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The Hindu
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
All eyes on ‘Coolie': Can Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj turn things around for Tamil mass cinema in 2025?
The stage is set, but there's palpable tension in the crowd. A crowd-favourite local flavour has faded from the routine. There's chatter where chatter's always famous for — be it about an upcoming romance comedy tackling divorce, or Rathnavelu's return to seek vengeance from Maamannan in a road thriller, or that of a debutant music composer making the waves. But there's silence in the balcony rows. A quiet storm has been brewing in Tamil cinema, and the spotlight bears down on one of the biggest superstars, entering his 50th year in the industry, to rise to the occasion. 'But has there been a dearth of mass films?' you might wonder. Yes, there's a scarcity of good big-star mass flicks. For more than a year and a half, concerns have been raised about the state of big-star mass commercial films and the unreliable hit rate among the superstars, which has led to a disbelief in mass filmmaking. On the one hand, there has been a shift in syntax, with many stars seeing value in breaking out of the mould. A result of redundant formulaic hero vehicles and an apparent shift towards realism has led to a sentiment many seem to echo — 'let's wait until the reviews are out; we have been disappointed enough.' After a promising 2023, in which big stars and smaller diamonds shone bright on the silver screen, Tamil cinema went through a dull patch in 2024. No big-star mass films clicked on both the critical and commercial aspects; only Amaran and Maharaja, attempts far removed from conventional mass, managed to tick the right boxes. And now, the first half of 2025 has painted an even startling image — big stars do not seem to have taken stock of the dip. On one hand, superstars have given in to their itch to experiment, which, though commendable, has added undue stress to successive projects. Earlier this year, superstar Ajith Kumar tried out an off-beat attempt like Vidaamuyarchi— intended to stay away from the formula — and followed it up with Good Bad Ugly — which, while it became a top-grosser, still ended up being 'unconventionally mass,' with an overload of fan-service that couldn't impress the coveted 'common audiences.' Karthik Subbaraj and SU Arun Kumar, too, have shown a lack of inclination towards mass cinema, for good reasons, in these cases. Arun's Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2, starring Vikram, married inventive screenwriting and immersive scene construction, but critics and audiences were left wondering if the occasional hero-appeasing moments felt rather forced. Retro, while it featured a fantastic Suriya, was a hit-or-miss for the larger audiences; its experimental genre shifts only impressed the critics. Even this year's Maarganand ACE, though helped by good word-of-mouth, weren't intended to serve mass. This has also been the year where smaller nuggets — like Kudumbasthan, Tourist Family, and the excellent Madras Matinee — have found a special place among audiences. The success of Sundar C's 13-year-old Madha Gaja Raja points towards a craving for mass masala among the audiences, reasserting that cinema needs a healthy mix of both familiar comforts, daring assortments, and the occasional Madras Matinee. Which is also why all eyes are now on Rajinikanth's Coolie, which is all set to arrive in theatres with massive fanfare on August 14. Where is the Thalapathy of Tamil cinema? There's another reason one could point a finger at for the poor show in the upper echelons. If there has been one superstar who has repeatedly stuck and reinvented the mass formula in Tamil, it is Vijay. And Tamil cinema is already feeling the pinch of what a post-Vijay scene would feel like (the actor has announced that his next, Jana Nayagan, will be his last). What truly fascinates one is how a Vijay film — whether it is a largely genre-centric actioner like Leoor a mass-inclined entertainer like Varisu — had the ingredients to pull in the audiences. If his rival Ajith juggles extremes, Vijay's range is deliberately focused. A lack of a quintessential Vijay film is what 2025 — and Tamil cinema after 2026 — will miss. Perhaps it's time for Ajith to pull back and reset his range between a Viswasam and a Yennai Arindhaal. One man's loss is another man's blockbuster: Then comes the curious case of Thug Life, the highly panned Kamal Haasan starrer, imbued with misfitted Nayakan deja vu that made fans wonder if it was indeed Mani Ratnam at the helm. The gargantuan fall from the fame of Thug Life inadvertently makes way for Coolie, starring Kamal's contemporary Rajinikanth. With caution in the air, a psychological bias toward mean reversion would come into play, and the initial first-day reviews might benefit from the debacle that Thug Life turned out to be. Lokesh, a storyteller with a knack for mass cinema If all those above reasons should help Coolie, there's a 'minimum guarantee' factor in the Rajinikanth starrer that has single-handedly driven the hype ahead of the release — it's directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, a modern maverick who showed filmmaking flair with Maanagaram and Kaithi, caught the pulse of the modern audiences with Kamal's Vikram and the formation of a cinematic universe, and is inching to better himself after his middling Vijay-starrer Leo. A creator with an unmissable knack for action filmmaking, Lokesh has become the go-to for stars who wish to break the formula in style, and yet somehow make it their own. Cracking a quintessential Rajinikanth film has been quite a challenge for