1. KAALA :-
1. KAALA :-
Gross : 57 crores (Expected closing)
Gross : 57 crores (Expected closing)
Share : 33 crores
Share : 33 crores
Fortunately unlike Lingaa & Kabali. Kaala was an own release baring 2 or 3 areas but since the closing share will be 45% below the advance (60 crores) collected from distributors, its being termed as a flop. A film with more than 35% loss in any area is a disaster but with Kaala being an own release, most distributors will get back their advances and the hence verdict is being adjusted modestly to flop.
Fortunately unlike Lingaa & Kabali. Kaala was an own release baring 2 or 3 areas but since the closing share will be 45% below the advance (60 crores) collected from distributors, its being termed as a flop. A film with more than 35% loss in any area is a disaster but with Kaala being an own release, most distributors will get back their advances and the hence verdict is being adjusted modestly to flop.
Kaala's failure lies in attempting to repeat Kabali which it can't for obvious reasons, since the target was unreasonable for the kind of film they were making.
What's the reason behind Kabali's hype ?
Director ?
No
Music Director ?
No
Kalaipuli Thanu ?
No
Content ?
Hello No !!
Majority of the credit goes to Rajinikanth's makeover. He was stereotyped as someone who should never age on screen even If his physique refused to cooperate. Lingaa was the breaking point. Not only did Rajini look extremely odd in his makeup, The director of the film K.S.Ravikumar also disappointed. Being old is not a bad thing at all, but being outdated is dangerous when there are great expectations. That's exactly what happened to Lingaa, the story was old but the outdated execution is the primary reason behind the movie's failure. The audience that used to worship this kind of Rajini no longer took him seriously so there was a need to update. Rajinikanth did the right thing by choosing a film where he plays a character of his real age, which cuts down the need to resort to unnecessary gimmicks and focus more on the story telling aspect instead.
Kaala's failure lies in attempting to repeat Kabali which it can't for obvious reasons, since the target was unreasonable for the kind of film they were making.
What's the reason behind Kabali's hype ?
Director ?
No
Music Director ?
No
Kalaipuli Thanu ?
No
Content ?
Hello No !!
Majority of the credit goes to Rajinikanth's makeover. He was stereotyped as someone who should never age on screen even If his physique refused to cooperate. Lingaa was the breaking point. Not only did Rajini look extremely odd in his makeup, The director of the film K.S.Ravikumar also disappointed. Being old is not a bad thing at all, but being outdated is dangerous when there are great expectations. That's exactly what happened to Lingaa, the story was old but the outdated execution is the primary reason behind the movie's failure. The audience that used to worship this kind of Rajini no longer took him seriously so there was a need to update. Rajinikanth did the right thing by choosing a film where he plays a character of his real age, which cuts down the need to resort to unnecessary gimmicks and focus more on the story telling aspect instead.
What's the reason behind Kabali's hype ?
Director ?
No
Music Director ?
No
Kalaipuli Thanu ?
No
Content ?
Hello No !!
Majority of the credit goes to Rajinikanth's makeover. He was stereotyped as someone who should never age on screen even If his physique refused to cooperate. Lingaa was the breaking point. Not only did Rajini look extremely odd in his makeup, The director of the film K.S.Ravikumar also disappointed. Being old is not a bad thing at all, but being outdated is dangerous when there are great expectations. That's exactly what happened to Lingaa, the story was old but the outdated execution is the primary reason behind the movie's failure. The audience that used to worship this kind of Rajini no longer took him seriously so there was a need to update. Rajinikanth did the right thing by choosing a film where he plays a character of his real age, which cuts down the need to resort to unnecessary gimmicks and focus more on the story telling aspect instead.
Kabali teaser promised Rajini was coming massier and updated. While the update worked in the film's favor, Thanu's move to hide the film's core and project it like a gangster entertainer resulted in negative reviews from early shows. Fortunately Overseas distributors (baring few in Europe) made profits while TN & AP/TG distributors faced substantial loss.
