2015 update

October 2015.

5 years since the last post, here's an update. This account retells cine updates à la the Sandya Krishna / Sandya Sitaraman / Gokul Santhanam style of writing on the topic in the late 1990s.

RAJINIKANTH: Following the failure of K. S. Ravikumar's masala film Lingaa, Superstar has signed up to and begun shooting for Pa. Ranjith's KABALI in Malaysia. Radhika Apte co-stars, along with a bevy of Ranjith's regular cast including Dinesh, Kalaiyarasan and Rithwika. Dhansika also features, sporting a short hair cut for an apparent role as Superstar's daughter. The film should be out by early 2016, while the real biggie on the anvil is Shankar's ENTHIRAN 2. The project has gone through several changes in cast in regards to the antagonist - first Aamir Khan was speculated about, then Vikram and now apparently Arnold Schwarzenegger has been roped in to play Chitti's arch rival. Amy Jackson supposedly co-stars, with another actress also being considered for a further role.

KAMAL HAASAN: It's been an eventful year for the Ulaga Nayagan. Two releases already and now THOONGAVANAM is gearing up for release before the end of the year. A remake of the Sleepless Night, it features him alongside Trisha, Madhu Shalini, Asha Sharath, Kishore, Prakash Raj and Sampath. A Telugu version titled CHEEKATI RAJYAM will also simultaneously release, with both versions directed by Kamal's right hand man, Rajesh M. Selva. VISHWAROOPAM 2, featuring the same cast as the first part, still remains completed but stuck as a result of Aascar Ravichandran's financial difficulties. Kamal has also recently announced that he will finally start work on a film with Saif Ali Khan titled THALAIVAN IRUKIRAAN in Tamil and AMAR HAIN in Hindi, though it's unclear if this would start immediately. A bilingual Malayalam and Tamil venture with Chanakyan director T. V. Rajeev Kumar and another film with Moulee for Thirrupathi Brothers, have also been rumoured, as Kamal seeks to make a maximum number of films each year after some slow-progressing projects.

VIJAY: Vijay's experimental Puli has turned out to be the biggest turkey of the year. The actor looked bored, out-of-place and was let down by Chimbudevan's weakest film till date. Next on the anvil is a police film with director Atlee, tentatively titled KHAKEE with Samantha and Amy Jackson as his pairs. His next will be his 60th venture, with the actor considering linking up with either Mohan Raja (Thani Oruvan), S. J. Surya for KUSHI 2 or his trusted AR Murugadoss for his diamond venture.

AJITH: Thala has a fanbase in Tamil Nadu like no other. His fans are constantly hitting the refresh button on any sort of teaser trailers from his films to try and create YouTube records *shakes head* In recent times, Thala has let his work do the talking. A fabulous mass masala affair in Veeram, was followed up by his slick portrayal of a cop in Gautham Menon's Yennai Arindhaal. Up next is Siva's VEDALAM - ironically the name of the villains in Vijay's Puli - where Thala pairs up with Shruti Haasan and has Lakshmi Menon as his sister. Ajith has deliberately kept zipped about Thala 57 and there have been speculations that it may either be Vinoth (Sathuranga Vettai), Siddique (Kaavalan) or his pal Vishnuvardhan for NIC Arts, to helm it. A little birdie has also speculated SS Rajamouli, but it seems an unlikely prospect with his schedule till Baahubali's conclusion is out. Ajith may go in for leg surgery post-Vedalam, which looks like the most probable option ahead.

VIKRAM: Vikram's 10 ENDRATHUKULLA has opened to mixed reviews, and in hindsight, it should have known better than to release against the runaway success, that is Naanum Rowdydhaan. Vikram mentioned that he may star in Vijay Milton's next if the current film was a success, but it'll take some time for it to all pan out. Immediately next on the agenda is Anand Shankar (Arima Nambi)'s MARMA MANITHAN for producer Thanu, which has taken an eternity to take off. Kajal Aggarwal and Bindu Madhavi co-star, and Vikram sports a Thevar Magan-like moustache! He also has a police film with AG Amid (Rajathanthiram) on the cards, but fed up of waiting for the actor, he has gone on to start a sequel to his first film. The buzz is that SAAMY 2 is also on the cards, as Hari looks to make a franchise out of his first police film. KOOTANCHORU by Bala, alongside Arya is also supposedly in it's early stages.

SURIYA: Up next for the actor is an extended guest appearance in his home production PASANGA 2:HAIKU where he plays Tamil Naadan, a social activist. Suriya also produces and stars in Vikram Kumar's much hyped 24, which was initially started with Vikram in 2009. Samantha and Nithya Menen feature alongside him, while the film also ran into trouble with Anil Kapoor in regard to the title of the project. SINGAM 3, supposedly a new story in Hari's franchise, will begin thereafter and for that, Suriya has Anushka and Shruti Haasan for company. Suriya has also okayed scripts from both Vinoth (Sathuranga Vettai) in what is believed to be a sequel to the director's first film and Pa. Ranjith, who is busy after hitting the jackpot with Kabali. If rumours are to believed, S. S. Rajamouli has thrown in a role for the actor in BAAHUBALI 2, after the actor publicly expressed interest in the franchise.

