Kamal Hassan’s controversial Tamil-Hindi bilingual Viswaroopam was a blockbuster. It garnered over Rs.100 crore on an investment of Rs.95 crore.

“Viswaroopam approximately raked in close to Rs.150 crore, which includes its satellite rights as well. The film did exceptionally good business worldwide thanks to all controversies," said trade analyst Trinath.

Besides Viswaroopam, the other hit Tamil film was Santhanam-starrer Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya (KLTA).

Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya, directed by K.S.Manikandan released on Jan 13. It featured Santhanam, Srinivasan, Sethu and Vishakha Singh in lead roles.

"The audience lapped up 'KLTA' for its wholesome comical presentation. Santhanam's star status and STR’s cameo appearance also helped the film register bumper openings in Tamilnadu. The film earned Rs.12.5 crore on a budget of approximately Rs.3 crore.” said Trinath.

Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya (KLTA) is the story of three men who try to woo the same girl. Simbu's cameo also helped the film to great extent. His star status attracted all his fans to flock the theatres to watch the film first-day-first-show.

Tamil comedy Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga (KBKR), which released March 29, managed a decent opening.

"KBKR approximately collected over Rs.5 crore in its opening weekend. The film continues to run to packed houses in B and C centers of Tamil Nadu," said Trinath.

While most biggies such as Mani Ratnam's Kadal, Karthi’s Alex Pandian, Aadhi Bhagawan and Paradesi failed to set the box-office on fire, smaller films such as Haridas and Vathikuchi did mediocre business.

Meanwhile, most anticipated movies are getting ready to strike in the second half of 2013. Kochadaiyaan is surely one of the most hyped movies in Indian cinema. Rajinikanth’s daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth is directing this film and using motion capture technology for the first time. A.R.Rahman is composing is composing tunes and movie is gearing up for 2013 release. As declared earlier, Kamal Hassan is planning to release Viswaroopam 2 by the end of 2013.

Along with Kochadaiyaan and Viswaroopam-2, Suriya’s Singam-2, Vijay’s Thalaivaa, Ajith-Vishnuvardhan’s tentatively titled Valai will be released in second quarter of 2013.Dhanush’s Mariyaan and STR’s Vaalu and Vettai Mannan are also in the 2013 release list. Many other excited combinations like Karthi-Venkat Prabhu’s Biriyani, Sundar C-Siddharth’s Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru and few other small budgets are getting ready to entertain in the second quarter of 2013.Let’s hope the second half of 2013 sets cash registers ringing at the Tamil Box-Office.

"Pongal is considered the biggest festival for south Indians. I've been following the industry closely for over 10 years now and never have I seen the passion for cinema deteriorate during this festival. Over the years, it has become more or less a ritual," trade analyst Trinath, who has been tracking the industry for over a decade, said.

Pongal, celebrated Jan 13-16, is a thanksgiving festival at the end of the harvest season.

"Since the festival lasts for four days, it gives good reason for filmmakers to believe that audience will come, provided wholesome entertainment is given to them. Over the years, most star films released on this day have been successful too," Trinath added.

In 2012, "Nanban" starring Vijay and "Vettai" starring R. Madhavan were released during this festival weekend. Both the films were quite successful at the box-office.

For some, a hit during Pongal at the beginning of the year is the auspicious start to the year.

"Most of us believe that if something good happens right at the beginning of the year... that luck continues throughout. Likewise, filmmakers and actors too believe that having a hit right at the start of the year will boost their morale," said Telugu producer V. Krishna.

Of course, the Pongal magic can also fail.

"Not all films have been successful, but most films have decent opening. If it is a star film, then undoubtedly the film has good opening thanks to the four-day-long festival," Krishna added.

"The festival is just another excuse to draw audience to the theatres. If you have cinema lovers, then people will come irrespective of the day. I agree though that as Pongal is spread across four days, filmmakers can definitely cash in on the golden opportunity," said film distributor Arvind Nambiar.

This year will see the clash of a bunch of Tamil at the box-office.

Kamal Haasan's action-thriller "Vishwaroopam", which was supposed to hit the screens for Pongal is shifted ahead to January 25.