Wunderbar Studios & LYCA Productions opted for low key promos since they felt Kaala was a better film and with moderate hype, audience will like it more. However the problem was not with the promos but with the release date (Immediately after School reopening) and financial over expectations.
Financial over expectations in the sense, certain films only have a certain capacity as far as box office is concerned irrespective of how good the content is. Its unfair to expect a film like Muthirivallikal Thallirkumbol or Neerali to collect more than Puli Murugan just because they have the same lead actor, MVT was a huge financial success because Mohanlal didn't ask for an unreasonable paycheck after Puli Murugan's success and it was a economically planned well keeping in mind the film's capacity.
Kaala's capacity with a well planned release is :-
TN - 35 crores
APTG - 10 crores
Kerala - 4 crores
Karnataka - 10 crores
Overseas - 35 crores
Rest of India - 5 crores
With a better release date, Kaala could have easily collected these good shares. But advance collected in all areas was worth more than 135 crores. For the subject material and landing cost, Kaala performed well, its the financial over expectations that has landed it in a spot of bother.
Kabali teaser promised Rajini was coming massier and updated. While the update worked in the film's favor, Thanu's move to hide the film's core and project it like a gangster entertainer resulted in negative reviews from early shows. Fortunately Overseas distributors (baring few in Europe) made profits while TN & AP/TG distributors faced substantial loss.
Wunderbar Studios & LYCA Productions opted for low key promos since they felt Kaala was a better film and with moderate hype, audience will like it more. However the problem was not with the promos but with the release date (Immediately after School reopening) and financial over expectations.
Financial over expectations in the sense, certain films only have a certain capacity as far as box office is concerned irrespective of how good the content is. Its unfair to expect a film like Muthirivallikal Thallirkumbol or Neerali to collect more than Puli Murugan just because they have the same lead actor, MVT was a huge financial success because Mohanlal didn't ask for an unreasonable paycheck after Puli Murugan's success and it was a economically planned well keeping in mind the film's capacity.
Kaala's capacity with a well planned release is :-
TN - 35 crores
APTG - 10 crores
Kerala - 4 crores
Karnataka - 10 crores
Overseas - 35 crores
Rest of India - 5 crores
With a better release date, Kaala could have easily collected these good shares. But advance collected in all areas was worth more than 135 crores. For the subject material and landing cost, Kaala performed well, its the financial over expectations that has landed it in a spot of bother.
2. THAANAA SERNDHA KOOTTAM :-
2. THAANAA SERNDHA KOOTTAM :-
Gross : 46.2 crores
Gross : 46.2 crores
Share : 24 crores
Although TSK was never intended to be a serious crime drama like Special 26, the film couldn't sustain after Pongal weekend. This is attributed to various factors like the ticket price issue discussed last year. From audience perspective, the glorification of criminals as Robin Hood didn't go done well apart from confused villain characters.
Share : 24 crores
Although TSK was never intended to be a serious crime drama like Special 26, the film couldn't sustain after Pongal weekend. This is attributed to various factors like the ticket price issue discussed last year. From audience perspective, the glorification of criminals as Robin Hood didn't go done well apart from confused villain characters.
Although TSK was never intended to be a serious crime drama like Special 26, the film couldn't sustain after Pongal weekend. This is attributed to various factors like the ticket price issue discussed last year. From audience perspective, the glorification of criminals as Robin Hood didn't go done well apart from confused villain characters.
3. AVENGERS : INFINITY WAR :-
3. AVENGERS : INFINITY WAR :-
Gross : 32.85 crores
Gross : 32.85 crores
Share : 11 crores
Infinity War was 2018's best Chennai City opener till Kaala's release and eventually went on to become the first foreign language film to cross 30 crores mark in Tamil Nadu.
The collections and shares are on par with hit films of tier 2 actors. An untitled sequel is slated for release on May 3rd, 2019.
Share : 11 crores
Infinity War was 2018's best Chennai City opener till Kaala's release and eventually went on to become the first foreign language film to cross 30 crores mark in Tamil Nadu.