DHANUSH: Tamil cinema's most complete actor has his own THANGA MAGAN ready for release in December. The film reunites the team from the successful Velaiyilla Pattathari with Samantha and Amy Jackson, and the initial promo stills look as though Dhanush will be seen as a teenager again. He has also completed work on a film titled POOCHI APPAN alongside Keerthy Suresh and Pooja Jhaveri for director Prabhu Solomon, while the makers of another untitled venture with Durai Senthilkumar have approached Vidya Balan and Shamili to be heroines. A quickie with Selvaraghavan is also on the cards, while the actor has set aside 200 days to make VADA CHENNAI with Vetrimaaran. The film will be made in two-parts and has Samantha again for company, while work may restart on SOODHADI thereafter. Dhanush also has two Hindi ventures in the pipelines, with director Aanand L. Rai and Vibhu Puri, while Mani Ratnam is also keen to cast him for his next after Vellai Pookkal.

STR: Silambarasan recently suffered humiliation at the hands of Pandavar Ani and the media, and it will be interesting to see how he recovers. It has been a poor couple of years for the actor, personally and professionally and his recent statement that Dhanush was his main competitor at his election campaigns was met with rolling eyeballs and jeers all around. While Vaalu took five years to make an appearance, IDHU NAMMA AALU seems to be heading down the same route. His brother, Kuralarasan has peeved off director Pandiraj about the film's music as the film continues to face delay after delay. Nayanthara must be shaking her head from her throne. ACHCHAM ENBATHU MADAMAIYADA is another film which has developed slowly since 2013, and Menon's pattern of shelving films when he feels as such, has hit this film hard. With Rahman's music, a bilingual version and a brand new heroine in Manjima, the film has hardly generated publicity. His KAAN with Selvaraghavan is another project which has transcended years and it looks to be postponed yet again, while VETTAI MANNAN is reportedly seventy percent complete, another venture which started back in 2010. He has signed on to appear in another film by director Ameer, while Gautham is considering him for another multilingual venture with Fahadh Faasil, Puneet Rajkumar and Allu Arjun. These films have delays written all over them, even before production starts.

KARTHI: Karthi's next is the bilingual based on The Untouchables co-starring Nagarjuna, Tamannaah and Anushka, titled THOZHA in Tamil and OOPIRI in Telugu. Fresh from the success of winning the Nadigar Sangam elections, he has also started his own production house and will work on a five-hero film with Vishal, Arya, Jiiva and Jayam Ravi to raise funds. Karthi has also reportedly dropped out of Mani Ratnam's Vellai Pookal to prioritise his work for Gokul's horror filick KASHMORA, where portrays a dual role. YENNI EZHU NAAL was announced before the Anjaan debacle, and we have to wait to see if Linguswamy opts to take the project forward.

ARYA: Tamil cinema's blue eyed boy has had a string of flops and under performing films at the box office since Arrambam. So much so that his most memorable performances in recent films have come through his numerous cameos, and one more awaits if his brother's KADHAL 2 KALYANAM ever releases. He has Prakash Kovelamudi's bilingual SIZE ZERO and INJI IDUPPAZHAGI coming up around the corner, where he portrays a gym instructor married off to a rotund Anushka. Sonal Chauhan also co-stars in her Tamil film debut. Arya also reprises Dulquer's biker role in the Tamil remake of Bangalore Days, tentatively titled ARJUN DIVYA MATRUM KARTHIK, where he will be seen alongside Bobby Simha, Rana, Sri Divya, Parvathy, Raai Laxmi and Samantha. A true multi-starrer at last! Bala's KOOTANCHORU is on the cards, as well as K. V. Anand's next, AL Vijay's next and a multi-starrer film alongside the Pandavar Ani kootalam!

JAYAM RAVI: After a few disappointing ventures and slow years, the success of Thani Oruvan has made him a much sought after star. BOOLOGAM, which has been in the making since 2010, should be out soon with Ravi portraying a North Madras boxer. MIRUTHAN, a revenge drama with Lakshmi Menon, is also in production. The actor has also reportedly replaced Arya in KV Anand's next, while he's agreed to work again with Lakshman who made Romeo Juliet in a venture produced by Prabhu Deva.

JIIVA: Jiiva has had a tough time of late at the box office with every film barring Nanban and Endredrum Punnagai since Ko, taking a tumble at the box office. He took a few months out to consider options and has now signed up to work on several films simultaneously. Sai Ramani's THIRUNAAL features him with Nayanthara, while he is paired with Hansika in POKKIRI RAJA. Rajesh's next KUDIYUM KUDITHANAMUM is also in the pipelines, though Rajesh has signalled the film will try and avoid the controversial title. Jiiva has also signed up to act in Deekay (Yaamirkku Bayamey)'s sophomore effort KAVALAI VENDAAM which is a multi-starrer featuring him as a chef, and also another venture with Sathyasiva (Kazhugu, Sivappu). He will be seen in a cameo role in INJI IDUPPAZHAGI reprising Nagarjuna's role in the Telugu film.

VISHAL: The face of the new-look Nadigar Sangam will continue to produce and star in his own ventures for the time being. KATHAKALI by Pandiraj with Catherine Tresa is next, and it will be immediately followed by MARUTHU by Muthiah (Komban). Sundar C's MADHA GAJA RAJA opposite Anjali and Varu Sarathkumar, which was completed back in 2011, is still also waiting to be bailed out.

