A year of ups and downs

It has been a year of mixed fortunes for Tamil cinema this year. Fortunes fluctuated and several prominent artistes bit the dust while some fresh talents made it to the top.

The year 2006 saw several sops announced to revive the film industry by the State government headed by M Karunanidhi, over seven films celebrated a 100-day run, a host of film personalities got married and sadly prominent actresses including Padmini and Sri Vidhya passed away. These were 'bulletised' events of the year that was a bit up and down.

The year however belonged to Vijayakanth. Captain's DMDK party faced the State Assembly elections independently and emerged the third largest party. What’s more, Vijayakanth was elected the MLA from Vriddhachalam.

Films:

The year started with movies like Ajith's Paramasivan, Vijay' Aathi and Pasaa Kiligal (story and dialogues by M Karunanidhi). A packed release in February 2006 resulted in several movies putting up an average show.

Over a dozen movies released last February and among them Chithiram Pesuthadi became a big hit. The year saw movies including Madhavan starrer Thambi and Vishal's Sandai Kozhi directed by Lingusamy having record good openings.

However the latter half was more successful for Tamil cinema.

Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi, the maiden venture of Vadivelu as hero, produced by director shankar and directed by Simbhudevan, became a blockbuster. A full-length historical satire in Tamil cinema after three decades, Imsai Arasan's success brought cheers back in Kollywood.

Sillunu Oru Kadhal featuring Suriya and Jyothika was also a commendable hit this year. The romantic entertainer released coinciding with the celebrated wedding of the actor and actress. Directed by debutant Krishna and with music by A R Rahman, the movie also featured Bhoomika.

Director 'Metti Oli' fame Thirumurugan, who ventured from small screen to cinema with Em Mahan this year, recorded a success. The movie featuring Bharath, Nasser,Gopika and Saranya was a big hit. The emotional drama between a strict father and obedient son formed the crux of the movie.

Also Vishal recorded his second success this year with Thimiru. Directed by Tharun Gopi, the movie featured Shreya Reddy and Reema Sen.

Unakkum Enakkum was a big win for Jayam Ravi at the box-office. The movie had Jayam Ravi and Trisha in lead roles and it was directed by M. Raja. The movie's stupendous success re-established Ravi's place in the industry.

Also in the news were Ajith and K S Ravikumar. Their Varalaru, which was lying in the cans for a long time finally released on Deepavali day. The movie with musical score by Rahman featured Ajith in triple roles. It again went on to become a big hit.

Vettaiyaadu Villaiyaadu, a cop story shot in New York , did good business too.With Kamal Haasan at his best and Jyothika opposite him, Vettaiyaadu Villaiyaadu was one of the most talked about films of the year.

Now, Veyyil, released a couple of weeks back, is well on its way to becoming a seminal movie in recent times. Dhanush's Thiruvilaiyadal Arambam has also opened encouragingly.

The year saw two big films Rajnikanth's Sivaji and Kamal Haasan's Dasavatharam shaping up for a release in 2007.