This week’s Tamil releases are dominated by all kinds of thrillers – Imaikka Nodigal – a psychological thriller, 60 Vayadhu Maaniram – drama-thriller and Aarudhra – social-thriller. There’s also the political drama Annanukku Jey. Stree and Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se are the Bollywood releases.
Imaikkaa Nodigal
A psychological thriller, Imaikkaa Nodigal is directed by Ajay Gnanamuthu and stars Nayanthara, Atharvaaa, Anurag Kashyap, Raashi Khanna and Ramesh Thilak. Vijay Sethupathi has a cameo. The film was supposed to release on August 30, but got stalled over the non-receipt of KDM (digital key) by the movie theatres. The issue is expected to get resolved soon. All the morning and afternoon shows were cancelled.
The trailer of the film showed a cat-and-mouse game that the killer (played by Anurag Kashyap) plays with CBI officer Anjali (Nayanthara) and Atharvaa’s character. Though it’s a thriller, the film also focuses on a strong emotional bond between the siblings – Atharvaa and Nayanthara. Music is composed by Hiphop Tamizha Adhi
Talking about the film, the director told Silverscreen, “The common perception – especially after my first film (Demonte Colony) – is that Imaikka Nodigal … is a psycho or a dark thriller. But the film also has romance and light-hearted moments and can be enjoyed with family.”
Anurag Kashyap, who is making his Tamil debut, said about the director, “He’s a brave director. I’m a filmmaker and when I don’t get something, I adapt. But, he knows what he wants, and he will find a way to get it, whatever the cost… I liked what he did with Demonte Colony. He mixes up genres, plays around. He’s a very visual person and I’m looking forward to see what he has done with Imaikkaa Nodigal.”
60 Vayadhu Maaniram
Directed by Radha Mohan, the film is an official remake of the 2016 Kannada film, Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu. Produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu, the film stars Vikram Prabhu, Prakash Raj, Indhuja and Samuthirakani in lead roles.
The film revolves around a sixty-year-old man suffering from Alzheimer’s disease who goes missing. His son, worried about his father’s disappearance, starts a search along with a woman and gets entangled with a murderer.
The background music for the film is composed by Ilaiyaraaja, while the lyrics are penned by Pa. Vijay, Palani Bharathi and Vivek.
Aaruthra
Directed and produced by lyricist Pa. Vijay, the film is said to be a thriller, based on real-life incidents. The film will star SA Chandrashekar, Bhagyaraj and Naan Kadavul Rajhendran in lead roles. The female leads are Mumbai-based model Dashitha, Mehali – an actress from Kolkata, and Soni who is from Hyderabad.
Talking about the film, Vijay told, “I was able to write only a few socially relevant songs, so I wanted to make a film with a social message. I got encouragement after my first film received appreciation. There was an incident in Salem where a minor was gang raped. I met all the accused in the case and spoke with them. Their answers were shocking and scary. That motivated me to make the film.”
Annanukku Jey
Starring Dinesh in the lead, Annanukku Jey is a political drama. The film revolves around a Thiruvannamalai man and his efforts to enter politics. “Herd mentality is everywhere. And it’s most prevalent in governance. The film addresses this issue, but in a comic way,” the actor told Silverscreen.
The film also stars Mahima Nambiar, Mayilsami and Radha Ravi in key roles. Directed by Rajkumar, the film is produced by Vetrimaran’s Grass Roots Film Company.
Stree
Directed by Amar Kaushik, Stree is a horror comedy starring Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi. Rao, who is known to be a method actor, underwent training to play the role of a tailor.
The trailer begins with Pankaj Tripathi narrating the story of a mythical ghost who likes to target young men. The men disappear, but their clothes remain. She is given the name ‘Stree’ but nobody knows what she looks like or when will she appear. Meanwhile, Rajkummar Rao meets Shraddha Kapoor at a village fair.
There is an air of mystery around her. She tells a besotted Rao that she comes to the fair only during a certain time. Thus starts a series of hilarious, but chilling adventures for the young men in the small town.
Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se
This is the third film of the Yamla Pagla Deewana franchise. Action-comedy series, the first film released in 2011, then came Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 in 2013 and now Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se, helmed by director Navaniat Singh. The film stars Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby Deol, and Kriti Kharbanda in lead roles.
Talking about the film, Dharmendra told The Times Of India, “We have made the film with our soul and joviality. That’s what makes it triple the fun.”