SIVA KARTHIKEYAN: Siva's continuous success record is yet to be broken despite the comparatively meagre performance of Kaakki Sattai. Ponram's RAJINI MURUGAN has been delayed for months and looks as though its finally found a release date in December. Keerthy Suresh and Rajkiran co-star! He has an untitled film by newcomer Bakyaraj coming up, where he appears in drag. Details are sketchy on that one, but Anirudh composes the music and PC Sriram is behind the camera.

VIJAY SETHUPATHI: Naanum Rowdydhaan's astounding success has catapulted him back into the big league after a string of so-so films. He has also recently started his own production house and is working on a venture with Lenin Bharathi, where he chooses to remain behind the camera. Vijay Sethupathi still remains the darling of the indie film makers and has a plethora of projects coming up - Karthik Subbaraj's multi-starrer IRAIVI, Nalan's sophomore effort KADHALUM KADANDHUM POGUM and Arunkumar (Pannaiyarum Padminiyum)'s sophomore effort SETHUPATHI. Not to mention the lead roles in Seenu Ramasamy's long-delayed IDAM PORUL YAEVAL, Ranjit Jeyakodi's MELLISAI and VASANTHAKUMARAN with Studio 9. Other announced projects include his own production SANGUTHEVAN with Dhansika, Pushkar-Gayathri's next VIKRAM-VEDA, a film for Gopuram Films by Manikandan and another Dhanush production which is the remake of Malayalam film, Premam. Sigh, he'll be out of dates for the next two years at least.

Now for the rest in alphabetical order:

AADHI: Yaagavaarayinum Naa Kaakkaa's middling box office performance turned out to be costly for Aadhi's one-film-at-a-time strategy. Rather than working on anything Tamil, he's currently playing the bad guy in Allu Arjun's next in Tollywood.

AARI: Experienced some success with Nedunchaalai and was also a part of the hit film, Maya. Will next be directed again with his Nedunchalai director in MAANE THAENE PAEYE alongside Bengali actress Subashree Ganguly, while Sasidharan (the unreleased Vaarayo Vennilave fame)'s KADAI EN 6 is also in the pipelines. Reports suggest he may also do a Malayalam film Thampi Kannanthanam next!

ARJUN: Action King's next is AMR Ramesh's bilingual ORU MELLIYA KODU with Shaam and Manisha Koirala. Based on the death of Sunanda Pushkar, the director had a spat with Kushboo not so long ago about making the film on a contemporary issue. He also stars as a cop in Arun Vaidyanathan's untitled thriller with a bevy of younger actors. Arjun will next make a film with his daughter Aishwarya Arjun, who has managed nothing since that horror start in Pattathu Yaanai!

ARULNITHI: All the fine work with Demonte Colony was undone by the failure of his follow-up film. The actor has Arivazhagan's AARATHU SINAM coming up, and prefers to work one film at a time.

ARUN VIJAY: His appearance as Victor won acclaim at the time but poor Arun really hasn't been able to convert it into solid film offers. He did a Telugu and Kannada film in between since, but still nothing solid apart from VAA DEAL coming up. The project started in 2012 and has progressed at snail's pace and is still looking to find a date to hit the screen. Gautham Menon also promised him a project in the lead role, but Gautham evidently holds the record for non-starting projects.

ARVIND SWAMY: Siddharth Abimanyu was a risk which paid off! The Thani Oruvan star has been turning down similar roles left, tight and centre and wants to get back to playing the lead. DEAR DAD, a Hindi/Tamil bilingual with Mahesh Manjrekar has been in production for a few years now, while Selva announced a police film titled VANANGAMUDI with the actor, last year. Latest reports say that the 90s heart-throb has signed Bala's next.

ASHOK SELVAN: Savaale Samaali's failure took him a couple of steps back, but the Thegidi star still has the comedy 144 with Shiva, VARAI PADAM, KOOTATHIL ORUVAN and PIRAI newcomer Abraham Prabhu's THAEDIYA NAATKAL coming up over the next year. Priyadarshan's black comedy, SILA SAMAYANGALIL, with Sriya Reddy and Prakash Raj will also see Ashok portray a supporting role. An offer her couldn't refuse - as per his media gushing!

ASHWIN: The actor has really struggled to cement a foot down in Tamil films and his charm in Mankatha seems to be a thing of the past, as much as producers are concerned. He has a few small projects including the horror film THIRI with Swathi, ZERO with Shivada and THIRI with Mirthika (Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu) coming up. He also has a meaty role in Ajith's next, VEDALAM - guessing it may be the role of Lakshmi Menon's pair.

ATHARVAA MURALI: After a spellbinding performance in Paradesi, success has been hard to find for the young actor with two back-to-back turkeys in Irumbu Kuthirai and Chandi Veeran. He portrays an athlete in the upcoming EETTI with Sridivya and a journalist in Thanu's production KANITHAN, which has been in the making for a few years. He has also signed another village-centric flick, RUKKUMANI VANDI VARUTHU opposite Bombay girl Pooja Jhaveri.

