2016's Biggest Tamil Flops So Far

We saw the big hits of Tamil cinema. Now it's time to look at the flops.

The first six months of 2016 have been a disaster for low-budget films and remakes. 

While movies starring newcomers and small budgets struggled with limited screens and lack of prime time slots, high expectations played spoilsport for the remakes. Films made by National award-winning directors like Bala’s Thaarai Thappattai and Pandiraj’s Kathakali were not spared either.

Vijay Sethupathi, one of the most sought after actors of Tamil cinema, had three releases in the last six months -- Sethupathi, Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum and Iraivi -- but only the first set the cash registers ringing.

Here's a look at the five highly anticipated Tamil films that sank at the box office this year.

 

Bangalore Naatkal

Bangalore Naatkal was the remake of Anjali Menon’s Bangalore Days -- one of the biggest blockbusters of Malayalam cinema.

The film depicted the beautiful bond shared by three cousins, who live their childhood dream of settling in Bangalore when they grow up.

The Tamil version, directed by Telugu filmmaker Bommarillu Bhaskar, featured popular actors like Arya, Sri Divya, Bobby Simha, Rana Daggubati and Parvathy.

But the film lacked the easy familiarity, fun and spontaneity among the characters, making it a lifeless imitation of the original.

With Malayalam actors and films becoming increasingly popular with the Tamil audience, there seems to be no market for remakes.

Manithan

Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Manithan, based on Subhash Kapoor's Hindi film Jolly LLB, was another dud at the box office.

The actor reprised the role of Arshad Warsi in the film, but was simply not convincing as a down and out lawyer with an opportunity to redeem himself.

The film was directed by I Ahmed, who is known for his romantic comedy Endrendrum Punnagai.

Hansika Motwani played the female lead, supported by Radha Ravi, Prakash Raj and Vivek.

 

Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum

After the spectacular success of Soodhu Kavvum, expectations were sky high from Nalan Kumarasamy's second venture Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum.

A remake of the very successful Korean romantic comedy My Dear Desperado, the film failed to appeal to the Tamil audience.

Despite the positive reviews and the wonderful chemistry between its lead actors, Vijay Sethupathi and Madonna Sebastian of Premam fame, the film failed.

 

Iraivi

Pizza and Jigarthanda fame director Karthik Subbaraj’s latest offering Iraivi had a poor run at the box office.

The film dealt with a dark subject and the excessive violence, drinking and melancholy did not find many takers.

Despite some remarkable performances and an ensemble cast comprising the likes of S J Surya, Vijay Sethupathi, Bobby Simha, Anjali, Kamalinee Mukherjee and Karunakaran, the film did not do good business.

 

Tharai Thappattai

Director Bala’s Tharai Thappattai, starring M Sasikumar and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, failed to deliver at the box office.

The director’s heartrending portrayal of the plight of folk artists in modern society made the film a compelling watch.

Ilaiyaraaja won the National Award for his brilliant background score and Varalaxmi gave the performance of a lifetime, but unfortunately the film was too dark and depressing for the viewers to enjoy.