Movie Crow Second Quarter Report Card – 2013
by Raven
The second quarter of 2013 saw 31 new releases in Tamil Cinema. There were a handful of genuine hits and couple of dozen duds at the box-office. Short film-maker Nalan Kumarasamy’s Soodhu Kavvum, starring Vijay Sethupathi, was our pick of the 2nd quarter. The movie became a clean hit, thanks to its out-of-the box screenplay, wonderful performances and promotions. Durai Senthilkumar’s Ethir Neechal started strong and kept the cash box ringing until IPL craze cut short the run. Sundar C’s Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru has proved yet again that ‘Comedy (alias Santhanam) sells’.
- Film - Soodhu Kavvum
- Director - Nalan Kumarasamy ( Soodhu Kavvum)
- Wholesome Entertainers - Ethir Neechal and Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru
- Actor - Vijay Sethupathi (Soodhu Kavvum)
- Actress - Karthika Nair (Annakodi)
- Comedian - Santhanam (Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru)
- Debut actors (in Tamil) - Nazriya Nazim (Neram)
- Cinematographer - Velraj (Ethir Neechal, Udhayam NH4)
- Editor - Leo John Paul (Soodhu Kavvum)
- Music Director - Anirudh (Ethir Neechal)
- Lyricist - Na. Muthukumar (Moondru Per Moondu Kaadhal)
- Male singer - Anirudh (Boomi Enna Suthudhey, Ethir Neechal)
- Female Singer - Kaadhal Endhan Kaadhal (Neha Bhasin, Moondru Per Moondru Kaadhal)
Highlights of the Quarter
1. Vijay Sethupathi and Sivakarthikeyan continue to impress
The talented and hard-working actors Vijay Sethupathi and Sivakarthikeyan have carried on their success stories. Vijay Sethupathi played a 40 year old man in ‘Soodhu Kavvum’ and he pulled off the role with relative ease. There is no looking back for this sensational actor, who continues to experiment with his roles. On the other hand, Sivakarthikeyan performed brilliantly as a solo hero in ‘Ethir Neechal’. He oozed confidence and had brilliant screen presence throughout the film. Both these actors have a long list of projects in the pipeline, and very deservingly so.
2. Dhanush makes the most convincing Bollywood entry
Dhanush made his Bollywood debut with ‘Raanjhanaa’ (dubbed in Tamil as 'Ambikapathy') and the movie has been declared as a hit. Although the movie opened to below average occupancy, the movie picked up with positive word of mouth. Dhanush received rave response for his performance.
3. Doors open for new talents
This quarter saw a bunch of promising young film-makers making their entry into Tamil cinema. Durai Senthilkumar’s Ethir Neechal and Nalan Kumarasamy’s Soodhu Kavvum were declared hits across all centres. Manimaran tried to deliver a stylish romantic thriller with Udhayam NH4. Madhan Kumar’s Yaaruda Mahesh was a quirky entertainer, aimed at youngsters. Alphonse Putharen’s Neram was a light-hearted comedy film, with a bunch of twists and good technical value.
1. Most criticized movies
Kannan’s Settai, remake of Bollywood film ‘Delhi Belly’, was a big let down of this quarter as it could neither be edgy as the original nor be a wholesome family entertainer. By trying to cater to both sections, Settai fell through the gap and faced the ire of common audience. Sasikumar’s Kutti Puli was trashed by the reviewers and audience alike. Thanks to Sasikumar's previous hit Sundarapandian which ensured a good opening.
2. Movies that received cold reception
Vasanth’s Moondru Per Moondu Kaadhal got sandwiched by Soodhu Kavvum and Ethir Neechal. Legendary director Bharathiraja’s Annakodi is a non-starter at the box office. Prithvi Rajkumar’s Naan Rajavaga Pogiren failed to create any buzz. Radha Mohan’s Gouravam was largely ignored at the box-office.
3. Classics failed to rekindle the magic
Badri’s Thillu Mullu received average reviews from the critics, but the audience did not find them entertaining enough. Late Manivannan’s Nagaraja Cholan MA, MLA failed to re-create the magic of Amaidhi Padai.
Read here for Q1 2013 Tamil Movie Report Card