BHARATH: The Boys star is out of the big league and has settled down to appear in middle budget indie flicks and Malayalam movies, where he appears amongst a bevy of other stars. Such a shame, considering he led the youth pack circa 2006. He will be seen playing a drug addict in SIMBA and then a gambler in ENNODU VILAIYAADU, opposite Nikesha Patel and Sanchita Shetty respectively.

BOBBY SIMHA: The National Award-winning star is 2015's answer to Vimal's success phase a few years back. Several of his old and short films are being dug up and prepared for theatrical release, while he has also gone on a signing spree, to say the least. He plays solo lead roles in URUMEEN, KO 2, PAAMBHU SATTAI, METRO, VEERA and VALLAVANUKKU VALLAVAN, with the latter being his own production! He also stars with Vijay Sethupathi and SJ Surya in IRAIVI, with Jiiva in KAVALAI VENDAAM and reprises Nivin Pauly's role in ARJUN DIVYA MATRUM KARTHIK. Counting his lucky stars indeed.

CHANDRAN: The actor who made an impressive debut in Prabhu Solomon's Kayal, will be seen in the director's next production venture, PAISAL with Anandhi again. He also features in GRAGHANAM, which pits him alongside Kreshna, which tells a story happening on the night of an eclipse.

CHERAN: The once-sought after director has jinxed himself after lashing out at Karthi and Vishal's acting skills during the recent elections. His last directorial venture, JK Enum Nanbanin Vaazhkai struggled out through the C2H platform, while his only acting assignment - as a part of Rohini's APPAVIN MEESAI, also remains stuck. Tough times ahead for Cheran.

DINESH: The success of Cuckoo has prompted several further offers for the Attakathi star! Sasidharan's VAARAYO VENNILAVE may get a release soon through Cheran's C2H platform, while ULKUTHU by the Thirudan Police team has also completed work. Dinesh also has Nelson's ORU NAAL KOOTHU and two more prestigious projects coming up. The first being Vetrimaaran's VISARAANAI, the second being Superstar's KABAALI, where he portrays a supporting role. Dinesh's market is certainly expanding!

DULQUER SALMAAN: Dulquer made an outstanding debut into the Tamil filmdom and his next moves in the industry are awaited with bated breath. The critical and commercial success of VMP and OK Kanmani have made him a sensation overnight, as he continues to prioritise pending Malayalam films. A Hindi debut is also on the cards. As of now, he's only committed to Mani Ratnam's VELLAI POOKKAL, if it ever hits the floor that is.

GV PRAKASH KUMAR: Chennai's most happening new hero post the success of Trisha Illana Nayanthara, will be seen in similar quirky titled films. He has so far committed to appear in Sam Anton (Darling)'s KAI PULLA, BRUCE LEE with Krithi Kharbanda and KETTA PAIYYANDA INDHA KARTHI. His first film, PENCIL remains in it's post-production stages

GANESH VENKATRAM: Appears alongside his Abhiyum Naanum co-star in NAYAKI, probably as second fiddle to Trisha again. Has made some bizarre choices during his time in filmdom and has been unable to carve out an image as a leading actor despite his good looks!

GAUTHAM KARTHIK: Still at lost at sea post-Kadal. Yennamo Yedho sunk, while Dhanush's cameo was the main talking point of Vai Raja Vai. He has the Indiana Jones-esque INDRAJITH opposite Sonarika Bhadaria coming up, as well as Murugadoss's production RANGOON. Saravanan (Silambattam)'s SIPPAI with Lakshmi Menon has been idle for a couple of years. 2016 is certainly a make or break year for the young actor.

JAI: The Chennai 28 star has had a tough time recently too and his star seems to be diminishing in solo lead films after Valiyavan tanked. Still he has the Gautham Menon production TAMILSELVANUM THANIYAR ANJALAUM, Nelson Dilipkumar's VETTAI MANNAN and ARJUNAN KADHALI in the pipelines. All three films have been in the making for years, so it'll be interesting to see how much attention they grab when they open. The latter was rumoured to have been sold off to Cheran for a C2H release, but even that platform remains an enigma. A quicker release should be Manimaran (Udhayam NH4)'s PUGHAZH which pits him alongside Surabhi. The statuses of Parthy Baskar's JAGAJALAN and Vijay Chander (Vaalu)'s KANNI RAASI, with apparently nine heroines, remain unclear.

JEEVAN: Made a surprise comeback with Athibar earlier this year, funnily starring a host of struggling actors of his calibre - Nandha, Richard and Ranjith! The film didn't fare well but he seems to have a couple of ventures in the pipelines including Selva's THUTHAM, Sakthi Chidambaram's JEYIKIRATHA KUTHIRAI and Kavithalaya Production's KRISHNALEELAI, if it ever releases that is. The film's director Shelvan (Soori), had earlier gone on a hunger strike urging for it's release. No news in a couple of years.

JITHAN RAMESH: It's been a long time since any of his releases have been relevant, yet Jiiva's brother hopes to make a return with JITHAN 2 by Vincent Selva. Also coming up are dual roles in PERUNTHINAI and an appearance in SAMARTHAN. Low budget flicks mean details remain sketchy.

KALIDAS: Jayaram's son makes his debut in Balaji Tharanitharan's sophomore effort ORU PAKKA KATHAI. Was spotted after performing on-stage as a mimicry artist at the Vijay Awards and Jayaram has been keen to warm him up to the Tamil audiences instead of the Malayalis.