The collections and shares are on par with hit films of tier 2 actors. An untitled sequel is slated for release on May 3rd, 2019.
Infinity War was 2018's best Chennai City opener till Kaala's release and eventually went on to become the first foreign language film to cross 30 crores mark in Tamil Nadu.
The collections and shares are on par with hit films of tier 2 actors. An untitled sequel is slated for release on May 3rd, 2019.
4. IRUMBUTHIRAI :-
4. IRUMBUTHIRAI :-
Gross : 32.05 crores
Gross : 32.05 crores
Share : 13.25 crores
After numerous delays and controversies, Irumbuthirai emerged as a surprise super hit in Tamil Nadu while the worldwide gross after Telugu version's release has crossed 65 crores which puts Vishal back on track and averted his downward spiral. He has Sandakozhi 2 getting ready for release later in 2018, since the original was a huge blockbuster, trade queries are good in both Tamil & Telugu.
Share : 13.25 crores
After numerous delays and controversies, Irumbuthirai emerged as a surprise super hit in Tamil Nadu while the worldwide gross after Telugu version's release has crossed 65 crores which puts Vishal back on track and averted his downward spiral. He has Sandakozhi 2 getting ready for release later in 2018, since the original was a huge blockbuster, trade queries are good in both Tamil & Telugu.
After numerous delays and controversies, Irumbuthirai emerged as a surprise super hit in Tamil Nadu while the worldwide gross after Telugu version's release has crossed 65 crores which puts Vishal back on track and averted his downward spiral. He has Sandakozhi 2 getting ready for release later in 2018, since the original was a huge blockbuster, trade queries are good in both Tamil & Telugu.
5. KALAKALAPPU 2 :-
5. KALAKALAPPU 2 :-
Gross : 22.9 crores
Gross : 22.9 crores
Share : 11 crores
Share : 11 crores
Kalakalappu 2 initially looked like it would end up as an above average grosser but the non-availability of Tamil content during TFPC strike helped the film to sustain in theaters and emerge as the first genuine hit of 2018. Amidst budget constraints, Director Sundar C is currently busy with the pre-production of Sangamithra.
GENUINE HITS :-
1) Kalakalappu 2 - 22.9 crores
2) Iruttu Araiyil Murattu Kuththu - 18.07 crores
3) Irumbuthirai - 32.05 crores
Jayam Ravi's Space Masala film Tik Tik Tik is doing above average to decent biz in weekdays and is expected to enter Top 5 shortly. Whether it'll emerge as a genuine hit or not, it'll take a couple of more days to know.
Kalakalappu 2 initially looked like it would end up as an above average grosser but the non-availability of Tamil content during TFPC strike helped the film to sustain in theaters and emerge as the first genuine hit of 2018. Amidst budget constraints, Director Sundar C is currently busy with the pre-production of Sangamithra.
GENUINE HITS :-
1) Kalakalappu 2 - 22.9 crores
2) Iruttu Araiyil Murattu Kuththu - 18.07 crores
3) Irumbuthirai - 32.05 crores
Jayam Ravi's Space Masala film Tik Tik Tik is doing above average to decent biz in weekdays and is expected to enter Top 5 shortly. Whether it'll emerge as a genuine hit or not, it'll take a couple of more days to know.
GENUINE HITS :-
1) Kalakalappu 2 - 22.9 crores
2) Iruttu Araiyil Murattu Kuththu - 18.07 crores
3) Irumbuthirai - 32.05 crores
Jayam Ravi's Space Masala film Tik Tik Tik is doing above average to decent biz in weekdays and is expected to enter Top 5 shortly. Whether it'll emerge as a genuine hit or not, it'll take a couple of more days to know.