Karthi's Tamil action-drama "Alex Pandian" will release Jan 12, followed by Tamil comedy "Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaya" on Jan 13 along with Vishal's Tamil action "Samar" that will release in both Telugu and Tamil versions. Puthagam will hit the screens on January 14.

[January- 7 releases]: 2012 has a good start with multi-starrers Nanban and Vettai for Pongal, which has recorded hit at the Chennai box-office with good run and collections. While Nanban has beaten Rajinikanth’s Enthiran openings and collections, Shankar has once again proved he is undisputed king of South India box-office collections by grabbing Rs.50+cr in the first week.  Following this Lingusamy’s Vettai is also a box-office hit with Rs.15cr collections for first four days and Rs.56cr in its total run.

Interestingly both Vettai and Nanban got 30% entertainment tax exemption from the Tamil Nadu Government, for being perfect entertainers, while other films Kollaikaran, Medhai, Paari, Settaithanam, Theni Maavattam bombed.

[February- 14 releases]: After Nanban and Vettai are declared as moderate hits, small budgeting meaningful film Marina directed by Pandiraj stood as box office winner. Filmed on the people surviving on the banks of Marina beach in Chennai, Marina recorded a hit within no time of its release. Subsequently romantic entertainers KSY and MUK with Amala Paul as female lead opened well for Valentines weekend and had a significant run. While Siddharth’s Kadhalil Sodhapuvadu Yeppadi [KSY] enjoyed good run in multiplexes, Adharvaa’s Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal [MUK] grossed small screen viewers.

Next comes Prakash Raj’s directorial and production debut Dhoni with the scores of Maestro Ilayaraja and Ambuli 3D, the first direct Tamil 3D film released with descent openings but didn’t go well with viewers and collapsed at Chennai BO along with Sengathu Bhoomiyile, Oru Mazhai Naangu Saaral, Oru Nadigaiyin Vaakkumoolam, Soozhnilai, Vachaathi, Vilayada Vaa, Udumban, Kathal Paathai and Virudhanagar Sandhippu.

[March- 20 releases]: Besides being the month of examinations, March has a rush of 20 back to back releases. But only digital release of Sivaji Ganesan’s epic film Karnan succeeded, as Vasanthabalan’s period flick Aravaan with Aadhi and Dhansika, Krishna and Bindhu Madhavi’s Kazhugu directed by Sathyasiva and last but not least Aishwarya R Dhanush’s directorial debut 3 of Dhanush-Anirudh’s ‘Kolaveri di’ fame with Shruthi Hassan have made their presence felt but failed to make it big at the box-office. Coming to 3, it has enjoyed 100 days run but didn’t go well with the audiences as director couldn’t perfectly deal with the bi-polar disease being a debutant.

Behind these Kondaan Koduthaan, Shankar Oor Rajapalayam, Naanga, Pathirama Pathukkunga, Sevarkodi, Maasi, Vinmeengal, Aayiram Muthangaludam Thenmozhi, Kadhal Pisase, Kandha, Nandha Nandhitha, Meeravudan Krishna, Mudhalvar Mahatma, Othakkuthirai, Otha Veedu and Suriya Nagaram are the other films released during March 2012 which could not collide with the concurrent releases and recorded.

[April – 12 releases]: 2012 seems to be lucky for producer turn hero Udhayanidhi Stalin, who has enjoyed good audiences and recorded super-hit with his debut Oru Kal Oru Kannadi and established himself as a best actor alongside best producer. Hansika starred OKOK was made with a budget of Rs.13cr and bagged Rs.32cr and also made successful run of 100 days in theaters marking a super-hit for the Red Giant Movies banner.

After OKOK, Andrew Louis’s Leelai was the second film that made its strong impact with Tamil audiences in April, which has received a positive mouth word and good run in Kollywood that can only be made by few small films with less publicity. While others namely Asthamanam, Mazhaikaalam, Nandu Bhaskar, Pachai Engira Kaathu, Aduthathu, Maattuthavani, Mye and Padam Parthu Kadhai Sol failed to collide with earlier releases.

