The Harvest festival enjoys a lot of importance in the Tamil milieu, because it is exclusive to the Tamil soil. It’s not just about sowing seeds and reaping benefits but also thanking and celebrating the crops that yield prosperity. It is but natural hence, that a lot of importance is attached to this festival. In the Tamil film industry too, a lot of people look forward to the festival as it is synonymous with celebration and a cheery spirit. Many films release on this day every year and here’s a line-up of the films that will grace theatres on this harvest festival.

Guru is from the guru’s stable. Yes, Manirathinam, who is deemed as the mentor or Guru by many aspiring and current film-makers, is both the director and producer of this film. This film which brings together biggies like Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Mithun Chakraborthy, Vidya Balan and Mallika Sherawat, has a simple storyline. It is the journey of a small town simpleton who makes it big in life, from rags to riches. Abhishek plays the title role of Guru Kant Desai and those who saw the film are already raving about his sterling performance. Guru, it seems, is all set to give other films a run for their money.

Pokiri has Ilayathalapathi Vijay playing the hero with Asin as his love interest. Prabhu Deva wields the megaphone for this action packed entertainer. Ramesh Babu produces this film for Sri Kanakarathna Movies. Music is by Mani Sharma and cinematography is taken care of by Nirav Shah. Prakash Raj also plays a prominent role in the film. Pokiri promises to provide as a package action, romance and sentiments, in the right proportion. Everyone knows that Vijay is adept at dance. Since this film has dancing sensation Prabhu Deva behind the camera, it goes without saying that the songs sequences would rock!

Aalwar is Ajith’s offering for this Pongal. Since this film comes fresh after the stupendous success of Varalaru, Ajith’s fans are much eager to watch this film. They are sure that the ultimate star would repeat the magic. Debutant Chella directs this flick and Mohan Natarajan is the producer. Music is by Srikanth Deva and camera is cranked by Rameshji. Dialogues have been penned by Ravi Maria. It’s a memorable Pongal for Asin as she is the heroine of this flick too! Sathyan, Lal and Vincent Asokan also play prominent roles in this film.

Paruthi Veeran stars debutant Karthi Sivakumar, sibling of Suriya, in the lead role. Directed by Ameer, this film portrays a different Priya Mani, what with her rustic and simple looks. Just like Ameer’s earlier film Raam, this film also has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja and cinematography by Ramji. Ameer has already established himself as a director who dishes out entertaining and at the same time, sensible movies. This film, hence, is much awaited by film-buffs.

Thamirabarani is a Hari directed film with Vishal, debutant Banu, Prabhu and Nadhiya playing lead roles. Ganja Karuppu plays the comedian in this flick which is produced by Vijaya Productions. Vijayakumar, Nasser, Nizhalgal Ravi and Rohini play significant roles as well. Whether Thamirabarani flows in the right direction is yet to be seen but since this comes from Hari’s stable, one can expect it to.

Veerasaami from Simbhu Cine Arts has story, screenplay, dialogues, lyrics, music and direction by none other than ‘Ashtavadhani’ Vijaya T Rajendhar. Mumtaz, Meghna Naidu and debutant Aziz play the female leads. Vijaya T Rajendhar has always churned out decent hits and hence, Veerasaami also rides high on hopes.

Every film that is releasing this Pongal brings together promising stars and a technically sound crew. Hence, this is going to be a harvest festival for the film industry too, in the truest sense of the word!