OTHER LANGUAGE FILMS :-
HINDI :-
OTHER LANGUAGE FILMS :-
HINDI :-
HINDI :-
1) Padmaavat : 20.6 crores
2) Baaghi 2 : 2.88 crores
3) Race 3 : 2.31 crores
4) Padman : 2.23 crores
5) Raid : 1.74 crores
1) Padmaavat : 20.6 crores
2) Baaghi 2 : 2.88 crores
3) Race 3 : 2.31 crores
4) Padman : 2.23 crores
5) Raid : 1.74 crores
2) Baaghi 2 : 2.88 crores
3) Race 3 : 2.31 crores
4) Padman : 2.23 crores
5) Raid : 1.74 crores
Sanju which released big today is expected to cross Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (3.07 crores) and become Ranbir Kapoor's highest grosser.
Sanju which released big today is expected to cross Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (3.07 crores) and become Ranbir Kapoor's highest grosser.
TELUGU :-
TELUGU :-
1) Bharat Ane Nenu (Only Telugu) : 4.37 crores
Share : 1.55 crores
1) Bharat Ane Nenu (Only Telugu) : 4.37 crores
Share : 1.55 crores
Share : 1.55 crores
2) Rangasthalam : 3.57 crores
Share : 1.3 crore
3) Mahanati (Only Telugu) : 3 crores
Share : 1.1 crores
4) Agnyaathavaasi : 2.4 crores
Share : 90 Lakhs
5) Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India (Only Telugu) : 1.75 crores
Share : 65 Lakhs
Among these films Mahanati's Tamil version Nadigaiyar Thilagam was warmly welcomed despite poor dubbing and could have come close to the league of Padmaavat had it been marketed well and given a wide release. It has grossed around 3.35 crores, which can be considered above average since it managed to sustain 4 to 5 weekends in its limited release.
Bharat Ennum Naan & En Peyar Surya though popular in torrents couldn't taste success in theaters.
2) Rangasthalam : 3.57 crores
Share : 1.3 crore
3) Mahanati (Only Telugu) : 3 crores
Share : 1.1 crores
4) Agnyaathavaasi : 2.4 crores
Share : 90 Lakhs
5) Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India (Only Telugu) : 1.75 crores
Share : 65 Lakhs
Among these films Mahanati's Tamil version Nadigaiyar Thilagam was warmly welcomed despite poor dubbing and could have come close to the league of Padmaavat had it been marketed well and given a wide release. It has grossed around 3.35 crores, which can be considered above average since it managed to sustain 4 to 5 weekends in its limited release.
Bharat Ennum Naan & En Peyar Surya though popular in torrents couldn't taste success in theaters.
Share : 1.3 crore
3) Mahanati (Only Telugu) : 3 crores
Share : 1.1 crores
4) Agnyaathavaasi : 2.4 crores
Share : 90 Lakhs
5) Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India (Only Telugu) : 1.75 crores
Share : 65 Lakhs
Among these films Mahanati's Tamil version Nadigaiyar Thilagam was warmly welcomed despite poor dubbing and could have come close to the league of Padmaavat had it been marketed well and given a wide release. It has grossed around 3.35 crores, which can be considered above average since it managed to sustain 4 to 5 weekends in its limited release.
Bharat Ennum Naan & En Peyar Surya though popular in torrents couldn't taste success in theaters.
MALAYALAM :-
MALAYALAM :-
1) Kammara Sambhavam : 48.12 Lakhs
2) Hey Jude : 42.52 Lakhs
3) Sudani from Nigeria : 31.9 Lakhs
4) Aadhi : 31.1 Lakhs
5) Abrahaminte Santhathikal : 30.85 Lakhs (1st week)
1) Kammara Sambhavam : 48.12 Lakhs
2) Hey Jude : 42.52 Lakhs
3) Sudani from Nigeria : 31.9 Lakhs
4) Aadhi : 31.1 Lakhs
5) Abrahaminte Santhathikal : 30.85 Lakhs (1st week)
2) Hey Jude : 42.52 Lakhs
3) Sudani from Nigeria : 31.9 Lakhs
4) Aadhi : 31.1 Lakhs
5) Abrahaminte Santhathikal : 30.85 Lakhs (1st week)
THINGS IN STORE FOR THE 2ND HALF OF 2018 :-
July :-
The best month of the year for content films, 3 interesting films Kadaikutty Singam, Tamizh Padam 2 & Junga are lined up for release and its expected that at least 2 of these films will become big hits.
