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Love's rush hour

February sees a flurry of film releases. So what's it that makes the Valentine season special to Kollywood? SREEDHAR PILLAI finds out

LOVE'S THE FLAVOUR From "Thambi".

Hollywood set the trend of making soft, romantic films for release during the Valentine season when business is dull in winter. Bollywood re-invented it with its own candyfloss stories featuring young actors with songs shot in exotic foreign locales. Now it looks like Kollywood too is following suit. In February 2001, a little-known movie "Minnale" by first-time director Gautham Menon with teen throb Madhavan and Reema Sen stormed the box-office when it was released and marketed as a Valentine special. After the success of "Minnale" came Cheran's "Autograph" in February 2004, which also turned out to be a blockbuster.

The Tamil film industry woke up to the fact that February was a good time to market romantic-feel-good films with young stars. It was also a time when superstar films are generally not released. Added to that, television channels have made Valentine Day celebrations hot and happening.

Now, February 2006 will see a record number of releases — at least 12 to 14 in the romance and action genres. Most producers today are eager to release their films in February and cash in on the `Kathalar Dinam' craze. And traditionally, March is not considered the right time due to examinations. Added to that, March 2006 will see the India-England Cricket Series, and from April 14, a slew of big superstar movies is scheduled for release. And this year, elections to the Tamil Nadu Assembly are due in May, which is definitely not a good time to release movies.

Romantic genre

"Kalvanin Kathali".

So far, in February, six films have been released, most of them in the romantic genre — "Dishyum", "Idaya Thirudan", "Amirtham", "June R", "Kodambakkam" and "Chitirram Pesuthadi." Coming this Friday (February 17) are "Kalaba Kathalan", "Kalvanin Kathali", "Madrasi" and "Thambi." Due for release on February 24 are "Godfather", "Poi", "Swadesi" and many others. But how many of them will make it to the theatres is anybody's guess.

Clearly, masala is the flavour of Kollywood this season, when formula films with a bit of romance, sensuality and beautiful locales click. The films feature street-smart heroes and glamorous heroines. There are also item-numbers and crude comedy to appeal to the front-benchers.

A rarity

"Chitirram Pesuthadi".

The soft romantic films such as "Mounageetham" or "Alaipayuthe" are a rarity. Even Madhavan, who is known for his romantic roles, has changed tack and is doing an action film "Thambi". Says Madhavan: "Sometimes romance alone cannot sustain the interest of the masses. A strong chemistry between the lead pair is important for a love story to click, which is rare these days. So a good dose of action has to be included to make it entertaining."

Says Mysskin (he named himself after the famous writer), director of "Chitirram Pesuthadi" which has newcomer Narian and Bhavana in the lead, "This is a story of love between a gangster and a social worker. They learn the value of love as they overcome several hurdles." Says Arya who is pinning his hopes on "Kalaba Kathalan", "Everybody including the director Igor is a newcomer. It is another youth film with a bold theme."

"Kalaba Kathalan".

All these films have generated hype and the makers claim that they have made a `different film.'

Says director Vasanth, who has made clean love stories, "Today our audience is exposed to more filmi plots on television. And even the viewers, especially the youth, are looking forward to such excitement."

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