KARAN: Yup, this 90s supporting actor is still around, working in small budget films. His 75th film KANNIYUM KAALAIYUM SEMA KADHAL has been in the making for some time, while another film UCHATULA SIVA is also complete and awaiting release.

KARTHIK KUMAR: He will be seen making a comeback after four years focussing on theatre through Pandiraj's PASANGA 2: HAIKU. Nandhini's KOLLAI NOKKU PAARVAI is supposedly shelved following financial restraints from the producers, but could re-emerge follow Radhika Apte's rise to fame.

KARUNAKARAN: Karunakaran does the balancing act, starring in supporting and leading roles. His likeable persona has won him offers including lead roles in Radha Mohan's UPPU KARAVAADU and Vasanth's SIVARANJINIYUM INNUM SILA PENGALUM. Yet, he continues to star in a plethora of films including GETHU and IRAIVI amongst a dozen others.

KRESHNA: It remains a real mystery how Kreshna manages to snap up moderate budget films, with such little box office success to date. Two of his most recent films, Vanmam and Yatchan with bigger stars, sunk without a trace. He will be seen in Meera Kathiravan's VIZHITHIRU, Kuzhandai Velappan (Aamai Thavararael)'s YAAKKAI with Swathi, GRAGHANAM and Feroz's PANDIGAI with Anandhi.

MADHAVAN: The actor was last seen in Tamil films, back in 2012 with Vettai, and now returns following a three year sabbatical. After having scored a blockbuster in Bollywood with Tanu Weds Manu, he is now portraying a retired boxing coach in the bilingual IRUDHI SUTTRU by Sudha Kongara (Drohi). The film has been produced by CV Kumar, while Rajkumar Hirani presents the Hindi version. Maddy has pinned all his hopes on this film, turning down offers left, right and centre, notably Arvind Swamy's role in Thani Oruvan.

NAKUL: Although he scored a hit this year, he chooses very few projects usually. Only has two long-delayed projects in the pipelines, AMALI THUMALI and NARATHAN, which features him with Nikesha Patel.

NANDHA: Nandha has never really had a market in the first place, but probably hit a nadir when he turned up in Adhibar, portraying a supporting role to hero Jeevan. PUDHIYA THIRUPPANGAL alongside Surveen Chawla and Andrea, has been stuck for some time, while VILLANGAM is in production.

NARAIN: The Anjathe star made a surprise comeback with Kathukutty earlier this year, which seems to have brought the team laurels as a result of it's eco-friendly theme. No news on his next!

NATRAJ: As much as we like Nutty's camera work, acting may just be one wish too far. He appears in BONGU with Lakshmi Rai and Pooja Bisht as well as ENKITTA MODHADHAE with Parvathy Nair and Sanchita Shetty. Sigh.

PARTHIBAN: Portrayed a memorable role in Vignesh Shivan's Naanum Rowdydhaan and is reportedly flooded with more opportunities to portray the villain. He still has a couple of scripts to direct including the sequel to KTVI titled Kadhai Irukku, so it'll be interesting to see whether he chooses to remain or jump in front of the screen.

PRASANNA: He seems to have missed the cut into the big league too, with his last few films, Pulivaal and Netru Indru being forgettable. He co-stars with Arjun in Arun Vaidyanathan's upcoming cop-thriller! A real multi-starrer with Vaibhav, Varu Sarathkumar and Shruti Hariharan all in the cast. KAALA KOOTHU, anothe multi-starrer with Kalaiyarasan, Shrusti and Dhansika, is also happening.

PRASHANTH: Poor Prashanth spent years making Mambattiyan and Ponnar Shankar, only to be hurt by the political change in Tamil Nadu, which forced sudden releases. Four years later, he returns with the action comedy SAAHASAM, a remake of Allu Arjun's Telugu hit Julayi. With newcomer Amanda by his side, the film also features a special item number from Nargis Fakhri. Thiagarajan has the rights to the remake of the Hindi film Special 26, and Prashanth is expected to feature alongside Prakash Raj, Sathyaraj and Trisha in it. An appearance in the Tamil remake of Queen is also a possibility, as Thiagarajan holds the remake rights.

PRITHVIRAJ: After a spellbinding performance in Kaaviya Thalaivan, his next Tamil film is awaited eagerly. A film with Radha Mohan never quite took off, and now there are reports that he may be seen in the Tamil remake of Ennu Ninte Moideen with AR Rahman added as composer.

RAGHAVA LAWRENCE: The success of Kanchana 2 catapulted Lawrence into the big league and his dates are eagerly sought after. He currently stars in a Telugu remake, MOTTA SHIVA KETTA SHIVA, taken from the dialogue of his hit film. Kajal Aggarwal was set to co-star, though now reports suggest Nikki Galrani has replaced her. Also coming up are the ambitious ORU TICKETLA RENDU CINEMA with Lakshmi Rai and Andrea and of course, MUNI 4: NAAGA (or Kanchana 3?), with reports suggesting Jyothika might be brought on board.

