image source, MADRAS TALKIES
With record-breaking films Vikram and Ponni’s Selvan releasing this year, 2022 has been a relatively good year for the Tamil film industry. Will this trend continue?
If you look at the top five films released in 2022 both grossly and critically, Ponni’s Selvan Part 1, Vikram, Love Today will feature. Vijay starrer Beast and Ajith starrer Mohamad were noteworthy as films that crossed the Rs 200 crore mark.
As of December 16, the number of films released in theaters in Tamil Nadu is close to 200. Apart from this, a significant number of movies are released directly on OTT platforms.
The years 2020 and 2021 have been very testing years for the Tamil film industry. Due to the spread of Covid, films could not be released during summer, the most important period of Tamil cinema in both these years.
As a result, a large number of films were released on OTT platforms in these two years. By the end of last year, fans had become accustomed to OTT platforms.
A large number of films and serials are slated to be released on OTT this year as well, as OTT platforms provide the facility to watch movies at the comfort of your home at any time you want.
image source, VIKRAM
Against this backdrop, questions arose about the future of theatres. There was a fear that henceforth, instead of watching movies in theatres, people would watch movies on TV and mobile phones.
The fact that some films released early this year, leaving theaters at the speed they arrived seemed to confirm these fears. But Ajith’s release at the end of February again showed the strength of cinemas.
Even though the film was heavily criticized, fans thronged the theaters in large numbers. The collection of the film crossed 200 crores.
image source, Getty Images
This was followed by April’s release of Beast and Kannada dubbed film KGF which again created a huge buzz. Vijay starrer Beast also faced heavy criticism but crossed the Rs 200 crore mark. Another unexpected event was the remarkable success of KGF Part II. Fans came to the theaters for the second time to watch this film.
But a film released in June created a new history. When the first show was screened at four in the morning, the theaters, which were normally crowded, started jamming for the third show. On the first day itself, the theaters were fully booked for the next week. Every day that film started making history. In the end it was a huge grosser. The film is Kamal’s Vikram directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.
Vikram changed all those predictions when many people had concluded that everything was doomed from now on. This film gave a fresh start to the entire Tamil film industry. Vikram laid down the grammar for a hit film with perfect screenplay, excellent actors, superb cinematography and brilliant background score.
image source, MADRAS TALKIES
As soon as the hype created by Vikram film subsided, the next hype began to spread. This time, in the form of Bonnie Selvan. While it was announced that the film will release on September 30, the news related to this film and the information related to the story of the film started pouring in the media since a few months before that.
Like no other film, Ponni’s Selvan was released amid huge expectations and became a hit. Although people who have read the novel many times say that the film is not as expected, the film has made this generation interested in the great history. Overall, it must be said that Vikram and Ponni’s Selvan together have given a major boost to the Tamil film industry which has been stagnant for the past three years.
Apart from these successful films, this year also saw the release of several critically acclaimed and noteworthy films. In particular, Thanakaran directed by Tamil, Sani Kaitham directed by Arun Matheswaran, Gargi directed by Gautham Ramachandran, Anal Mele Pani Dhuli directed by Keizer Anand, Last Peasant directed by Manikandan, Rata Saatchi directed by Rafeeq Ismail and Witness directed by Deepak were noticed a lot.
image source, rkfi
Many of these films were released directly on OTT sites, pointing to one thing. That means good story on a small budget – scripted filmmakers no longer have to rely on theaters; OTT platforms have become the breeding ground for these talented young directors.
On the contrary, many films have failed despite big budgets and big casts. For example, movies like Mahaan, Cobra, DSP, Nai Shekhar, Prince, Koffee with Kadhal are examples of this.
Overall, the year 2022 has paved the way for what future Tamil cinema should look like. The story, screenplay and cinematography have strongly indicated that the hero is this year.
In 2023, many big films are waiting for the fans. Tamil cinema is waiting for an exciting leap with Thadvu, Warisu, Indian – 2, Jailer, second part of Ponni’s Selvan. Fans who have been watching the best movies released worldwide on OTD are also ready.
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