First Half 2014 Tamil Movies Report

More than 100 Tamil films released during the first half of 2014, but only a handful of then turned out to be box office hits. There were no outright big winners during the first 6 months.

Biggies fail to ignite the box office

The year started on a high note, with two of the most expected films – Jilla and Veeram hitting the screens on the same day for Pongal. While Veeram got better reviews, Jilla seems to have fared a tad better at the box office. But, according to Producers' Council President, both the movies failed to make money at the box office due to clash  and high price at which the movies were sold to distributors. Also, Rajinikanth’s Kochadaiyaan, which is India’s first film to be made on motion capturing technology, had hit the screens during May, but the movie turned out to be an average fare due to the significant budget involved. 

Hit Movies based on Return of Investment (ROI) 

The unanimous hits of first half of 2014 are Goli Soda, Thegidi and Yaamiruka Bayamey -- all these movies got good word of mouth as well as kept the cash register ringing. Vijay Milton’s Goli Soda was a lively entertainer with a bunch of kids in central characters. Horror comedy film Yaamirukka Bayamey made merry at the box office.

Sivakarthikeyan’s Maan Karate became a hit irrespective of the mixed reviews proving that he has become a dependable star with a good opening. Sivakarthikeyan continues his dream run with Maan Karate as he continues to hike his salary.

Critically acclaimed movies

Santosh Sivan’s Inam received rave reviews, but the movie was taken off from the theatres after protests against the film grew large. Raju Murugan’s Cuckoo was an intense love-story between two blind people, heart-wrenching all the way. Chimbu Devan’s inspired by 'Run Lola Run' Oru Kanniyum Moonu Kalavanigalum had an interesting screenplay, wherein the subplots vary in time by just a minute from each other. Director Vijay’s Saivam opened to largely positive reviews and many claim it to be the most original attempt of the director. The fate of the movie will be known after a week.

Vijay Sethupathi’s Pannaiyarum Padminiyum showcased the bonding between a landlord and his love for vintage Padmini car. The movie lacked the necessary commercial ingredients to be successful. Balaji Mohan’s experimental attempt Vaayai Moodi Pesavum was well-received by the multiplex audience. With the second half almost having no dialogue, the interesting screenplay grabbed the audience’s attention. 

Among small movies, newcomer Halitha Shameem’s Poovarasam Peepee was an honest film, with the director showcasing the intelligence of young kids. However, the movie did not sustain at the box office, due to lack of promotions. The retro comedy Mundasupatti has turned out to be well received for matured making despite slow pacing.

MovieCrow's Pick of First Half of 2014

• Best Entertainer – Thegidi

• Best 'Mass' Movie - Goli Soda

• Critics' Favourite – Inam

• Best Director – Ramesh (Thegidi)

• Best Producer - CV Kumar (Thegidi, Mundaasupatti)

• Best Actor – Dinesh (Cuckoo)

• Best Actress – Nazriya Nazim (Vaayai Moodi Pesavum)

• Best  Comedian – Ramadoss as Muniskanth (Mundasupatti)

• Best Character Artist - Raj Kiran (Manja Pai)

• Best Tamil Debut – Dulquer Salmaan (Vaayai Moodi Pesavum)

• Best Cinematographer – Soundarrajan (Vaayai Moodi Pesavum)

• Best Editor – Leo  John Paul (Thegidi), Sabu Joseph (Vallinam)

• Best Music Director – AR Rahman (Kochadaiyaan), Santhosh Narayanan (Cuckoo)

• Debut Music Director – Sean Roldan (Vaayai Moodi Pesavum, Mundasupatti)

• Best Male Singer – SP Balasubramaniam (Kochadaiyaan)

• Best Female Singer – Vaikom Vijayalakshmi (Cuckoo, Ennamo Edho)

• Biggest Disappointment - Sasikumar/Bramman

Mixed bag movies 

SR Prabhakaran’s Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal was a strictly average and everybody involved in the movie looked out of energy, including its music director Harris Jayaraj.  Samuthirakani’s Nimirnthu Nil, starring Jayam Ravi and Amala Paul was too loud at times in an attempt to convey a social message. Vishal’s Naan Sigappu Manithan had an interesting premise, twists in the screenplay worked against the film as the family audiences stayed away. The re-edited Telugu dubbed version is doing good business in Telugu. Family drama Manja Pai became a profitable venture, in spite of largely negative reviews.

Arivazhagan’s Vallinam was a good attempt at showing the plight of other sports except cricket in the nation. Other small movies such as Nedunchaalai, Vadacurry and Ennamo Nadakudhu received fair reviews and ended up doing average business. Vijay Sethupathy's career was impacted by deceiving promotions of Rummy portraying him as central character. The movie failed due to dated treatment.

Comedians slip and fall on the path to stardom

All the comedians are now tried to emulate Sivakarthikeyan whose career is riding high after Maan Karate's success. Vadivelu made his lukewarm comeback with Tenaliraman and the movie had an average run with support from family audience. Santhanam’s Vallavanukku Pullum Aayudham got mixed reviews from the critics, but managed to attract the ardent fans of Santhanam. While both the stars proved that they still have their crowd-pulling charm, they would need to concentrate more on selecting the right scripts. Vivek’s Naan Thaan Bala sank without a trace and was removed from theatres within a week. VTV Ganesh's Inga Enna Solludhu boasting STR/Simbu's cameo was a total wash-out.

No mood for remake movies

Movies that were ignored completely by the fans were remakes. Newcomer Gokul Krishna’s Aaha Kalyanam, remake of Band Baaja Baaraat, failed to recreate the magic and felt too alien to Tamil audience. Nayanthara’s Nee Enge En Anbe, remake of Kahaani, went unnoticed at the box office. Other remakes Malini 22 Palayamkottai, Un Samayal Arayil and Yennamo Yedho were also short-lived at the box office.

Bottomline: The first half has been relatively low-key for Tamil industry. The trade is still waiting for the elusive blockbuster to pump up their spirits. Let us hope the second half will bring more cheer to the box office with bigger hits.