[May – 9 releases]: May has enjoyed the screening of comedy entertainer Kalakalappu and social script Vazhakku Enn 18/9. Directed by Sundar C casting Vimal, Shiva, Anjali and Oviya, Kalakalappu has entertained audiences to extent, which made makers plan to film the sequel of the movie with no time lag. And Balaji Sakthivel has come up with the social evil script Vazhakku Enn 18/9 starring newcomers. Vazhakku Enn 18/9 deals with the MMS scandals peeping high among youngsters, which also won many awards for its impact on viewers. Even after starring recognized stars Raattinam and Ishtam bombed for being comparable love stories alongside Gaantham, Parama Guruµ, Kandathum Kanadhathum, Anbulla Manvizhiye and Konjum Mainakkale.

[June - 10 releases]: June is the largest month for Tamil releases with five Fridays, but has only 10 releases. Ezhil’s Manam Kothi Paravai is the one that gained good reviews and also opened doors for Siva Karthikeyan winning him the chances of ‘Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga’ and Dhanush’s ‘Ethir Neechal’.

And films namely Thadaiyara Thaakka, Murattu Kaalai, Saguni being the noted big films with established actors like Karthi, Arun Vijay, Sundar C, Sneha, Mamta Mohandas, Raadhika, Santhanam couldn’t make their impact recording below average and flops at the Chennai box-office besides Idhayam Thiraiarangam, Mayanginen Thayanginen, Krishnaveni Panjaalai, Porkodi 10am Vaguppu, Thoothuvan and Marupadiyum Oru Kadhal.

[July - 6 releases]: Out of the six movies released during July 2012 only Naan Ee and Ajith’s Billa 2 are the big films. While Nani, Samantha, Sudeep’s Naan Ee has recorded a hit with good audiences and collections, Chakri Toleti could not satisfy Thala Ajith fans with his action thriller script Billa 2, sequel of Billa that failed to grab the audiences even after Ajith doing dare-devil stunts and releasing the movie worldwide simultaneously in Telugu too. And Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey, Pechiyakka Marumagan, Pollangu and Suzhal are the films that collapsed.

[August - 22 releases]: After March with 20 films August was a big season for Tamil releases in 2012 with 22 movies hit the screens and only Attakathi was an average while Jeeva’s Superhero script Mugamoodi made with Rs.20cr and collected Rs.55cr couldn’t go well through viewers along with Madhubana Kadai, Vinay’s Mirattal, Ganesh Venkatraman’s Panithulli, 18 Vayasu and Vijay Antony’s Naan.

When we have superhit and good run of films we do have unnoticed movies too and Aasami, Yugam, Adhisaya Ulagam-3D, Eppadi Manasukkul Vanthai, Palayamkottai, Sri Ramakrishna Darsanam, conjoined twins story Iruvan, Etho Seithai Ennai, Pandi Oliperukki Nilayam, Poovampatty, Aachariyangal, Anil, Avan Appadithan, Perumaan and Valiban Suttrum Ulagam completes August releases.

[September - 9 releases]: 2012 September enjoyed good run of Paagan, Sundarapandian, Charulatha, Saattai and Thaandavam, which have chartbusters but couldn’t stick long in theaters other than Sundarapandian. UTV Motion Pictures produced Thaandavam with Rs.20cr and the AL Vijay’s directorial has grabbed Rs.62cr, but Vikram, Anushka, Amy Jackson, Lakshmi Rai and Santhanam didn’t succeeded in making it a hit at the Chennai box-office. And the films that failed to make their presence felt are Arakkonam, Kalla Parunthu, Mannaru, Nellai Sandhippu.

[October - 13 releases]: Following September, October also has the good run of Sridevi’s come back film ‘English Vinglish’, Suriya’s conjoined twins script Maatran, Vijay Sethupathi’s Pizza, Bharath’s come back Thiruthani and supporting actress turn director Lakshmi Ramakrishnan’s Aarohanam.

Out of the 13 releases in Oct, Maattrraan turned above average due to audiences high expectations, Aarohanam is as inspiring directorial debut by Lakshmi and Bharath’s Thiruthani, Pudhiya Kaaviyam, Sembattai, Soundarya, Amridha Yokam, Koyambedu Perundhu Nilayam, Chakravarthy Thirumagan, Mayilu and Vavval Pasanga are the remaining those stood unnoticed.