RANA DAGGUBATI: After Arrambam, he made a return with Baahubali. Coming up include roles in Gautham Menon's ACHCHAM ENBATHU MADAMAIYADA, the reprisal of Fahadh Faasil's role in ARJUN DIVYA MATRUM KARTHIK and of course, the biggie, BAAHUBALI 2. Off-screen, it also looks like the Telugu hunk has benefited from Trisha's cancelled engagement with Varun Manian!

SANTHANAM: Both his ventures as the lead actor have done average business and won him good reviews, while for his untitled next, he's grown a beard! No further news on that. He is still open to starring in supporting roles for his favourite teams - notably in films involving director Rajesh, Arya, Udhayanidhi or STR. He features in KHAKEE, while several delayed films await release including VAALIBA RAJA, Pandiraj's IDHU NAMMA AALU, Prem Sai' TAMILSELVANUM THANIYAR ANJALUM and NAMBIAR.

SARATHKUMAR: After an embarrassing exit at the Nadigar Sangam polls, it's probably best that Sarath remains hidden beneath the rocks for a while. Although he has not signed up to any ventures in recent times (his market is long gone) - he did have two incomplete films in production, VIDIYAL where he played a triple role and VELACHERY alongside Iniya. While the producer of the former had a big fallout with him, the latter's director, Vendhan, has been pressing for his film to continue.

SASIKUMAR: As Bala's THARAI THAPPATAI is getting closer to release, Sasikumar ca now go back to portraying that wisdom-cracking guy next door roles, that he became synonymous with. He has begun work on VETRIVEL by newcomer Vasantha Manai, an erstwhile assistant of Nesan, where he has three heroines.

SATHYA: Arya's little brother has been involved in some complete turkeys, while his only decent film, Amaara Kaaviyam, went unnoticed last year! He has the Ghibran-musical CHENNAI SINGAPORE upcoming, while the long-delayed KADHAL 2 KALYANAM may get a release if Milind Rau experiences success with his production ventures.

SATHYARAJ: After hitting national headlines as Kattappa in Baahubali, he continues to portray the role in the upcoming BAAHUBALI 2. He plays the lead role after a long time in editor Anthony's ORU NAAL IRAVIL, while he will be seen playing strong supporting roles in Udhayanidhi's GETHU, Sibiraj's JACKSON DURAI, Vimal's MANNAR VAGERA and Vijay's KHAKEE. Also coming up are roles in Mahesh Babu's BRAHMOTSOVAM and MAHANATCHATIRAM. Details on the latter remain sketchy, through Madhoo of Roja fame co-stars.

SHAAM: Purampokku did not give him the breakthrough he expected and Shaam remains leagues away from the excitement he aroused during his 12B days. ORU MELLIYA KODU is his only Tamil film in the making, after he walked out Kaala Koothu.

SHAKTHI: Another actor who's career never really quite took off. Shakthi is still acting in films, looking noticeably less and less like the young man we saw in the early 2010s. He cuts an angry figure in the stills for THARKAPPU, while PESUM PADAM with Poorna is still in the making.

SHANTHNOO: To say that Bhagyaraj's son has struggled to make it as an actor would be an understatement. Let's hope things work better for him post-marriage. The long-pending remake of 12 Angry Men, VAAIMAI, is looking for a slot at the box office. His other venture, AMALI THUMALI, is panning out in true slow and laborious KS Adhiyaman style by being in production since 2010.

SHIVA: After a string of releases in 2013, Shiva seems demotivated about his comic image. Even the recent Masala Padam featured the actor hamming up. The CV Kumar production 144 could be his last chance to make an impact as an actor, with his recent interviews implying that he may prefer a role behind the screen. He also has another venture titled SIMMAKAL SEKHAR by Thiraivannan (Kacheri Arrambam) in the pipelines.

SIBIRAJ: NAAIGAL JAAKIRATHAI 2 is in the making as soon as Soundar Rajan gets done with his Jayam Ravi starrer. Sibi's successful comeback also means he has bagged roles in the ghost film JACKSON DURAI, where Sathyaraj also plays a role, and in POKKIRI RAJA, where he appears with Jiiva and Hansika.

SIDDHARTH: Siddharth has cut quite a lonely figure since his break-up with Samantha and the commercial failure of two his recent critically-acclaimed films. He has silently been working on ARANMANAI 2 alongside a bevy of heroines, while he has also completed work on his second production JIL JUNG JUK by newcomer Dheeraj Vaidy.

SJ SURYA: Isai did okay at the box office, and since the film, Surya has been in a couple of special appearances, notably as a singing auto driver in Vai Raja Vai. He will be seen in Karthik Subbaraj's IRAIVI and may direct Vijay in KUSHI 2!

SRIKANTH: The actor hasn't had a solo release since Paagan back in 2012, and like Shaam, remains a league away from getting his film's noticed. The long-delayed ETHIRI EN 3, the ghost-thriller OM SHANTI OM and the Telugu remake, SAAMIYATTAM by Jawahar (Yaaradi Nee Mohini) all remain at different stages of production. His best bet is with NAMBIAR, a comedy co-starring Santhanam, while a messy horror flick SOWCARPETTAI has been cringing out audiences prior to release.

