Pongal, the harvest festival of Tamils, is normally associated with grand celebrations. Kollywood too is not far behind as they join the celebrations in the only way known to them – coming out with new releases.

However this Pongal the Tamil film industry is witnessing the release of just three films. Though a half-a-dozen films were in the fray, many backed out at the last moment leaving just three in the race.

However a quick look at Pongal releases reveal that the competition is not going to be easy, as biggies like Vijay (Villu) and Dhanush (Padikadhavan) are in the fray. Besides, Raj TV's Kadhalna Summa Illai too is getting released this week.

Villu

Villu is a rollicking entertainer, says director Prabhudeva. Starring Vijay, Vadivelu and Nayanthara in the lead, the movie has Vijay playing a dual role (father and son) and actress Kushboo appears in a song that goes 'Hey Rama, Hey Rama.'

Vijay and Prabhudeva team up after the success of Pokkirri. According to Prabhudeva, it would be a James Bond -like movie in Tamil. Everything is stylish about the film, he says.

The cinematography is by Ravi Varman, music by Devi Sri Prasad and editing by Kola Baskar. According to Prabhudeva, 'the co-operation and dedication shown by Vijay amazed me. He was there for everything.'

On his part, Ravi Varman said, 'We've shot the movie in various countries and it is one of the best commercial entertainers I have ever worked in. Prabhudeva has combined class and mass elements well.'

Villu is Vijay's 48th film. A thrilled actor said, 'I would rather prefer it to be my 50th movie. Everything is grand about the film. It is one of the costliest films ever in my career.'

There are a few surprises in store for audiences in Villu. 'The treatment, the twists and turns in the story, the comedy, the action and the songs are packaged in an interesting manner. My audience comprise of ordinary people who want to be entertained, and it will be a visual treat', he says.

Padikadhavan

After the decent hit 'Marudhamalai', director Suraj will be out to try his luck with Padikathavan starring Dhanush and Tamanna. Produced by Bharathi Reddy of the famed Vijaya Productions, the film is presented by Sun Pictures.

Says Suraj, 'Padikathavan is an out and out Dhanush film. There is an overdose of comedy and Vivek in the company of Dhanush will bring the roof down with laughter. I am sure that the movie would set a new trend in terms of comedy'.

On the story, he says, ' it is the story of a youth, who is bad in his academics and the insults that he faces in his family. Tamanna plays an aeronautics student. Suman plays Tamanna's father. Atul Kulkarni and Shayaji Shinde are also in the cast'.

Says Dhanush, 'we all have worked hard to attain perfection to make the film a thorough entertainer. I am sure Padikadhavan will woo the masses.'

Kadhalna Summa Illai

The remake of the Telugu film Ghamyam, the movie is produced by Raj Television Network. Featuring Ravikrishna, Kamalinee Mukherjee and newcomer Sharvanand in lead roles, Kadhalna Summa Illai is directed by Ilankannan.

On the movie, Illankannan said, 'remakes from Tollywood always are a huge hit with Tamil film audiences. My movie is a feel-good film.' According to Ravikrishna, 'this would be a trend-setting film. Illankannan is a youthful director. I am happy and thrilled to be involved in the project'.

Vincent, a former associate of P C Sreeram, is cranking the camera. The rest of the cast include Nasser, Ilavarasu and Crazy Mohan. Vidyasagar, Anil and Manisharma have scored music for the film.