[November - 12 releases]: Only two are months left in 2012, which made November see a rush of 12 films. Vijay’s Thuppakki, Ammavin Kaipesi, NKPK, Neerparavai and long waited STR’s Podaa Podi along with Ariyaan, Asaivam, Magan, Yaaruku Theriyum, Ajantha, Kasi Kuppam and Kai are the films released in November 2012.

Podaa Podi being the movie with debutants Varalakshmi Sarathkumar and Vignesh Shivan, Simbu’ s Podaa Podi has received mixed to best reviews from viewers. NKPK, Neerparavai and Ammavin kaipesi stood average to below average at the Chennai BO. Vijay-Kajal Agarwal’s Thuppakki directed by AR Murugadoss is the highest grosser and still running while remaining are flops.

[December - 9 releases]: Finally December has arrived with 9 releases and many noted movies have postponed their releases due to unrevealed reasons. Small movies that are released on the last Friday [Dec 28] of 2012 and couldn’t stand best are Akilan, Paaraseega Mannan, Kandu Pudichitten, Puthumughangal Thevai and Kozhi Koovuthu. While earlier releases Vikram Prabhu’s debut Kumki is a super-hit, comparatively Jeeva-Samantha’s NEP is above average, Sattam oru Iruttarai opened to mixed reviews recording a below average film and not but not least Nasser’s directorial Sun Sun Thatha is opened only to multiplexes.

After discussing about the hit and flops of 2012 releases, some big films bombed at Chennai box-office similarly many debutants have proved their mettle. Here we go with quick hit/flop chart…

Out of 150+ films released in 2012, only a handful of content-rich movies impressed the audience. Here we go with the lists 9 impressive movies that were unanimously welcomed by critics and fans alike…

’Aarohanam’: Directed by debutant Lakshmi Ramakrishnan, ‘Aarohanam’ is about free-spirited women, who under the pretext of gender, are subjected to suppression. In a male dominated industry, actor turn director Lakshmy successfully weaved a heart-warming story about the search for a missing mother by her children without exploiting the condition of any character. Viji Chandrasekhar, who played the lead in the film, swept everybody off their feet with her performance as a mother suffering from bi-polar disorder. One of the highlights of the film is that it addresses a domestic issue with unparalleled sensitivity. The film is all set to be remade in Hindi by Lakshmy herself.

’Pizza’: One of the highly successful low-budget films of this year stars Vijay Sethupathi and Remya Nambeesan in the leads. Director’s cap donned by debutant Karthik Subbaraj, Pizza is a horror-thriller. Very few must've realized that the opening few minutes of the film subtly puts forth what is about to unfold in the next 100 minutes. Set mostly around the lead character, played by Vijay Sethupathi, the film revolves around a pizza delivery boy, whose life undergoes dramatic changes whilst on one of his delivery trips. A deft screenplay by Karthik and haunting score by Santosh Narayanan elevate the experience of the film to insurmountable heights, while Vijay's performance was impeccable. The film's rights have been bought in Telugu, Kannada and Hindi. Bejoy Nambiar of ‘Shaitan’ fame will produce the film in Hindi.

’Neerparavai’: This seabird couldn't have soared high had it not been for the strong backing of director Seenu Ramaswamy. Without diving in deep into the suffering of fishermen, "Neerparavai" sensitively addresses a burning issue. Seenu intelligently marries humor with tragedy to provide a sense of relief overall, while his cast, apt to the context of the film, performed with ease and composure. Raghunandan's music was soothing to the ears and his re-recording in particular demands a mention. Balasubramaniem's cinematography captures the splendor of the fishermen's hamlet and sea adeptly and leaves behind strong impression in the viewers. Nandita Das brief performance breathes life into the seabird.

’Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom’ [NKPK]: An all new cast and a highly entertaining creative script make NKPK one of the best comedies of the year. Never before in Tamil cinema, was male bonhomie celebrated like it was commemorated in this film. When one among four friends happens to forget the last few years of his life along with short-term memory loss after suffering a fatal fall, it is up to his friends to cover the truth and get him married. Despite being close to three hours long, NKPK didn't let the audiences down with its overall comical presentation. Laced with non-stop humour, this film is proof to the expertise of debutant director Balaji Tharaneetharan. A simple story concocted with humor and friendship worked brilliantly in the favour of the film.