August :-
Kamal Haasan's long delayed Spy Thriller Vishwaroopam 2 is scheduled for August 10th release. Touted to be more action packed and spicy than its predecessor, Vishwaroopam 2 is a crucial film for the Ulaganayagan, not only to redeem his status as a bankable movie star but also to assure Indian 2's 200 crores budget will be worth spending. After initial uproar, the hype created by the trailer has began to fade and another trailer cut is necessary to sustain the hype.
Saamy Square's trailer may have been trolled mercilessly in social media but the brand has got its job done, the trailer is nearing 12 Million views in Youtube, with the Tirunelveli backdrop to its advantage, Saamy Square is expected to open big in August and If it becomes a success, it'll ensure Dhruva Natchathiram will also open well throughout Tamil Nadu.
September :-
Unlike Sivakarthikeyan - Ponram's previous films Seema Raja is being made on a budget higher than usual for a rural mass entertainer. Also featuring Samantha and veterans like Napoleon, Simran, the film is scheduled to release on September 13th.
Vada Chennai on the other hand is a serious period crime drama. Though its touted to be the first film of a trilogy, Director Vetrimaaran clarified that the Part 1 will end with a proper climax and not with a cliff hanger. Its said to be made on a budget of 60 crores but it remains unclear whether its the combined cost of 3 films or for the first part alone. The film is slated for release in September with the date yet to be confirmed.
DIWALI 2018 :-
Sarkar the 3rd film from Vijay - AR Murugadoss is said to be a socio-political entertainer. The basic premise is inspired from a small thread in Sivaji The Boss which was also present in Koratala Siva's recent Telugu film Bharat Ane Nenu, both films were vocal about the importance of local governance. Sarkar on the other hand is expected to sensationally explore the concept further.
Vijay reportedly plays a Man who wants to develop a village but is denied electricity and other formalities when he refuses to bribe a politician. Years later, the politician comes face to face again with Vijay who is now not only rich but has also developed the village and is the Man under authority. Unlike Mersal, which was a Whatsapp forward gimmick, Sarkar is said to be more direct and less cartoonish.
Then there is NGK, which is Suriya's first film since 7 am Arivu to be slated for Diwali release. Co-incidentally it clashed with Velayutham and once again here is a potential clash with Vijay and this time around both films have political undertones.
Nevertheless both films will be starkly different from each other, Sarkar is about local governance, NGK is about communism.
Need to avert costly clashes :-
Ajith's Viswasam which was earlier slated for Diwali 2018 release has moved to Pongal 2019. In today's scenario, a clash between two tier 1 actors may look brave in news headlines and twitter trends but is practically dangerous for stakeholders which is why Sathya Jyothi films's decision should be considered smart.
Back in 2011, two tier 1 actor films could still release together in a festival as there were 1500 screens in Tamil Nadu and the revenue would also be steady after Diwali weekend gets over.
Cut to 2014 Pongal, when Vijay's Jilla & Ajith's Veeram clashed, it became evident that things have dramatically changed and Tamil Cinema can no longer afford to feature costly clashes ever again. Had the clash been averted, then outcome would have been different, Veeram would have become a bigger blockbuster than Ajith-Siva's later colloboration Vedalam and Jilla would have been a safe venture for the buyers given one of them avoided clash with the other.
Coming back to 2018, Sarkar-NGK sounds more like Vedalam-Thoongaavanam than Velayutham-7am Arivu, in the latter 7am Arivu emerged as the highest grosser while Velayutham gave Vijay his much needed clean hit post Sura's debacle. There was enough room for two big films back then, but today courtesy of the screens shortage, sky high budgets, and ticket pricing, there can be only two kind of outcomes, either both films will face loss or the costliest film will crush the 2nd most preferred film even If the content is good.
