Trends

Film industry is getting better by the year! The year saw more hits than the last 8 years. Normally small films have no takers but this year there were many small releases. Though these movies did not do well, the distributors and producers made moderate gains. Multinationals entered the cinema market and conquered it. Thanks to the multiplex culture in Chennai, many movies made money. Satyam, Inox, Maayajal, Abirami, Sangam have all moved to some kind of a multiplex setup. There are many multiplexes due for inauguration in 2008. The year saw the rise of Pyramid Saimira, a large multinational distribution firm. They now control 275 screens in South India and distributed almost all the big movies. While "Pyramid Saimira" bought all big films, most small films were distributed by Nag Ravi's "Insight Media". Last year's distribution hero, Oscar Ravichandiran went into hibernation. 2007 can be called as "The Year of Multinationals & Multiplexes"

In terms of numbers, direct tamil movies just failed to reach the century mark.

Hits of 2007

2007 was another good year for tamil films. Though there was no path breaking film (barring CHENNAI 600028) or an all time classic that was churned out, most films managed to make money. Thanks to the multiplex culture and strategic release dates (without clashes), even small films managed to survive. What was surprising was the number of one week films that were released. Two big multinational distributors made merry. Out of 99 direct Tamil films released in 2007, atleast 40 movies did well. This is much higher than the previous years. Several small movies managed to break-even and this is a good sign. The big movies like SIVAJI, POKIRI, VEL & BILLA raked in huge profits. SIVAJI made money that was unimaginable for tamil films.

* 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

The world was amazed to see the power of Rajini. Sivaji released with 800 prints on June 15th. Fans stood for a few miles to book the tickets in advance. For the first time the film was screened in 18 theatres in Chennai and yielded a distributors share of atleast 10 crores from Chennai. The overall collection was rumoured to be in excess of Rs.100 crores (Rajini's share was 20%!!) This is an unimaginable business for a tamil film and raised the debate on Amitabh Vs Rajini.

Last year it was Sun TV's fight with distributors that made news. This year, it had a new opponent in the form of Kalaignar TV. After the fallout with Sun TV on the Azhagiri issue, DMK launched Kalaignar TV which managed to attract key employees of Sun TV. Despite all this, Sun TV still stood tall. The film industry benefitted by getting higher rates for their movie telecasts.

Simbhu and Nayantara split during last December. Simbhu was in US then. When he returned in Jan, he tried to force his way to meet Nayan and this created a lot of tension. More tension was added when their intimate smooching photos were released to the press. While, Nayantara managed it more maturely, Simbhu was crying throughout the year. Nayan lost weight and was stunning in BILLA. Simbu had no release this year and cried during a dance show in Vijay TV.

Despite the stupendous success of PARUTHIVEERAN, director Ameer fought with the hero Karthik and his producer uncle. The director claimed that he was not paid his full salary.

The following people tied the knot: Actor Jeeva, Bhoomika and Arthi Agarwal (BAMBARA KANNALEY).

Prashant and his wife, Grihalakshmi applied for a divorce in 2006. 2007 was an action packed year. Grihalakshmi complained to the police on dowry harassment. Prashant followed it up with a cheating case. Prashant produced evidences of Grihalakshmi's earlier marriage with a person called Venugopal. When Grihalakshmi tried to rubbish this, Prashant produced the person before the police and press. Another case was filed stating their marriage was invalid since she was already married. The action continues into 2008.

Equally thrilling was the drama between Srikanth (Roja Kootam) and Vandana. Srikanth's marriage was fixed with Vandana. Weeks before the marriage, news on CBI cases against her brother came to light. Srikanth immediately cancelled the wedding. There was a twist in the tale. Vandana produced evidences of their private marriage a few months ago. Vandana moved into Srikanth's house and claimed that husband's house is where a lady should stay! Srikanth lost his face in front of fans and public. Finally, the two got back to terms and a public wedding was organized. They lived happily ever after.

SS Chandran's daughter-in-law filed a dowry harassment case on him in Dec 2006. After exactly a year on the last day of 2007, she withdrew the case.

Other separations: Yuvan Shankar Raja wants to separate from his wife Sujaiya. So does Urvasi-Manoj K Jayan. Saritha has filed for divorce with Mukesh after almost a two decade marriage.

As always there was a controversy involving Kushbu. This time cases were filed against her for insulting hindu Gods. During the pooja of a new film "VALLAMAI THARAYO", she was seated with her leg pointing towards some hindu goddesses. This was more than enough for those people who were waiting for an opportunity. The cases are still pending hearing.

There were two remake of old tamil movies and apart from that numerous songs were remixed. Most big movies had a remix song. Notable ones are: "Engeyum Eppozhuthum" (POLLATHAVAN), "Ponmagal vanthal" (ATM), "My Name is Billa" (BILLA), "Ei Aatha Athorama" (MALAIKOTAI), "Rose Mary" (PALLIKOODAM) and "Radha Kaathal Varatha" (NAAN AVAN ILLAI). The trend continues into 2008.

Actress Padmapriya was slapped by director Saami (UYIR) during the shoot of MIRUGAM. The director was banned to direct any new movie for a year. The director said he would direct foreign movies in 2008! MIRUGAM was released in December and the film was reviewed as soft porn. One magazine stated, "Padmapriya deserved the slap for acting in such a movie".

Surya and Jyothika became parents. Their daughter was named Diya (Surya, Jyothika and now Diya; all have linkages to light). Bharathiraja became a grandfather. Manoj Bharathi & Nandana gave birth to a baby girl.

Sarathkumar launched his political party, "Agila India Samathuva Makkal Katchi".

Actress Kiran met with a major car accident. She had 20 stitches and was asked to rest for 3 weeks. Made no difference as she was already resting at home

Stunt master, "Kanal" Kannan, shot his neighbour's dog and the lady filed a case against him.

Simbu, Jeyam Ravi, Vishal, Jeeva and Trisha were awarded the tile of "Kalaimamani" by the TamilNadu government.

Vijay was awarded Doctorate by MGR University for his social work and contributions to tamil cinema! Though funny, this makes Vijay the youngest actor in the world to receive a doctorate! Sathyaraj, Vairamuthu & Shankar were others who received doctorate.

Several new talents were introduced this year. The notable ones were: Karthik (PARUTHI VEERAN - Sivakumar's second son), Vinay (UNNALEY UNNALEY), Sakthi (THOTTAL POO MALARUM - P.Vasu's son), Aadhi (MIRUGAM), Anjali (KATRATHU THAMIZH) and Bharathi (AMMUVAGIYA NAAN).

Tamil Cinema had to face the loss of actor Vijayan and noted cameraman turned director Jeeva. Jeeva was directing his new film "DHAAM DHOOM" in Russia when he died of a heart attack. Sivaji Ganesan's wife, Kamala Ammal passed away in November.

The love story between Kamal and Gouthami continued.