’Marina’: Despite the presence of lead actors Siva Karthikeyan and Oviya Helen, director Pandiraj's ‘Marina’ boasts itself as a no-hero, no-heroine film. Set against the backdrop of Marina beach in Chennai, it's the story of those who depend on the beach for a livelihood. Some may complain that this film has too many stories to tell, but the crux of this film lies in the malodorous reality that's aptly captured through lens of the cinematographer Vijay. In essence, this film presents you with the opportunity to look at the once healthy environment that we've polluted over the years.

‘3’: After gaining sudden hype with ‘Why this Kolaveri di’ track Dhanush and Shruthi Haasan starred 3 couldn’t get much appraisals from the viewers. Directed by Superstar Rajinikanth’s elder daughter Aishwarya R Dhanush, 3 is filmed on the bi-polar disease. 3 has opened the doors for Anirudh Ravichandran as music composer and the young music director has saw a rush of projects after his Kolaveri track has taken world by storm. Noticing the international craze of Kolaveri di, 3 was recently screened at [IFFK] International Film Festival of Kerala, 12th New York Indian Film Festival and 43rd International Film Festival of India [IFFI].

‘Attakathi’: Studio Greens presented Attakathi directed Pa Ranjith, a former assistant of Venkat Prabhu. Featuring debutant Dinakaran and Nandita Attakathi deals with the realistic proposals of college going youngsters set in North Chennai milieu. Santhosh Narayanan has excelled with his music and background scores and cinematography by P.K. Varma is another highlight of Attakathi, as the cameraman has set up the movie well in earthy and realistic surroundings.

‘Kazhugu’: Sathyasiva directed Kazhugu is the one of the 2012 released films that was opened with limited screens, but picked up well increasing the screens and audiences gradually, even when getting mixed reviews from the earlier viewers. Kazhugu has won critics applauses for the plot and performances of Krishna, Bindhu Madhavi, Thambi Ramaiah and Karunas. Kazhugu is the love story between a dead bodies collector Sera played by Krishna and Bindhu Madhavi, a girl in the village who falls for Sera [Krishna] who is bad at heart and emotions.

‘Vazhakku Enn 18/9’: Vazhakku Enn 18/9 is one more critically acclaimed movie of 2012 directed by Balaji Sakthivel, which also won the special jury award in 10th CIFF held recently in Chennai. Thirupathi Brothers produced Vazhakku Enn 18/9 has done pretty well with South audiences, being the movie driven from the lives of present youth. Seeing the successful run of Vazhakku Enn 18/9, N. Lingusamy is also planning the Hindi remake of the film that revolves around the MMS scandals among the youngsters.

Besides many big and small films released during 2012, Lakshmi Ramakrishnan’s Aarohanam, Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, Seenu Ramasamy’s Neerparavai, Krishna’s Kazhugu, Attakathi, Dhanush’s 3, Balaji Shakthivel’s Vazhakku Enn 18/9, Vijay Sethupathi’s Pizza, Pandiraj’s Marina are the critically acclaimed films of 2012. From the above list Vazhakku Enn 18/9, Attakathi, Pizza, Aarohanam and Neerparavai were also screened in 10th Chennai International Film Festival [CIFF] and got praised by international technicians even.

First film to celebrate 100 days was Shankar directed Nanban starred by Ilayathalapathy Vijay, Srikanth, Jeeva and Ileana that was released on 12th January. Might be a remake of Bollywood blockbuster film ‘3 Idiots’, but Nanban has created its own place in the hearts of Tamil audiences, being a multi-starrer with Vijay and Jeeva. Following this many small and big films such as Vettai, Marina, Dhoni, Kadhalil Sodhapuvadhu Yeppadi et al. have released in between, but Atharvaa and Amala Paul featured Muppozhuthum Un Karpanaigal [MUK] has recorded the second film to make successful 100 days run in K-town, which was released during February 17th.

After Jan and Feb released Nanban and MUK, the movie that has world famous ‘Why this Kolaveri di..’ track, 3 was the third film to complete 100 days among the other movies theatered during the first half of 2012. Released on 30th March, 3 is the directorial debut of Supersatar Rajinikanth’s elder daughter Aishwarya R Dhanush featuring Dhanush and Shruthi Haasan in the lead roles. Joining the list next comes April 13th released Oru Kal Oru Kannadi. OKOK is the memorable hero debut by producer Udhayanidhi Stalin in the direction of M. Rajesh. Hansika has paired opposite Udhay in OKOK while Santhanam has provided the comic intervals in this successful comedy caper produced by Red Giant Movies banner.