As of now, it looks like Sarkar-NGK clash is on but considering the critical health of Tamil Cinema, its better If TFPC President Vishal arranges a meeting and convinces one of these films to move to Christmas, this will help cut down the chances of external factors over shadowing content's role in a film's success. When Viswasam understood the ground reality and choose to do the wise thing, Sarkar or NGK can also do the same. Ethics should be more important than ego, that is the way to nurse Kollywood back to health.
CHAOS IN LYCA PRODUCTIONS :-
LYCA's immediate next release Kolamaavu Kokila will mostly have a smooth release in July end since its a project of modest scale and there is enough breathing space at the moment.
That's not the case with their later projects. Currently they have 4 high profile films slated for release in the 2nd half of 2018 :-
While Vada Chennai Part 1 is officially confirmed as a September 2018 release, Dhruva Natchathiram, Sandakozhi 2 & Chekka Chivantha Vaanam won't be able to lock a proper release date without a hitch.
Buzz is Dhruva Natchathiram will release in October If Gautham Menon gets the first copy ready on time. Assuming the hyped Diwali clash happens for real, it would be more comfortable for one of LYCA's high profile projects to lock a release date around Christmas. That still means either Sandakozhi 2 & Chekka Chivantha Vaanam will have to go through a rough road to release.
That's not it, India's costliest film 2 Point O might still release in September, October or November, though the chance is slim If it happens then it'll drive Kollywood mad.
THINGS IN STORE FOR THE 2ND HALF OF 2018 :-
July :-
The best month of the year for content films, 3 interesting films Kadaikutty Singam, Tamizh Padam 2 & Junga are lined up for release and its expected that at least 2 of these films will become big hits.
August :-
Kamal Haasan's long delayed Spy Thriller Vishwaroopam 2 is scheduled for August 10th release. Touted to be more action packed and spicy than its predecessor, Vishwaroopam 2 is a crucial film for the Ulaganayagan, not only to redeem his status as a bankable movie star but also to assure Indian 2's 200 crores budget will be worth spending. After initial uproar, the hype created by the trailer has began to fade and another trailer cut is necessary to sustain the hype.
Saamy Square's trailer may have been trolled mercilessly in social media but the brand has got its job done, the trailer is nearing 12 Million views in Youtube, with the Tirunelveli backdrop to its advantage, Saamy Square is expected to open big in August and If it becomes a success, it'll ensure Dhruva Natchathiram will also open well throughout Tamil Nadu.
September :-
Unlike Sivakarthikeyan - Ponram's previous films Seema Raja is being made on a budget higher than usual for a rural mass entertainer. Also featuring Samantha and veterans like Napoleon, Simran, the film is scheduled to release on September 13th.
Vada Chennai on the other hand is a serious period crime drama. Though its touted to be the first film of a trilogy, Director Vetrimaaran clarified that the Part 1 will end with a proper climax and not with a cliff hanger. Its said to be made on a budget of 60 crores but it remains unclear whether its the combined cost of 3 films or for the first part alone. The film is slated for release in September with the date yet to be confirmed.
DIWALI 2018 :-
Sarkar the 3rd film from Vijay - AR Murugadoss is said to be a socio-political entertainer. The basic premise is inspired from a small thread in Sivaji The Boss which was also present in Koratala Siva's recent Telugu film Bharat Ane Nenu, both films were vocal about the importance of local governance. Sarkar on the other hand is expected to sensationally explore the concept further.
Vijay reportedly plays a Man who wants to develop a village but is denied electricity and other formalities when he refuses to bribe a politician. Years later, the politician comes face to face again with Vijay who is now not only rich but has also developed the village and is the Man under authority. Unlike Mersal, which was a Whatsapp forward gimmick, Sarkar is said to be more direct and less cartoonish.
Then there is NGK, which is Suriya's first film since 7 am Arivu to be slated for Diwali release. Co-incidentally it clashed with Velayutham and once again here is a potential clash with Vijay and this time around both films have political undertones.
Nevertheless both films will be starkly different from each other, Sarkar is about local governance, NGK is about communism.