UDHAYANIDHI STALIN: Managed to keep his mouth firmly shut to avoid politicising the Nadigar Sangam elections and has been busy making two big projects. First up is Thirukumaran (Maan Karate)'s GETHU where he has Amy Jackson for company! IDHAYAM MURALI has been shelved until another film with Ahmed, the remake of Jolly LLB gets done. The film has a supporting cast of Hansika, Prakash Raj and Aishwarya Rajesh amongst others.

VAIBHAV: Manages to have a market of sorts despite a string of supporting roles. He appears in the lead role in Sundar C's production HELLO NAAN PEI PESUREN with Oviya and Aishwarya Rajesh, before teaming up with Andrea in ADAM'S APPLE by Stanley (April Madhathil). JINDHAA, where he co-stars with Karthik, is also happening.

VARUN: May just be the next big thing! The grandson of comedian Isari Velan makes his debut in Anthony's NIGHT SHOW, before playing the lead role in Prabhu Deva's production VINOTHAN alongside Vedhika and Salony Luthra. Either lucky or deserving!

VEERA: The Nadunisi Naaygal star had disappeared for a few years before returning with Rajathanthiram this year. He is currently working on a sequel to the film with the same team, as well as on an untitled action-comedy. No further details!

VIDHARTH: Vidharth is another actor who's market has really diminished over the past few years, with several films including Aruthapathi and Thirunavukkarasu being cancelled soon after launch. Yet he still has the multi-starrers ULA and VIZHITHIRU coming up, as well as a potentially acclaimed role in Manikandan (Kaaka Muttai)'s sophomore effort, KUTRAMUM THANDANAIYUM.

VIJAY ANTONY: The composer turned actor has a knack of picking up catchy film titles, even if his acting is as mediocre as it gets. After India Pakistan, he works with Sasi in PICHAIKKAARAN, then has films titled HITLER, SHAITAAN and THIRUDAN all lined up. Biker Alisha Abdullah co-stars in Shaitaan! His first directorial venture, NAAN 2, is also in pre-production stages.

VIJAY VASANTH: Jigina did him no favours at the box office, but he has his hopes pinned on ACHAMINDRI, which reunites him with the successful team of Ennamo Nadakuthu.

VIKRAM PRABHU: Experienced his first failure with AL Vijay's but remains hot at the box office. He has finally decided to act several films simultaneously, after a few years of doing one at a time. Up next is the cross-border love story WAGAH with Ranya Rao by Kumaravelan (Haridas) and then Ganesh Vinayak (Thagararu)'s VEERA SHIVAJI, which sees the return of 'Baby' Shamili. He also has THALAPPAKATTI by Sathyasiva on the cards, where he reprises Dulquer's role in the Malayalam blockbuster Ustad Hotel.

VIKRANTH: Thaaka Thaaka sunk without a trace, but the actor may be able to create a new identity as a villain in the future. He appears in such a role for the first time with GETHU, apparently playing a ship's captain.

VIMAL: Not as prolific as he was a couple of years and the low-key releases of his recent films haven't helped. Vimal teams up with Anjali for the comedy MAAPILLAI SINGAM and with Nandita for ANJALA. Boopathy Pandian's MANNAR VAGERA with Sathyaraj is also in the making, as is Amudhan's sophomore effort RENDAVATHU PADAM, which is looking for a date at the box office.

VINAY: The tall actor hasn't really been able to claim ground in Tamil films despite some hits in recent years like Aranmanai and Endrendrum Punnagai. His next big film is AAYIRATHIL IRUVAR by Saran, where he portrays a dual role. Saran has also signed on the actor to star in AAL AMBU SENAI, which has been in the planning since 2010. A further film titled IRUVAR ULLAM which was shot entirely in the US, remains stuck.