Meanwhile, Kollywood has enjoyed the release of many noted films like Andrew Louis’s romantic film Leelai, N. Lingusamy’s Vazhakku Enn 18/9, Sundar C’s Kalakalappu and many, which failed to complete their successful run of 100 days at box-office and Siva karthikeyan-Aathmiya’s Manam Kothi Paravai, has stood as the winner completing 100 days on the big screens. Being the mid-season for Tamil releases, only 16 films have hit the mega screens throughout June and July 2012 intervening with 3 biggies Karthi-Praneetha’s Saguni, Nani-Samantha-Sudeep’s Naan Ee and Ajith’s Billa 2 explicitly, which acquired super success with their audios and got good remunerations but couldn’t make a long run.

After the much acclaimed biggies, 2012 August has seen a rush of 22 movies. Of which none could make their presence felt other than Attakathi, Naan and Mugamoodi, but couldn’t stay longer in the race with up-comings like Srikanth-Janani Iyer’s Paagan, Priyamani’s Charulatha, Vikram’s Thaandavam with Anushka, Amy Jackson and AL Vijay and Samuthirakani’s Saattai et al, which bombed at the Chennai box-office and only Sasikumar’s Sundarapandian directed by newbie Prabhakaran stood as a winner completing 100 days run recently on 21st December.

Coming to Kollywood releases in the later half, Sridevi’s come back English Vinglish, KV Anand’s Maatran with Suriya and Kajal Agarwal, Vijay Sethupathi and Remya Nambeesan starred Pizza directed by newbie Karthik Subbaraj, Lakshmi Ramakrishnan’s Aarohanam, Thangar Bachchan’s Ammavin kaipesi, Vijay-AR Murugadoss’s Thuppakki, Simbu’s Podaa Podi the debut of Varalakshmi Sarathkumar, Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, National Award winning director Seenu Ramaswamy’s Neerparavai with Vishnu and Sunaina, Gautham Menon’s Neethane En Ponvasantham [NEP], Vikram Prabhu’s debut film Kumki with Lakshmi Menon along with many small cinemas have seen the day light. But Pizza, Thuppakki, Podaa Podi, Neerparavai, Kumki, Neethane En Ponvasantham have topped the lists, while viewers have to keep checking the space to know which movies have made their good run of 100 days.

Among the 2012 Tamil films Oru Kal Oru Kannadi, Thuppakki, Sundarapandian and Kumki are said to be the blockbuster hits with total return of investments [ROI] with slight profits. While Rajamouli’s Kollywood debut Naan Ee, Pizza and Kalakalappu are witnessed as Superhits, Siddharth’s Kadhalil Sodhapuvadu Yeppadi [KSY], Siva karthikeyan’s Marina and Manam Kothi Paravai are hits and the remaining films like Attakathi, Vazhakku Enn 18/9, Naan, Kazhugu, Saatai, Nanban and Neerparavai are said to be average and above average hits at the Chennai box-office based on their ROI.

Viji Chandrasekhar, who played Rajini's younger sister in Tamil comedy ‘Thillu Mullu’, a Tamil remake of Hindi blockbuster ‘Gol Maal’, feels it's his ability to treat everybody equally, which makes Rajinikanth the icon he is. "He treats everybody on sets with utmost respect and equal importance. Be it a light boy or a co-star, he doesn't discriminate for any reason," says Viji.

She also said a superstar is not someone who is always successful, but is someone who takes success and failure in the same stride and yet remains simple. "I've learnt to be simple while working with him on the sets of Thillu Mullu. Though he plays a hero in the film, he is simple in real life. Most importantly, he knows how to take success and failure in the same stride," she added.

On the other hand, Tamil filmmaker Lakshmi Ramakrishnan feels Rajinikanth is a superstar because he doesn't believe he is one. "He never believes or wanted to be called a Superstar, but he is one because people made him. Superstars are not born, they are made. But if someone desperately tries to be a superstar, they're sure to fail," said Aarohanam director Lakshmi Ramakrishnan.