Need to avert costly clashes :-
Ajith's Viswasam which was earlier slated for Diwali 2018 release has moved to Pongal 2019. In today's scenario, a clash between two tier 1 actors may look brave in news headlines and twitter trends but is practically dangerous for stakeholders which is why Sathya Jyothi films's decision should be considered smart.
Back in 2011, two tier 1 actor films could still release together in a festival as there were 1500 screens in Tamil Nadu and the revenue would also be steady after Diwali weekend gets over.
Cut to 2014 Pongal, when Vijay's Jilla & Ajith's Veeram clashed, it became evident that things have dramatically changed and Tamil Cinema can no longer afford to feature costly clashes ever again. Had the clash been averted, then outcome would have been different, Veeram would have become a bigger blockbuster than Ajith-Siva's later colloboration Vedalam and Jilla would have been a safe venture for the buyers given one of them avoided clash with the other.
Coming back to 2018, Sarkar-NGK sounds more like Vedalam-Thoongaavanam than Velayutham-7am Arivu, in the latter 7am Arivu emerged as the highest grosser while Velayutham gave Vijay his much needed clean hit post Sura's debacle. There was enough room for two big films back then, but today courtesy of the screens shortage, sky high budgets, and ticket pricing, there can be only two kind of outcomes, either both films will face loss or the costliest film will crush the 2nd most preferred film even If the content is good.
As of now, it looks like Sarkar-NGK clash is on but considering the critical health of Tamil Cinema, its better If TFPC President Vishal arranges a meeting and convinces one of these films to move to Christmas, this will help cut down the chances of external factors over shadowing content's role in a film's success. When Viswasam understood the ground reality and choose to do the wise thing, Sarkar or NGK can also do the same. Ethics should be more important than ego, that is the way to nurse Kollywood back to health.
CHAOS IN LYCA PRODUCTIONS :-
LYCA's immediate next release Kolamaavu Kokila will mostly have a smooth release in July end since its a project of modest scale and there is enough breathing space at the moment.
That's not the case with their later projects. Currently they have 4 high profile films slated for release in the 2nd half of 2018 :-
While Vada Chennai Part 1 is officially confirmed as a September 2018 release, Dhruva Natchathiram, Sandakozhi 2 & Chekka Chivantha Vaanam won't be able to lock a proper release date without a hitch.
Buzz is Dhruva Natchathiram will release in October If Gautham Menon gets the first copy ready on time. Assuming the hyped Diwali clash happens for real, it would be more comfortable for one of LYCA's high profile projects to lock a release date around Christmas. That still means either Sandakozhi 2 & Chekka Chivantha Vaanam will have to go through a rough road to release.
That's not it, India's costliest film 2 Point O might still release in September, October or November, though the chance is slim If it happens then it'll drive Kollywood mad.
July :-
The best month of the year for content films, 3 interesting films Kadaikutty Singam, Tamizh Padam 2 & Junga are lined up for release and its expected that at least 2 of these films will become big hits.
August :-
Kamal Haasan's long delayed Spy Thriller Vishwaroopam 2 is scheduled for August 10th release. Touted to be more action packed and spicy than its predecessor, Vishwaroopam 2 is a crucial film for the Ulaganayagan, not only to redeem his status as a bankable movie star but also to assure Indian 2's 200 crores budget will be worth spending. After initial uproar, the hype created by the trailer has began to fade and another trailer cut is necessary to sustain the hype.
Saamy Square's trailer may have been trolled mercilessly in social media but the brand has got its job done, the trailer is nearing 12 Million views in Youtube, with the Tirunelveli backdrop to its advantage, Saamy Square is expected to open big in August and If it becomes a success, it'll ensure Dhruva Natchathiram will also open well throughout Tamil Nadu.
September :-
Unlike Sivakarthikeyan - Ponram's previous films Seema Raja is being made on a budget higher than usual for a rural mass entertainer. Also featuring Samantha and veterans like Napoleon, Simran, the film is scheduled to release on September 13th.
