A star-studded Pongal ahead -A roundup of Pongal 2016 Kollywood releases

'Vedalam' and 'Thoongavanam' the two grand Deepavali releases in Kollywood are turning out to be profitable for all the stakeholders thanks to the extended weekend after the Deepavali festival. Thala Ajith's mass masala entertainer 'Vedalam' has already broken all the previous records set by Tamil films in terms of Box office opening while Kamal Haasan's taut thriller 'Thoongavanam' is slowly but steadily marching ahead towards the 'hit' status.

Now it is time to look-up for the Pongal festival which will be another grand season for celebrations at the box office. Pongal Festival is considered to be the most apt and rewarding season for Tamil films especially the biggies to release, as it comes with at least three consecutive holidays for schools, colleges and Government offices. Star films compete with each other to cash in on this plump avenue and many stars of Tamil cinema have had their blockbusters released on the Tamizhar Thirunal.

This year at least seven films all having big names in terms of star heroes, leading heroines, acclaimed directors and big production houses are eyeing a Pongal release and working towards the goal. Indiaglitz, presents a you a short preview of the possible Pongal releases from Kollywood.

24

After the not so favourable 'Anjaan' and 'Maasu' versatile star actor Suriya has acted in '24' and he has also produced it under his 2D Entertainments banner. The film has been directed by Vikram Kumar of 'Yavarum Nalam' fame. Suriya reportedly plays triple roles in this film touted to be a fantasy adventure while Samantha and Nithya Menen are the lead heroines. Oscar Winner A.R.Rahman is scoring music for this flick.

The shooting of the film has been wrapped up recently and the first look will be released on November 24. The film's postproduction includes a lot of VFX and computer graphics related works and it was earlier said that the film may make it to the screens only in Summer 2016.

But now the team has started working round the clock to make the film ready for release on Pongal day and they are confident of achieving the target.

If this happens, '24' will be the biggest Pongal release in the absence of Rajini,Kamal, Vijay and Ajith films.

Tharai Thappattai

After 'Paradesi' it has been more than two years since a Bala directed flick has released. The maverick director's fans and lovers of hard-hitting quality Tamil films are waiting for long to watch 'Tharai Thappattai' which reportedly revolves around the folk artists of Tamil Nadu. Sasikumar plays a Nadaswaram player and Varalakshmi Sarathkumar is a Karakattam dancer in the flick. This is the 1000th film to have Isaiganani Ilaiyaraja's musical score.

'Tharai Thappattai' went on floors in early 2014 and the shoot was delayed due to injuries caused to the lead actors while shooting some risky sequences. The entire shooting has been wrapped and the post-production including the dubbing works are progressing rapidly. The film produced by Bala under his B Studios banner is expected to hit the screens as a refreshing rural treat for Pongal festival.

Kathakali

This will be the first film of Vishal after becoming the General Secretary of Nadigar Sangam. 'This is also the tall and talented actor's first film with the National award winning director Pandiraj. The film is being produced by Vishal and Pandiraj together.

'Kathakali' stars Catherine Thresa as the lead heroine while Hiphop Tamizha Aadhi is scoring music for the flick. Given the hardworking nature of Pandiraj and Vishal the film's shooting is fast nearing completion and it will release on the Pongal day as the post-production work will be completed in a break-neck speed.

Miruthan

After the critically acclaimed blockbuster 'Thani Oruvan' Jayam Ravi is acting in 'Miruthan' directed by Shakthi Soundararajan of 'Naaigal Jakkiradhai' fame. Lakshmi Menon pairs up with Ravi for the first time in this film touted as the first Zombie film in Tamil. D.Imman is in charge of scoring music.

The film produced by Michael Rayappan is in the final stages of its shooting and has been scheduled for a Pongal release.

Aranmanai 2

The trend of sequels in Kollywood is catching up thanks to the blockbuster success of 'Kanchana 2'. The sequel of the Sundar.C directed super hit horror-comedy 'Aranamani' is fast nearing completion.

With a stellar cast that includes Siddharth, Trisha, Hansika, Poonam Bajwa, Soori and others, 'Aranamanai 2' has been directed by Sundar.C.and produced by his wife Khushbu under the Avni Cinemax banner. Hiphop Tamizha who worked in 'Aranmanai' has been retained for the musical score

Khushbu has confirmed that the film will release in Pongal season. Music album release is expected to happen very soon.

Thirunaal

Actor Jiiva who has proved his talent and versatility as an actor is back in a rustic avtar with 'Thirunaal' directed by B.S.Ramanath of 'Ambasamuthiram Ambani' fame. Jiiva plays a local rowdy in the film. Nayanthara who is seeing back to back hits in her career has acted as Jiiva's lady love in the film.

The trailer released on the Deepavali festival day promised a rural based political action entertainer. The film is expected to hit the screens on Pongal.

Idhu Namma Aalu