Rajinikanth began his acting journey in 1975 with Tamil film ‘Apoorva Raagangal’ and has since then appeared in over 175 titles. He made his mark as a character actor in the movie ‘Aarulirunthu Arupathu Varai’. He has also featured in Bollywood films such as ‘Bhagwan Dada’, ‘Chaalbaaz’ and ‘Hum’.

Having worked with Rajinikanth in four Tamil films namely ‘Baasha’, ‘Veera’, ‘Annamalai’ and ‘Baba’ - southern director Suresh Krissna feels the actor is a superstar both on and off the screen. "So many actors, who've been very successful, have come and gone, but Rajinikanth is and will remain a superstar forever. He's the true bearer of the star tag because people love him on reel and in real life," said Suresh, adding that ‘Baasha’ is a milestone in his career.

"Every event or gathering I attended post 'Baasha', at least one question was asked about my experience with Rajini on the sets of the film. People started recognizing me particularly for this film and the popularity I received was unexplainable," added Suresh.

To celebrate the success of his collaboration with Rajinikanth, Krissna is set to launch his book titled ‘My Days with Baasha’ Wednesday, on the auspicious occasion of Rajini’s Birthday. It will be available in all the leading book stores from 12/12/12.

"This book will encapsulate my working experience with Rajini sir on the sets of three highly successful films. It will also feature working stills along with real anecdotes which will make for an inspiring read," he said.

There are three other special things lined up for Rajinikanth's birthday - the 3D version of his blockbuster film with Shriya, ‘Sivaji 3D’ will be released on the same day, Karthi’s upcoming Tamil film titled ‘Alex Pandian’, which is named after the character Rajini essayed in his film ‘Moondru Mugam’, will release its audio on 12-12-12 and actor-director Lawrence is all set to unveil a special album on Rajinikanth’s Birthday and will be dedicating it to the Superstar.

2012 has been one more happiest year for Superstar Rajinikanth, as both his daughters Aishwarya R Dhanush and Soundarya R Ashwin has debuted into Kollywood Film Industry as directors. While Aishwarya has done 3 featuring her husband Dhanush, Soundarya has taken a step forward and directed her father Rajinikanth for a 3D film Kochadaiyaan using Motion Capture Technology, which is expected to release in the first half of 2013.

Rajinikanth is been an inspiration and role model to all the stars and many individuals, which comes from ones approach to every single and made him Superstar.

There couldn’t be more for a debutant director like Karthik Subbaraj to get appreciation from none other than Superstar Rajinikanth, who has reportedly saw Pizza and shared his pleasure with Karthik Subbaraj. Being the directorial debut of Karthik Subbaraj, Pizza has won accolades from many non-Tamil viewers even, which made Bollywood ace director Bejoy Nambiar buy the Hindi remake rights of the movie and intended to produce Hindi version of Pizza under his Getaway Films banner.

Vijay Sethupathi is excelled with his performance, as a Pizza delivery boy in Pizza. Adding the needed romance by Remya Nambeesan, Pizza has an unexpected twist in the climax that has taken the movie a step higher. Interestingly Pizza is the first Tamil movie with 7.1 surrounds sound, which is also being used by Yuvan Shankar Raja for his upcoming film Ameer’s Aadhi Bhagavan with Jayam Ravi and Neetu Chandra.

Pizza is celebrating its 50 days run on December 7th in theaters along with the 25th day of Vijay’s Thuppakki and also being dubbed into Telugu by Suresh Kondeti with same title. Besides being appreciated by as many, Pizza is selected as one of the 12 movies being screened in 10th Chennai International Film Festival taking place from December 13-20 in 2012. Pizza will also be telecasted for the first South Asian Film Festival [SAFF], being held in France along with N. Lingusamy’s Vazhakku Enn 18/9.

Story, screenplay and direction by newbie Karthik Subbaraj, Pizza has music by Santosh Narayanan, cinematography by Gopi Amarnath and editing was handled by Leo John Paul. Gaining profits for the makers Pizza’s Hindi remake rights are sold out to Vikram’s David director Bejoy Nambiar for Rs.1.35cr, which is originally made with a low budget of Rs.1.5cr by Thirukumaran Entertainments banner.