modern filmmakers — only Subbaraj came close to making a Rajinistic film with Petta. If there's one filmmaker who could take a well-calculated swing at this, it's Lokesh. From the word go, everything about Coolie promises a comeback of all that Rajinikanth fans have idolised him for — you can expect sufficient fan-service, the quintessential rising-from-the-ashes character arc, and the superstar at his most stylish self, unleashed against a barrage of villains. With the film also not part of his coveted Lokesh Cinematic Universe, you can expect Coolie to be freer — unburdened by inquisitive fans bringing their own theories to measure, or the narrative constraints of a shared universe. The success of the 'Jailer' formula: What we know about Coolie might make a fan wonder if the film's production banner, Sun Pictures, has looked to recreate the magic of Jailer, Rajinikanth's previous film, helmed by Nelson. Akin to that film, we have multiple A-listers — like Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, and Aamir Khan — teaming up with/against Rajinikanth. There's a 'Monica' for a 'Kaavaala', and if Jailer was unexpectedly violent, you know Coolie would be relentlessly gritty. Tamil cinema needs a 'Thalapathi': Now comes the reveal that has piqued the interest of many. In a recent interview, Lokesh revealed that he had wished for Coolie to be compared with Thalapathi, Rajinikanth's acclaimed gangster film directed by Mani Ratnam. Fans have taken note of how some shots from the promo and the superstar's hairstyle are akin to the 1991 film. While this might make you worry a bit — films cashing in on past glory have been abysmal of late — you can trust Lokesh to do what he did to Vikram, which was a spiritual sequel to Kamal's 1986 film of the same name. Even if that's not the case, Tamil cinema needs a film like Thalapathi. In any case, we need both Thalapathi and Thalaivar to light up these dark, desolate skies.
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Darshan Interview: Sivakarthikeyan was very excited about Housemates
Darshan adds that Rajavel plans a shot as per the edit flow in his mind, but he is open to letting actors improvise. "Rajavel charts out a plan clearly, but if there is something better done by the actors, he will not say no. Of course, only if it isn't radically different from what he expected from that scene. Since I am sharing screen space with actors like Dheena and Kaali Venkat, there will be scope to make improvisations. Sometimes, we propose the improv idea before the shot, or during the filming, and Rajavel is okay with it as long as it makes the scene better." The Housemates' cast is a mixture of experienced actors and emerging talents. Darshan, having featured in five films, says he was enjoying the best of both worlds, having to star with a contemporary like Dheena and a seasoned actor like Kaali Venkat. "I have known Dheena for years; I am well aware of the ways he throws a punch line and his impeccable timing. With him, I had fun and was in my zone. Kaali Venkat sir, on the other hand, was an intimidating presence on the sets. From Mundaasupatti to Gargi to his recent release, Madras Matinee, he has done it all. But as days went by, I got very comfortable to the point that whenever I get confused about understanding the complexity of a scene, he will explain how he would assess the same scene. This exercise helped me wrap my head around a scene."
News18
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Narivetta, Madras Matinee And Moonwalk: Must-Watch Regional Films On OTT This Week
Last Updated: Explore top South Indian OTT releases this week including Narivetta, Moonwalk, Paramasivan Fathima & more on platforms like SonyLIV, Aha, and Prime Video. The world of South Indian cinema continues to surprise and stir with stories steeped in local roots, yet expansive in their emotional and cinematic ambition. This week, the OTT space is rich with regional gems—from courtroom battles to adolescent awakenings, spiritual comedies to political thrillers. Here's a curated look at what to stream and why these titles matter. This coming-of-age Telugu comedy dives into the mind of a small-town student obsessed with cracking the top spot in competitive exams. AIR blends school humor, social expectations, and teenage aspirations, offering a charming portrait of the exam-obsessed Indian middle class. Its earnest tone and relatable storytelling make it a quiet but delightful watch for anyone who's ever stared down a syllabus with dreams bigger than reality. Paramasivan Fathima – Aha A bold legal drama rooted in contemporary social discourse, Paramasivan Fathima follows the titular character—a young Muslim woman—who finds herself in the eye of a political storm. Battling bias inside and outside the courtroom, Fathima's fight is both personal and ideological. The film fearlessly explores themes like religious identity, gender injustice, and the loneliness of integrity, making it one of the week's most thought-provoking releases. Madras Matinee – Prime Video & Sun NXT A deeply nostalgic and emotionally textured drama, Madras Matinee celebrates cinema itself through the story of an old, now-defunct single-screen theatre in Chennai. As three different characters revisit the theatre space—each for a very different reason—the film gently unfolds stories of lost love, artistic ambition, and the tender echo of reel-life in real-life. It's a warm, slow burn made for lovers of old-school movie magic. MALAYALAM Set in a small-town Kerala school, Moonwalk centers on a group of teenagers who find refuge and rebellion in dance. Directed with sensitivity and humor, the film captures the bittersweet chaos of adolescence—the longing to belong, the thrill