This Pongal/Sankranti is going to be a real treat for cinema lovers in the South as at least four biggies are set to release in the coming weekend.
Ajith's "Veeram" (Tamil), Vijay's "Jilla" (Tamil), Mahesh Babu's "1 Nenokkadine" (Telugu) and Ram Charan's "Yevadu" (Telugu) are all gearing up for a massive release during the Pongal/Sankranti festival period.
The highlight of all these films is its lead actors who enjoy a massive fan following worldwide. With the presence of superstars, all four films are assured of a fantastic opening on the first day of its release, though they will be clashing with each other at the box office.
However, critics' reviews and audience feedback play a crucial role in a film becoming a hit. Though all four films will kick-off with a good start, it needs to be seen how many of them will impress the audience and sustain at the box office.
Veeram
After a long time, Ajith has returned to do a rural film, set in the backdrop of a village. The actor will be appearing in dhoti and will sport his trademark salt and pepper look.
For the first time Ajith has teamed up with director Siva, who gave the commercially successful "Siruthai" in 2011.
The teasers and the trailer of "Veeram" indicate that the film will be an action-packed mass entertainer. "Veeram" revolves around Ajith and his five brothers played by Bala, Vidarth, Suhail and Munish. Tamannaah, Nassar, Pradeep Rawat, Santhanam, Ramesh Khanna and Appukutty also appear in pivotal roles.
The film has received a clean "U" certificate from the censor board.
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematography: Vetri
Editing: Kasi Viswanathan
Production: Bharathi Reddy, Vijaya Productions
Release Date: 10 January
Jilla
Vijay's "Jilla" is also set in a rural back drop and has been deemed as an action entertainer.
"Jilla" is creating positive pre-release buzz not just in Tamil Nadu but also in Kerala as Malayalam superstar Mohanlal appears in a pivotal role in the film.
The film, directed by RT Neason, will have Kajal Aggarwal, Poornima Bhagyaraj, Mahat Raghavendra, Sampath, Soori and Niveda Thomas in important roles.
"Jilla" has received a clean "U" certificate from the censor board.
Music: Imman
Cinematography: Ganesh Rajavelu
Editing: Don Max
Production: R. B. Choudary, Super Good Films
Release Date: 10 January
1 Nenokkadine
Mahesh Babu's Telugu film "1 Nenokkadine" is deemed a stylish action thriller.
Looking at the trailer, one can expect a lot of stunt sequences in the film. Directed by Sukumar, "1 Nenokkadine" has newcomer Kriti Sanon as the female lead. The film also has Nassar, Anu Hasan, Anu Hasan, Pradeep Rawat, Kelly Dorji and Posani Krishna Murali in pivotal roles.
"1 Nenokkadine" has high production values and the film is technically sound. It is expected to appeal to urban audiences.
The Mahesh Babu starrer is yet to be censored. According to reports, the film will go for censor formalities only on Monday (6 January).
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematography: R. Rathnavelu
Editing: Karthika Srinivas
Production: Ram Achanta, Gopichand Achanta and Anil Sunkara, 14 Reels Entertainment and Eros International.
Release Date: 10 January
Yevadu
Ram Charan's "Yevadu" is also confirmed for a Sankranti release. The film was expected to hit the screens last year but it did not materialise due to different issues.
The film will finally see the light of day in the coming week. Directed by Vamshi Paidipally, "Yevadu" is touted to be a action, masala entertainer. The film will appeal to the masses as it has all the commercial elements - action, romance, punch dialogues, heroism and comedy.
Shruti Haasan and Amy Jackson appear as female leads. The film also boasts of an interesting cast including Allu Arjun, Kajal Aggarwal, Brahmanandam, Jayasudha, Kota Srinivasa Rao and Sai Kumar.
"Yevadu" has reportedly got "A" certificate from the censor board, considering that the film has a few violent episodes.
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematography: Shyam K. Naidu
Production: Dil Raju, Sri Venkateswara Creations
Release Date: 12 January
