The year 2006 has seen a mixed response as far as films are concerned. There have been a slew of hits and average runners, promising stars and new trends in the industry.
There has been no dearth of miracles in Kollywood in 2006. While Chitiram Pesuthadi had a miraculous but significant run, catapulting the new star Naren to fame, the long pending film which waited to see the light of day, Varalaru released amidst much hopes and proved naysayers wrong with its successful run. Yes indeed, it has been a memorable year for Ajith.
Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi offered the audiences laughter on a platter and the audience, which comprised mostly of kids, was seen in splits, laughing their lungs out on seeing the histrionics of Vadivelu on screen. The Pulikesi mustache became a hot favourite among kids. This film belonged to a rare genre in films namely, historical comedy.
One of the most awaited films of the year, Sillunu oru Kadhal, did average business. The songs are chartbusters though, and every TV channel has Munbae Vaa among the top ranks in the countdown shows.
The chemistry between Suriya and Jyothika has been much looked forward to since Kaaka Kaaka and the star pair's marriage soon after the film aroused many expectations on the film. Jyothika announced her decision to quit films soon after her marriage.
It has been a significant year for Jeyam Ravi as well, with his Unakkum Enakkum Something Something running to packed houses. The brother duo of Jeyam Raja and Jeyam Ravi proved to be a magical combo yet again, with this film which was declared a superhit by industry pundits.
Likewise, Bharath had a superhit in Em-Mahan, which brought small screen director Thirumurugan to the silver screen. Thirumurugan arrived into the celluloid world with a bang in 2006.
Thalainagaram brought the histrionics of director Sundar C to the fore. His restrained performance suited his role in the movie to a T. Another star, people opine, has been born.
Thambi was a well-deserved hit, with the revolutionary Madhavan sporting a Che Guevara T-shirt, reacting to evils in the society. It showed Madhavan in a different light, which he used to the best of his ability.
Thiruttu Payalae won raving reviews for its bold theme and lucid treatment. This film helped Jeevan join the category of the most sought after stars. The same goes for Thimiru, which helped Vishal gain a firm foothold in the industry, what with his earlier Sandakozhi proving to be a hit as well.
Uyir is one of those films which starred a woman in a central role and Sangeetha used it only too well, to prove her acting mettle. Likewise, Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu brought Kamalini Mukherjee to Tamil film industry and the film was spoken about by one and all for the stylish way in which the film was shot.
Among the recent releases, apart from Varalaru, E is doing good business, which is good news for Jeeva. It is now too early to come to a conclusion about the most recent releases Sivapathikaram, Irandu and Kizhakku Kadarkarai Salai.
The announcement by the State Government on the exemption from entertainment tax for those films titled in Tamil, brought about an immediate change in the titles of the films.
Many films which were originally given English titles were changed with immediate effect. And now, we have titles in chaste Tamil like Unakkum Enakkum, Varalaru and Irandu, among many others.
In all, 2006 has been a significant year not just for Tamil film industry but also the lovers of Tamil cinema worldwide.