It’s raining female-centric films in Tamil. While it is undeniable that Tamil cinema worships its heroes, the winds of change are sweeping away the age-old demure damsel in distress we’re all quite familiar with, and in her shoes is the strong independent leading lady who is very much capable of saving herself from distress.
The success of recent flicks like Nayanthara’s Aramm, Kolamaavu Kokila and Imaikaa Nodigal, Samantha’s U Turn and Keerthy Suresh’s Nadigaiyar Thilagam are examples enough that the tides are changing.
Not only established actors like Nayanthara, Samantha and Amala Paul are signing up for such films, but relatively new actors like Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli and Oviya are choosing to don the superwoman cape in their upcoming projects.
Here’s a list of some of the most exciting female-centric projects that we are waiting for.
Kaatrin Mozhi
A Tamil remake of Vidya Balan’s Tumhari Sulu (2017), Kaatrin Mozhi marks the reunion between director Radhan Mohan and Jyothika after Mozhi that came out in 2007. The film follows Vijayalakshmi, an ambitious homemaker, who works as an RJ on a late night show. Jyothika, who made a comeback in 2015 with 36 Vayadhinile,will be seen playing the lead in this film. The film will hit screens on October 18, right in time for the puja holidays.
Kanaa
This sports-based film has actor Aishwarya Rajesh in the lead and will see her chase her dream of becoming a cricketer. Produced by Sivakarthikeyan, the film is being directed by lyricist/singer Arunraja Kamaraj. The film’s teaser that was released in August this year has Aishwarya playing a spirited young woman with a dream. Already known for her performances in Kakka Muttai and Dharmadurai, Aishwarya also has a bunch of other exciting projects this year.
Garjanai
2018 has been an exciting year for Trisha who was last seen playing the lead in horror-thriller Mohini. Although Mohini was a box-office dud, Trisha has Garjanai coming up which is the Tamil remake of the 2015 Hindi film NH10 that starred Anushka Sharma in the lead. Directed by Sundar Balu, this thriller has been in the making since 2016.
Kolayuthir Kaalam
Talking about thrillers, Nayanthara’s Kolayuthir Kaalam, the Tamil remake of the Hollywood flick Hush (2016) starring Kate Siegel in the lead is being helmed by Chakri Toleti of Unnaipol Oruvan fame. The film’s first look poster was released in October 2016 making it a long-awaited project. It was also announced that Tamannaah would be reprising Nayanthara’s role in its Hindi version.
Aadai
When the first-look poster of Amala Paul’s upcoming dark comedy, Aadai was released early this month, it created huge expectations for the film. With toilet paper wrapped around her body and bloodied wounds on her hands and face, Amala Paul was seen crying while holding on to a rusted piece of plumbing in the poster. Written and directed by Ratna Kumar, Amala had mentioned in an interview that her role in the film was something “nobody had done before.” Can't wait?
Adho Andha Paravai Pola
Aadai isn't the only film that’ll see Amala Paul basking in the limelight. She’s also got Adho Andha Paravai Pola by Vinoth KR. Set against the backdrop of the Western Ghats, Amala Paul will be playing a young woman lost in the jungle with strange events unfolding as the film progresses. The film’s first-look was released in March this year.
Pakshi
Actor Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli who created a name for herself with Sarjun’s short film Lakshmi, will be seen essaying a full-length role in director Jagadeesan Subu’s Pakshi. Initial reports suggested that the film would be based on the lead character's travels and adventures. A single from the film, 'Thallipoora', was released in July this year. Music director Girishh Gopalakrishnan of Aval fame has been brought on board to compose the film's music.
Veeramadevi
This period film has actor Sunny Leone play a warrior princess. This film will mark her Tamil feature film debut and is bound to be an action extravaganza with plenty of stunt sequences. The actor had posted the official confirmation on Twitter in February this year. Directed by VC Vadivudayan, it was reported that Sunny had special training in sword fighting for this film.
90 ml
Oviya’s fan base in Tamil Nadu spiked after her reality TV show appearance in Bigg Boss Tamil. The actor has been signed up to lead 90 ml, a comedy directed by Anita Udeep of Kulir 100 degree fame. The film’s first-look posted was unveiled on Valentine’s Day this year and more details are awaited.
Paris Paris
This film is the Tamil remake of the popular, award-winning Hindi film Queen. Actor Kajal Aggarwal will be essaying Kangana’s role from the original in this remake. Queen is the story of Rani a naive small-town woman who travels abroad and discovers a stronger side to herself. While the original has its own fan base, actor Kajal is all set to bring out her version of it soon.