VISHNU: One of Tamil cinema's rising stars who has silently made big progress by signing the right films. The critically acclaimed Neerparavai was followed by Jeeva and the quirky CV Kumar comedies, Mundaasupatti and Netru Indru Naalai, bringing Vishnu towards the main league of stars! Vishnu currently works in VEERA DHEERA SOORAN by Shankar Dayal (Saguni), IDAM PORUL YAEVAL by Seenu Ramasamy and KALAKKURAY MAPPILLAI by Suresh (Eththan). Other upcoming films include R. Kannan's PODA AANDAVANAE NAMMA PAKKAM, an untitled venture by Ezhil where he features with Tamil cinema's current darling, Nikki Galrani and an untitled film directed by his wife, Rajini Natraj!

~~~~~~~~

Hundreds of other Tamil films are in the making - major ones not included somewhere above include MUDINJA IVANA PUDI (Sudeep, Nithya Menen), BHOGI (Trisha, Oviya, Nikesha Patel), VIL AMBU (Sri, Harish Kalyan), VAIGAI EXPRESS (RK, Neetu Chandra), UYIRE UYIRE (debutant Siddhu, Hansika), RA RA RAJASEKHAR (newcomers), NAAN THAAN SIVA (newcomers), SIGAI (Kathir), VAALIBA RAJA (Sethu) and KARAI ORAM (female lead cast).

Forthcoming Tamil Films

October 2008 - New Films Preview

Rajnikanth .............has become deeply indulged into the shooting for Shankar's magnum opus, ENDHIRAN, opposite Aishwarya rai in which he portrays two roles. The actor is unlikely to start films, especially when more dubbing work is required for his animated SULTAN with Vijayalakshmi.

Kamal Haasan...............is also busy with the pre production for his directorial venture MARMAYOGI in which he has Asin, Trisha, Shriya, Shobana and Hema Malini for company, as well as Telugu star Venkatesh in an equally important role. The film, set to release in 2010, will probably act as a money earner for his magnum opus MARUDHANAYAGAM, which he begun in 1997. Furthermore also in the pipeline is another film with Asin and Japanese martial arts star, Tadanobu Asano in 19 STEPS produced by Bharath Bala.

Ajith Kumar ..................after the mixed reviews of Aegan, Ajith comes together with Gautham Menon for his next SURA directed by Gautham Menon for his 49th venture, starring opposite Bollywood sensation Sameera Reddy. His 50th film is rumoured to be with Venkat Prabhu but KS Ravikumar and Dharani are also in the frame for the duty. He might opt to to Madhesh's THALAIVAN, a script offered to him last month, which he confirmed to be considering.

Vijay...........................his VILLU with Prabhu Deva is set to release in early 2009, which he appears with Nayantara. The only other confirmed film he has is Babu Sivan's VETTAIKARAN, in which he will appear opposite either Nayan again, Asin or Ileana D'Cruz. Erstwhile, his 50th film is set to be under the banner of his father and directed by most likely a new face. A film with Perarasu is also in the pipeline for the Ilayathalapathy.

Vikram ....................... Susi Ganesan's venture with Shriya and Vikram, KANTHASWAMY is set for release later this year, where he plays a do-gooder. Mani Ratnam's next ASOKAVANAM sees Vikram portray the lead role opposite Aishwarya Rai, whilst the film's Hindi version RAVAN, features him as the baddie. After completing Mani's projects, he will move on to do RAJA VESHAM with Boopathy Pandian, and then PARAMAKUDI with Perarasu.

Surya...................the much-hyped Gautham Menon film, VAARANAM AAYIRAM with Divya Spandana, Sameera Reddy and Simran is due for release next month for Children's day. Following this he will complete AVM's K. V. Anand directed AYAN with Tamanna, which will release early next year. Hari's SINGAM with Ileana D'Cruz will complete its shoot for a Diwlai 2009 release. Also, Myshkin's MUGAMMOODI featuring Surya as a superhero will release in early 2010. Following the shoots of these films, Surya will work with A. R. Murugadoss and then with Gandhi Krishna for a restart to his old uncompleted film, ENGINEER. Every wants a piece of Surya....

Madhavan ........................... Following the commercial failures of Evano Oruvan and Vaazhthukkal, Maddy has moved on to Bollywood finally, to portray second roles. His tamil ventures for release include Selva's GURU EN AALU with Mamta Mohandas, Abbas and Vivek. Then comes the horror flick YAVARUM NALAM with Bollywood Babe Neetu Chandra due for release next year, whilst his NAAN AVAL ADHU, another horror flick with Sadha and Shamita Shetty is stuck. Another film with Ayngarn International with Priyamani is in the offering as is ARUGIL by Pratap Pothan and a possible restart for the ex-Shruti Haasan starrer ENDRENDRUM PUNNAGAI with Nishikanth Kamath. His Hindi films include, a Shah Rukh-Kajol starrer, MY NAME IS KHAN; a Aamir Khan-Kareena Kapoor starrer THREE IDIOTS, a Rituporno Ghosh film, SUNGLASS and an Amitabh Bachchan starrer TEEN PATTI as well as roles in SIKANDER and HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Vishal ........................... Vishal has started work on Ayyapan's commercial film THORANAI before attempting direction or a dual role, his pairing in the film is the Shriya Saran. His film after that with Prithvi is with Kangana Ranaut, who last appeared in Dhaam Dhoom.

Bharath ............................Bharath, after the respose of Seval, is now finishing off his long-pending commercial film, KILLADI, with Nila before moving on to ARUMUGAM with Priyamani. Following this is THIRUTHANI with Perarasu as well as Kannan's remake of Jab We Met, titles suggesting that the film will be called PAYANANGAL MUDIVATHILLAI opposite Tamanna Bhatia.

Jayam Ravi......................Ravi will appear opposite five new faces in Jananathan's military-style PERAANMAI before moving onto his first village role with Ameer's KANNABIRAN.

Arya........................................his Bala film, NAAN KADAVUL, with Pooja, will release early next year as will Vishnuvardhan's SARVAM featuring Trisha. Another film with Pooja, XEROX, by Igor will start in February as will RD Rajesekhar's film starring him with two prominent heroines - probably Trisha and Nayantara.

Jeeva...............................has THENNAVATTU with Poonam Bajwa followed by SIVA MANSULA SAKTHI with new girl, Anuya. PAGALAVAN with Seeman is also in the cards, as is DROGI in which he co-stars with Srikanth opposite Poorna and Divya Spandana. Furthermore, his KUDUMI under his father's production is also ready to start.

Karthi.................................the long-awaited Selvaraghavan film, AAYIRATHIL ORUVAN with Andrea and Reema Sen will only release next year despite the film being into post-production. He is currently starring opposite Nayantara in Linguswamy's untitled film as well as in NEEYUM NAANUM by Suraj with Anushka Shetty.