Kollywood’s February Conundrum, Small Budget Movies Vie For A Place

In South India, February is definitely a lean month for movie releases. Especially after big releases during Pongal week and Republic Day. However, this Pongal had few releases, especially films starring the big sharks…Vijay busy with his political outfit. Ajith racing formula cars. So, the shortest month with the leanest audience has inspired some avant garde films, made on shoestring budgets and rubber bands has surprisingly drawn the millennium kid viewers. Dhanush has bravely directed his home production film, Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam…this long title has been accordion-pleated into an origami NEEK. Dhanush has introduced a total cast of newbies especially his nephew Pavish. Oh, we must mention that Dhanush’s older son Yatra has collaborated in the lyrics. Dhanush has motivated the audience to encourage these newcomers. But the real surprise is Dragon which has drawn much appreciation for the performance of hero Pradeep Ranganathan under the gripping direction of Ashwath Marimuthu. The film raises many questions about the GenNext rebellion and “couldn’t care less” attitude. Ranganathan is bound to go places. Bad Girl has already made news by its theme of a teenager discovering the nuances of hormones and sex. It has been panned for its racist, class divide …such bordering on erotic does not need a lean month to bring in voyeurs. Ramam Raghavam is probably a film to think about that may appeal with Samuthirakani as the pivot father who wants to mould his son is a story that may resonate with every generation. The filmi cauldron has to dip into time-tested formulae…love, rejection, conflict, resolution, compromise and aspirations. With tight budgets, it’s brave of such productions to risk their all on unique stories and hope to hit that pot of gold.