Trends

If last year was a good year for the tamil film industry, this year was even better! The year saw more hits than the last 7 years. Several small films clicked and did extremely well. The year saw several new faces doing well. The bigger stars were either not in the race or failed to make an impact. Kamal was the only exception. Though Ajith’s newer films flopped, his VARALARU (which was in the making for two years) was a big hit. Vijay & Vikram took a long time to decide on their film and hence were at home most part of this year. The year was the opposite of last year; Newer talents shined and grabbed attention with ease, while the stars were made to work hard.

My prediction for 2006, was proved wrong (I had predicted many remakes). However, my wish was fulfilled. Fresh ideas were recognized and small budget movies did well. There was one person who made a clear impact on the film industy. This person held the entire industry on his shoulder and paved way for many in distress. The person: Producer/Distibutor, “Oscar” Ravichandran. Everything that he touched turned to gold. He distributed several films that were facing financial problems and all of them did well. He distributed almost all the biggest hits of the year: CHITIRAM PESUTHADI, DISHYUM, THAMBI, PAARIJATHAM, THALAINAGARAM, VETTAYADU VILAYADU, VARALARU, RENDU and THIRUVILAYADAL AARAMBAM. Most of these films had problems in releasing and if not for him they would not have seen the light. In short, 2006 is "The Year of Ravichandran (Oscar Films)".

In terms of numbers, tamil movies hit a second century again.

* Excludes 104 films that were dubbed in tamil for release in television

Hits of 2006

2006 was a great year for the small films. Out of 105 direct Tamil films released in 2006, atleast 25 movies did well. Several small movies managed to break-even and this is a good sign. Though there was no single Silver Jubilee Film (175 Days plus), the films that did well gave a lot more to the producers and distributors. Video piracy was curbed to some extent and the governments decision on Zero Tax to films with tamil title, helped the industry to a great extent.

* These films didn't fare well commercially and had an empty theatre run for 100 days to satisfy the hero.

How They Fared

Tit Bits

SUN TV and film distributors had a clash. The distributors decided not to telecast snippets or advertisements in SUN TV. Only "Oscar" Ravichandran supported Sun TV and worked with them. The films that were advertised in Sun TV turned out to be a hit. Post elections, the distributors quietly changed sides. Sun TV and "Oscar" Ravi had the last laugh.

Simbhu and Nayantara's love was the talk of the town. Both of them gave interviews confirming the news. Within weeks after the release of VALLAVAN, Nayanthara conveyed to the Press that they have split. Simbhu was in US and is yet to meet the press. Nayan is shooting in Andhra with tight security. Can someone make a movie out of this?

The following people tied the knot: Laila (Jan6), Na Muthukumar(June14), Surya-Jothika (Sep11), Manoj Bharathiraja-Nandana (Nov 19), Renuka Menon (Nov30), Arun Kumar (Dec1), Gayathri Raguraman (Dec8) and Selvaraghavan-Sonia Agrawal (Dec15)

Prashant married Grihalakshmi last year and this year they have applied for a divorce. When Grihalakshmi complained to the police on dowry harassment, it created quite a sensation.

SS Chandran's daughter-in-law filed a dowry harassment case on him. He was later arrested and is currently on bail. Singer Haris Raghavendra's wife too filed a dowry case.

Arvindswamy applied for divorce from his wife Gayathri.

Actress Vanitha (MANIKKAM), daughter of Vijayakumar-Manjula, separated from her husband.

SANDAKOZHI released during end of last year. The film had certain dialogues targeted at a character by name "Kutti" Radhika. A real life "Kutti Radhika" filed a complaint against the writer. The case was dismissed.

Actress Kushbu's morphed image on the cover of MAXIM magazine, resulted in Kushbu filing a defamatory case against the editor for 3 Crores. Though the editor apologized, Kushbu has refused to withdraw the case.

The producers of JAMBHAVAN complained that actress Nila had asked for mineral water for bathing. They refused to provide this and hence she left the shooting mid way. The actress however had a different story to tell. She said, she was asked to take bath in a dirty pond. Finally, the producers had to apologize (like always) and Nila returned to the shoot.

Shivaji's statue was unveiled in Marina beach. The statue's position created some controversy, however this was sorted out amicably.

Actress Arthi Agarwal, who acted in the film, BAMABARA KANNALEY, attempted suicide and was admitted in hospital. The actress claimed that she fainted and fell down from the stairs. After a period of 3 month rest, she resumed acting.

"FRIENDS" Vijayalakshmi attempted suicide too.

There were rumours that director Bala took help from goondas to kidnap Ajith and recover the advance given to him for NAN KADAVUL. Though both of them refused this rumour, industry sources confirmed that this did happen.

Tamil films swept the neighbouring states last year. This year, the dubbing films failed miserably in Andhra. Vishal's SANDAKOZHI and THIMIRU were exceptions. These two films did extremely well.

Amir's film 'Ram' was chosen for the Indian Panorama and won an award for director Amir.

The censor refused certificate for IMSAI ARASAN 23am PULIKESI because they had used horses in the movie and this required a letter from Animal Welfare Association(AWA). Shankar had to run from pillar to post and finally the chief minister(Karunanidhi) helped him out. Similar problem was created for few other movies too.

Kushbu was in headlines again. This time because she was offered the role of Maniyammai in the film PERIYAR. Political parties quoted her remarks on chastity (made last year) and hence protested that the role should not be offered to her. Cameraman, Thankar Bachan refused to film her shots. However, the director made no compromise and Kushbu is continuing her shoot for the film.

Several new talents were introduced this year. The notable kins were: Sharanya (Bhakyaraj) and Prithvi (Pandiyarajan). G V Prakash (A R Rehman's nephew), scored music for VEYIL.

Postal stamp of the "Gemini" Ganesan was released.

Tamil Cinema had to face the loss of R.S Manohar, Padmini, Srividhya, "Vikram Dharma (stunt master), E V Saroja and director K Shankar (directed more than 100 films).

The love story between Kamal and Gouthami continued.