Deepavali is just around the corner and the box office is gearing up for a cracker of a weekend. Here's what south Indian fans can expect this Friday.
Tamil
Among the four Southern industries, Deepavali is probably the biggest for Kollywood. Tamil Nadu sees some of its most eagerly awaited releases around this time and 2016 is no exception. "Kaashmora" and "Kodi", two films that have generated high expectations, will clash on Friday for the top spot.
While "Kaashmora" is a fantasy film with Karthi, Nayantara and Sri Divya in the lead, "Kodi" is a political thriller starring Dhanush, Trisha and Anupama Parameswaran. Interestingly, Karthi and Dhanush will both be playing multiple roles in their respective films.
With "Baahubali", the bar for Indian fantasy films has been set really high. The audience is reluctant to forgive amateurish graphics and expects to see quality work on the big screen. The trailer for "Kaashmora" looks promising, but much depends on whether the storytelling will hold up.
Dhanush has shown us what he can do when placed in a good script, however microcosmic its span. "Aadukalam", for instance. "Kodi" has the potential to wow the audience if it makes for intelligent cinema. And Trisha is said to be playing a role with negative shades in the film – something not too many heroines have ventured into doing.
Nadhiya's "Thiraiku Varadha Kadhai", a unique film with only female actors, is also releasing this Friday. A horror drama, the film supposedly features a lesbian romance. Tamil cinema has so far mangled LGBTQ subjects thoroughly and has almost never represented a non-heterosexual relationship with respect. Will "Thiraiku Varadha Kadhai" change that?
"Kadalai", a comedy starring Ma Ka Pa Anand and Aishwarya Rajesh (of "Kaaka Muttai” fame) is making a fairly quiet arrival too. The film has an "agricultural" theme. There isn't much buzz around it but many of these smaller films become sleeper hits because of word of mouth as long as the content is good.
Telugu
"Kodi" is releasing as "Dharma Yogi" in Telugu. "Kaashmora" is releasing under the same title. Tamil films dubbed in the language have generally done well in both Telugu states.
The Telugu industry is fond of period dramas and fantasies. Films like "Maghadheera", "Rudhramadevi", and of course, "Baahubali" have come out of its stable. "Kaashmora" might catch more attention from the audiences there than will "Dharma Yogi".
"Mister 420" starring Varun Sandesh and Priyanka Bharadwaja is also hitting the screens this weekend. Though the film does not have a big star cast, its music has got favourable reviews. "Mister 420" appears to be a typical masala flick with romance, action sequences and pretty songs.
Kannada
In Karnataka, it's Real Star Upendra and Kiccha Sudeep taking on Rocking Star Yash. For both films, the opening weekend is an opportunity for big collections as Deepavali is being followed by Rajyotsava Day, giving cinema goers in the state a long weekend to hit the theatres.
"Mukunda Murari", a satire featuring Upendra and Kiccha Sudeep, is a highly anticipated film although it's a remake. The Hindi "Oh My God" (which was based on a Gujarati play and an Australian film) with Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar did surprisingly well, even as it questioned godmen and religious practices.
Upendra will be playing the role of an atheist, while Sudeep will play the cool and contemporary Lord Krishna.
"Santhu Straight Forward" with Yash and Radhika Pandit, the hit pair from "Moggina Manasu" is another Kannada Deepavali release. Shaam, who began his career in Tamil films and now does Kannada films too, is also part of the cast. "Santhu Straight Forward" is an action flick.
Sharan, who is known for his comedy films, is appearing in the lead role in "Nataraja Service". Mayuri Kyatari is the heroine. Director Pawan Wadeyar's debut film "Govindaya Namaha", also a comedy, was a superhit despite receiving mixed responses from critics.
Although it is celebrated, Deepavali is not that big a festival in Kerala. There are no Malayalam releases this weekend. But Tamil films are popular among audiences there and with "Kaashmora" and "Kodi" releasing in the state, cinema lovers still have something to look forward to.