The year 2013 is a special year as it marks the completion of 100 years of Indian cinema. In particular, this year is extra special for Tamil movie fans, as the films of two biggest stars of Indian cinema - Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan - will be released. Rajini's "Kochadaiyaan" is one of the most-awaited film, as it is the superstar's comeback film post his illness. Kamal's "Vishwaroopam 2" is another film which fans are eager to watch, following the succes of the original film "Vishwaroopam," released in February.
Besides these two movies, there are some interesting flicks starring popular actors like Vijay, Suriya, Dhanush, Simbu, Vishal and Arya lined up for release this year.
Take a look at our list of the top 10 most awaited movies of the year 2013.
Rajinikanth's "Kochadaiyaan"
Tamil superstar Rajinikanth's "Kochadaiyaan" is an epic flick directed by his daughter Soundary R Ashwin. Ever since the film's shooting began, there has been lot of speculation about the movie.
Reports are abuzz that the film is likely to release in July this year. Recently, the film's edited version was shown to Rajinikanth who was thrilled to see the final outcome. Soundarya is currently busy with the post production and dubbing work of the film. The film's audio release date is yet to be announced.
"Kochadaiyaan" will be the first flick in India to use motion-capturing techniques in 3D. The superstar has been paired with Deepika Padukone for the first time. Actors Sarath Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Nassar and Aadhi play supporting roles in the film.
Oscar winning music director AR Rahman will score the music for the film.
Kamal Haasan's "Vishwaroopam 2"
After the super success of "Vishwaroopam", Kamal's "Vishwaroopam 2" is also likely to get released this year. "Vishwaroopam" was embroiled in a controversy after a section of people demanded a ban on the film's screening, claiming that it hurt the sentiments of Muslims.
Following the protests, the movie was banned from screening across Tamil Nadu and in some other states. In a bid to break the impasse, tripartite talks between Kamal's brother, some representatives of the Muslim organisations and the state's home secretary was held in Chennai.
Once Kamal reached a compromise with the Muslim groups, the film was released two weeks after the scheduled 14 January release date. Reports suggest that the film, an espionage thriller, has grossed more than ₹100 crores and is doing good business in India and overseas.
Even as Kamal's fans are still talking about the movie, the actor has shifted focus to his next project - "Vishwaroopam 2". Speaking to reporters at a press meet last month, the actor said that he would ensure that there would be no delay in the release of the film this year.
If all goes well, Kamal's fans will be in for a double treat with the release of the sequel.
Ilayathalapathy Vijay's "Thalaivaa"
Vijay's upcoming project "Thalaivaa" is one of the most anticipated films of the year 2013, post the success of his last outing "Thuppakki" directed by AR Murgadoss. "Thalaivaa" directed by "Theivathirumagal" fame AL Vijay has Amala Paul in the lead role.
The film is currently on the verge of completion. The final schedule of the film is said to take place in Australia. The film's team will fly to Sydney on 20 March to resume the final leg of the shooting. The movie's audio release is expected to happen in May or June.
Its star cast also boasts of popular actor Sathyaraj, ace comedian Santhanam and Abimanyu Singh.
Actor Suriya's "Singham 2"
Suriya's "Singam 2," a sequel to his blockbuster flick "Singam," is nearing completion. Suriya reprises the role of a cop in this action movie, which also has Anushka Shetty and Hansika Motwani as female leads.
Reports have emerged that some of the film's songs and action sequences have been canned in South Africa. The team will be heading to Malaysia to shoot the climax of the movie. Suriya, who fought with Vietnamese actor Johnny Tri Nguyen in his last outing "7aam Arivu," will be seen fighting with another Hollywood actor, Danny Sapani, in "Singam 2."
The film's first look was released in January this year. It is expected that the movie will be released in April. But the official release date of the film has not yet been announced.
"Singham 2" directed by Hari has its music composed by Devi Sri Prasad. The film has an ensemble cast including Vivek, Santhanam, Nassar, Vijayakumar and Mukesh Rishi. Prakash Raj, who played the baddie in the original, will not be part of the sequel.
Actor Dhanush's "Mariyaan"
Dhanush, who is currently busy with the shooting of his new movie "Mariyaan," has revealed that the film will be released before the first half of the year, either in May or June.
The film is directed by Bharath Bala. Malayalam actress Parvathy Menon will play the female lead.
It will be a double treat for Dhanush fans, as the actor's debut Hindi flick "Raanjhnaa" with Sonam Kapoor will be released on 28 June.
Confirming the news, Dhanush tweeted on his twitter page saying, "Mariyaan vil release before d first half of this year. Raanjhana releases on June 28th.vil talk 2 my director about releasing a teaser soon."
Simbu's "Vaalu"
Simbu is currently busy with his upcoming comedy entertainer "Vaalu." Speculations are rife about the release date of the movie. Latest buzz is that the film is likely to be released on 14 April - Tamil New Year Day.
"Vaalu" directed by Vijay Chandar features Hansika Motwani in the female lead role. Simbu's close friend VTV Ganesh and comedian Santhanam will also be part of the film. A single track "Love Endravan" from the movie crooned by Simbu was released as Valentine's Day gift on 14 February.
The movie, produced NIC Arts, has its music composed by Thaman.
Besides "Vaalu," Simbu is also working on another film, titled "Vettai Mannan," which is also expected to release this year.
Vishal's "Madha Gaja Raja"
Actor Vishal's "Madha Gaja Raja" (MGR) was initially scheduled to release for Pongal this January. But the film's release date was postponed, following clashes with another Vishal film "Samar." MGR is expected to release in April this year.
The film is an action-comedy entertainer directed by Sundar C. The movie has two female leads - Varalashmi Sarathkumar and Anjali. Vishal is said to be playing a triple role in the film. Actors Arya and Sadha are reportedly doing a cameo in the movie.
The film's music is by Vijay Antony. For the first time in his career, Vishal has crooned for a song called "My Dear Loveruuu."
Arya's "Settai"
Arya's "Settai" is anther much-awaited movie, as the actor once again teams up with popular comedian Santhanam after their smashing hit flick "Boss Engira Bhaskaran." "Settai," a remake of 2011 Hindi film "Delhi Belly," is expected to get released in May this year.
The film is directed by R Kannan. Actors Hansika Motwani and Anjali are playing female leads in the film.
Selvaraghavan's "Irandam Ulagam"
Popular director Selvaraghavan's upcoming film "Irandam Ulagam" is a romantic drama starring Arya and Anushka Shetty. The film's shooting has been completed and post production work is on full swing. It is expected to release this year.
Harris Jayaraj scored the music for the film. Selvaraghavan is known for his critically acclaimed films like "Kadhal Kondaen," "7G Rainbow Colony," "Aayirathil Oruvan" and "Mayakkam Enna."
Jeeva's "Yaan"
Actor Jeeva's "Yaan" is progressing at a brisk pace, with two schedules of the film successfully completed. The movie is the debut venture of award-winning cinematographer Ravi K Chandran.
Thulasi Nair, who made an impressive debut with Maniratnam's "Kadal," plays the female lead. The film's star cast includes Nassar, Prakash Raj, Premgi Amaren, Thambi Ramaiah, Jayaprakash and Srihari. Harris Jayaraj has set the scores for the film.
Also Read: Tamil Cinema News