of movement, and the sting of social rejection. Produced by Lijo Jose Pellissery, this teen dramedy is an ode to freedom, expression, and the rhythmic defiance of youth. Narivetta – SonyLIV Tovino Thomas leads this hard-hitting political thriller about a CRPF constable who accidentally finds himself in the middle of a violent conspiracy. As corruption unfurls around him, he's forced to choose between silence and justice. Suraj Venjaramoodu lends strong support in a film that doesn't just thrill—it indicts. The visuals are taut, the drama sharp, and the political commentary biting. In this offbeat fantasy-comedy, a mischievous Grim Reaper—'Shinigami"—visits a sleepy village in Kerala, upending the lives of its oddball residents. Starring veterans Indrans and Jaffer Idukki, the film strikes a rare balance between whimsy and wisdom. It flirts with the concept of death but chooses laughter as its lens, making for a warm, philosophical and culturally grounded tale. First Published: July 07, 2025, 18:55 IST
Pink Villa
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
4 new South films to watch this week on OTT: Thug Life, Uppu Kappurambu and more
South Indian films are surely a dose of fine entertainment for anyone on weekends. If you're confused about what to watch, here's a list of new South movies that you need to watch on OTT. 4 South films to watch on OTT this week 1. Thug Life (Tamil) Cast: Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan, Joju George Director: Mani Ratnam Genre: Gangster Action Drama Runtime: 2 hours and 45 minutes Where to watch: Netflix Thug Life is a gangster action drama starring Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR in the lead roles. It is available for streaming on Netflix. The Mani Ratnam directorial narrates the tale of Rangaraaya Sakthivel, an aging mafia crime boss who once adopted a young boy, Amaran, after a shootout in Delhi. Years later, he raises his foster son as his own, making him a formidable member of the mafia. With circumstances tying his hands, Sakthivel appoints his adopted son to lead the gang, which eventually leads to animosity between them. As the story progresses, the film develops into a battle of death with father and son going head-to-head until one meets their end. 2. Madras Matinee (Tamil) Cast: Sathyaraj, Kaali Venkat, Roshni Haripriyan, Shelly Nabu Kumar, George Maryan, Sunil Sukhada Director: Karthikeyan Mani Genre: Comedy Drama Runtime: 2 hours and 15 minutes Where to watch: SunNXT Madras Matinee features the story of an aging sci-fi writer who is challenged by his caretaker to write the tale of a common man. Taking up the challenge, the writer reluctantly follows and understands the life of Kannan, an autorickshaw driver. However, the writer soon finds out the depthful drama in an ordinary person's life. What unfolds later becomes the central focus of the story. 3. Paramasivan Fathima (Tamil) Cast: Vimal, Chayadevi, MS Bhaskar, Manoj Kumar, Sriranjani, Athira, Aruldoss, Cool Suresh Director: Esakki Karvannan Genre: Horror Thriller Runtime: 2 hours and 23 minutes Where to watch: Aha Video Paramasivan Fathima is based on the story of a detective who is investigating a mysterious predator in his mountain village. However, as he uncovers buried secrets, he figures out dark truths that have been hidden for generations. 4. Uppu Kappurambu (Telugu) Uppu Kappurambu is a political comedy-drama that takes place in the fictional village of Chitti Jayapuram. After her father's death, a socially anxious Apoorva is appointed as the village head. As soon as she begins her term, Apoorva faces a dilemma as the village cemetery is running out of burial spots. How she manages to overcome the problems, while tackling the issues raised by two influential people in the village, forms the rest of the story.
Mint
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Madras Matinee OTT release: How to watch the Tamil movie online? It's a story ‘straight from the heart of Chennai'
Madras Matinee, a Tamil slice-of-life drama directed and written by Karthikeyan Mani, is all set for its OTT release. Starring Kaali Venkat, Sathyaraj and Roshini Haripriyan, the film tells the story of an ageing sci-fi writer who is challenged by his caretaker to write about an ordinary man. The film mainly focuses on Kaali Venkat, his family and their emotional journey. It begins with Sathyaraj's character, Jyoti Ramaya. He is a writer dreaming of Steven Spielberg making his superhero script. Jyoti Ramaya, though reluctant at first, starts writing the story of Kannan (played by Kaali Venkat), a TukTuk driver. The writer slowly discovers that common lives are full of depth, sacrifice and emotion. The film ends with a meaningful climax that stays true to life. Though there's no literal prize money, the true reward here is human connection. Released in cinemas on June 6, the movie received a mixed response. Madras Matinee had a start with ₹ 12 lakh on Day 1 of the box office. It collected ₹ 29 lakh on Day 2 and peaked on Day 3 with ₹ 31 lakh. Box-office collections gradually declined, dropping to ₹ 1 lakh per day by the third week. Despite a good opening weekend, the movie couldn't maintain momentum and saw a steep fall. Madras Matinee collected ₹ 2.72 crore gross at the box office in 21 days, as per Sacnilk. While the budget of the movie is not publicly available, some media publications claim that it was made with ₹ 4 crore. Madras Matinee is set for its OTT release on SUN NXT from July 4. The OTT platform wrote on social media, 'A story straight from the heart of Chennai — of dreams, dignity, and the everyday hero we call Appa.' If you missed the chance to catch Madras Matinee in theatres, here's your chance to watch it online.