Vada Chennai on the other hand is a serious period crime drama. Though its touted to be the first film of a trilogy, Director Vetrimaaran clarified that the Part 1 will end with a proper climax and not with a cliff hanger. Its said to be made on a budget of 60 crores but it remains unclear whether its the combined cost of 3 films or for the first part alone. The film is slated for release in September with the date yet to be confirmed.
DIWALI 2018 :-
Sarkar the 3rd film from Vijay - AR Murugadoss is said to be a socio-political entertainer. The basic premise is inspired from a small thread in Sivaji The Boss which was also present in Koratala Siva's recent Telugu film Bharat Ane Nenu, both films were vocal about the importance of local governance. Sarkar on the other hand is expected to sensationally explore the concept further.
Vijay reportedly plays a Man who wants to develop a village but is denied electricity and other formalities when he refuses to bribe a politician. Years later, the politician comes face to face again with Vijay who is now not only rich but has also developed the village and is the Man under authority. Unlike Mersal, which was a Whatsapp forward gimmick, Sarkar is said to be more direct and less cartoonish.
Then there is NGK, which is Suriya's first film since 7 am Arivu to be slated for Diwali release. Co-incidentally it clashed with Velayutham and once again here is a potential clash with Vijay and this time around both films have political undertones.
Nevertheless both films will be starkly different from each other, Sarkar is about local governance, NGK is about communism.
Need to avert costly clashes :-
Ajith's Viswasam which was earlier slated for Diwali 2018 release has moved to Pongal 2019. In today's scenario, a clash between two tier 1 actors may look brave in news headlines and twitter trends but is practically dangerous for stakeholders which is why Sathya Jyothi films's decision should be considered smart.
Back in 2011, two tier 1 actor films could still release together in a festival as there were 1500 screens in Tamil Nadu and the revenue would also be steady after Diwali weekend gets over.
Cut to 2014 Pongal, when Vijay's Jilla & Ajith's Veeram clashed, it became evident that things have dramatically changed and Tamil Cinema can no longer afford to feature costly clashes ever again. Had the clash been averted, then outcome would have been different, Veeram would have become a bigger blockbuster than Ajith-Siva's later colloboration Vedalam and Jilla would have been a safe venture for the buyers given one of them avoided clash with the other.
Coming back to 2018, Sarkar-NGK sounds more like Vedalam-Thoongaavanam than Velayutham-7am Arivu, in the latter 7am Arivu emerged as the highest grosser while Velayutham gave Vijay his much needed clean hit post Sura's debacle. There was enough room for two big films back then, but today courtesy of the screens shortage, sky high budgets, and ticket pricing, there can be only two kind of outcomes, either both films will face loss or the costliest film will crush the 2nd most preferred film even If the content is good.
As of now, it looks like Sarkar-NGK clash is on but considering the critical health of Tamil Cinema, its better If TFPC President Vishal arranges a meeting and convinces one of these films to move to Christmas, this will help cut down the chances of external factors over shadowing content's role in a film's success. When Viswasam understood the ground reality and choose to do the wise thing, Sarkar or NGK can also do the same. Ethics should be more important than ego, that is the way to nurse Kollywood back to health.
CHAOS IN LYCA PRODUCTIONS :-
LYCA's immediate next release Kolamaavu Kokila will mostly have a smooth release in July end since its a project of modest scale and there is enough breathing space at the moment.
That's not the case with their later projects. Currently they have 4 high profile films slated for release in the 2nd half of 2018 :-
While Vada Chennai Part 1 is officially confirmed as a September 2018 release, Dhruva Natchathiram, Sandakozhi 2 & Chekka Chivantha Vaanam won't be able to lock a proper release date without a hitch.
Buzz is Dhruva Natchathiram will release in October If Gautham Menon gets the first copy ready on time. Assuming the hyped Diwali clash happens for real, it would be more comfortable for one of LYCA's high profile projects to lock a release date around Christmas. That still means either Sandakozhi 2 & Chekka Chivantha Vaanam will have to go through a rough road to release.
That's not it, India's costliest film 2 Point O might still release in September, October or November, though the chance is slim If it happens then it'll drive Kollywood mad.
