Big banners and A-list stars prefer to release their films during big festivals. Diwali and Pongal hold the biggest attraction for the Tamil film industry.
This year the fight is mainly between A R Murugadoss's Kaththi and director Hari's Poojai. Until a couple of weeks ago, Shankar's much-awaited I was in the fray.
Two other films vying for screens this Diwali is director Praveen Gandhi's controversial film, Puli Paarvai, and Iravum Pagalum directed by Bala Sriram.
Kaththi
Director: A R Murugadoss
Cast: Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Sathish
A R Murugadoss's 2012 Diwali release Thuppakki, broke many records and went on to become one of the highest grossing films in Vijay's career.
Exactly two years later, the duo return with yet another action thriller titled Kaththi, hoping to create an even bigger sensation.
The film has been steeped in controversy with allegations of plagiarism and linking the producer Subaskaran Allirajah of Lyca Productions with Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The teaser of the film, which was released on Vijay's birthday, crossed two million views on YouTube. Anirudh's music is already the rage among youngsters, especially the Selfie Pulla and Pakkam Vanthu number.
The film has Vijay essaying a dual role with the hot and happening Samantha Ruth Prabhu playing the female lead.
Poojai
Director: Hari Gopalakrishnan
Cast: Vishal, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Soori, Raadhika Sarathkumar, Mukesh Tiwari
Director Hari is undoubtedly the master of commercial potboilers. His biggest strength is his racy screenplay that is loaded with action, emotion, romance and comedy, ensuring there is never a dull moment in the film.
Hari's latest offering, Poojai, starring Vishal and the ultra glamorous Shruti Haasan, promises to be yet another mass entertainer.
The film has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja and is produced by Vishal himself under his home banner, Vishal Film Factory.
After the massive success of Singam and its sequel Singam 2, much is expected from Hari's Poojai.
Puli Paarvai
Director: Praveen Gandhi
Cast: Satya Dev
Also releasing this Diwali is director Praveen Gandhi's Puli Paarvai.
The film is inspired by a TV documentary on Balachandran, the 12-year-old son of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.
Apparently, the image of the youngster eating a snack minutes before being allegedly shot dead, moved the director to make the film.
Some organisations and political parties believe the film portrays the LTTE and its slain leader in poor light, and are opposing its release.
Child actor Satya Dev essays the role of Balachandran in the film.
Iravum Pagalum
Director: Bala Sriram
Cast: Mahesh, Ananya, Jegan
Iravum Pagalum directed by Bala Sriram is yet another Diwali release.
The film features Mahesh of Angaadi Theru fame and Ananya, who gave an admirable performance in Engaeyum Eppothum, in the lead roles.
A romantic thriller, Iravum Pagalum is produced by Balasubramaniam Periyasamy under the banner Sky Dot Films.
