwali release on the festival day. This year Diwali is falling on a Tuesday (celebrated in south India), and Tamil film trade is insisting that a new film should release on the festive day. As per modern convention, a Friday weekend release is the normal trade practice. The festival of lights from time immemorial has always been associated with superstar driven masala films. Some years back four or five films used to release on Diwali; not any more though. [caption id=“attachment_2501154” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Screengrab from YouTube videos[/caption] The two big Diwali releases this year are Ajith’s Vedalam and Kamal Haasan’s Thoonga Vanam. Both the films are releasing worldwide on November 10. Ajith is an action hero who has a phenomenal following among the youth and is known as the “king of opening”. His fan base and the buzz around him has created an opening which trade analysts feels is second to superstar Rajinikanth. Vedalam is a typical masala film in which Ajith plays a larger than life character who takes on an army of bad guys. Shruti Haasan plays his love interest while Lakshmi Menon is playing the pivotal sister role; it has music by the hot and happening Anirudh. The film is packaged by director Siva as a complete family entertainer and has got a U certificate from the censors. Kamal Haasan, known as Ulaga Nayagan, the evergreen hero turned 61 today (November 7). He still has a huge fan base and along with Rajinikanth is one of the pillars of Tamil commercial cinema. Thoonga Vanam will be Kamal Haasan’s third release this year after the disastrous Uttama Villain and the hit Papanasam (a remake of Mohanlal’s Drishyam). Thoonga Vanam has Hassan playing an ageing cop with shades of grey. He works in the narcotics bureau and his son gets kidnapped by a drug mafia after a bust. The film is directed by his assistant Rajesh M Selva and is an adaptation of the 2011 French neo-noir thriller Sleepless Nights. Leading actress Trisha plays a important role in the film, along with Prakash Raj. The 2 hour film has been given a UA certificate by the censors. Both Vedalam and Thoonga Vanam have a lot riding on them. The advance booking for Vedalam has been huge, and has been virtually sold out for the first two days. Kollywood badly needs a big star hit to revive the sagging fortunes of the industry. One thing is sure it is going to be a cracker of a Diwali at the Tamil box-office.