Kollywood has a good run of small films in 2012 compared to that of big budgeting films such as Suriya’s Maatran, Vikram’s Thaandavam et al, which failed to show their impact at the Chennai box-office. Pizza has emerged from one such league and getting praised proving small films with good subject will also be honored.

Dhanush and Anirudh Ravichander’s Sachin Anthem by the Boost manufacturers’, is to pay tribute to master blaster Sachin Tendulkar for his 23 years of stamina in the Cricket field. Boost Company has approached Dhanush and Anirudh Ravichander with the idea for their brand ambassador Sachin, after the formers are internationally famous with their ‘Why this Kolaveri di..’ song. Famous actress from south Anushka Shetty has sizzled along with Dhanush and Anirudh for this Sachin Anthem.

Ilayathalapathy Vijay is next to join the bandwagon with his Thalapathy Anthem created by his fans. Thalapathy Anthem dedicated to Vijay has two songs in the album and was launched by himself in Chennai. Vatsan CR of Engaeyum Eppothum fame has written and crooned the Thalapathy Anthem that describes about the Good Samaritan in Vijay and was filmed in Binny Mills.

Adding to this, Simbu has given his vocals for the Chennai Anthem launched by director Venkat Prabhu. Ganesh Ragavendra has composed the music beats for this Chennai Anthem with the lyrics ‘Vantharai Vazhavaikkum Ooru’ for the film Mathil Mel Poonai movie. Directed by Bharani Jayapal, Mathil Mel Poonai casts Vijay Vasanth and Vibha in the lead roles.

Next comes Anthem for Kids from the movie Thanga Meengal produced by Gautham Menon, after he liked the script written by Ram, which also stars the latter in the lead role along with Padmapriya, Rohini, Sadhana and Sally. Yuvan Shankar Raja has composed this anthem for children, which will make parents and society to take notice upon the current education system, teachers and examinations, as the script deals.

Following this multi-faceted Silambarasan aka STR has himself penned and crooned his much awaited Love Anthem for World Peace, which includes the words from 64 languages. Love Anthem is recorded in Los Angels in the Studio Zappa with the drums of Sivamani, Keyboard by Élan Morrison, while STR and Akon have rendered the song. The teaser of the Love Anthem is unveiled long back and the listeners are still waiting for the complete version.

Continuing the league joins TASMAC Anthem from Madhubana Kadai. Ved Shankar has composed this TASMAC Anthem, which promises to be a glance into the life of hardcore drinkers set in the backdrop of TASMAC. Kamal Kannan has directed Madhubana Kadai in the production of Montage Media Productions banner.

Joining to the list is Mysskin and Jeeva with ‘Bar Anthem’ from their latest release Mugamoodi. Director Mysskin has penned the lyrics for this Bar Anthem, who has even sung the track with lyrics that starts as ‘Naatula namma veetule’ in the composition of K. UTV Motion Pictures has produced Mugamoodi, the first superhero script in the Indian movies with Pooja Hedge, Narain and Nassaer being part of vital cast.

Last but not least to unite with this Anthem league is MNM Anthem, which was just made to promote the movie, Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathiley. Narayan Nagendra Rao has written and directed Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathiley featuring Aari, Shubha Phutela and Subbu Panchu. Produced by Mayuri Sekar, Achu has composed the music while Gopi Amarnath has cranked the camera for Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathiley under Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Creations banner.

Kollywood is sky-scraping setting new trend during 2012 and the young stars, upcoming directors, music composers and the fans are high on energies with their talents coming up with innovative thoughts. Stay with us, will be back with latest renew….

Maestro Isaignani Ilayaraja has started this music launch season, cutting the ribbon on 1st of this Sep with his Neethane En Ponvasantham. This also marks Ilayaraja’s comeback and the first time association with ace director Gautham Menon. The combo has worked out big time, as NEP audio album is receiving great reviews and huge applauds from the music lovers. NEP music album distributed by Sony Music seems to be the perfect example for a marvelous comeback by the top music composer such as Ilayaraja.

On the same day on 1st Sep, Saregama South has released the audio of James Vasanth composed Paagan that stars Srikanth and Janani Iyer in the lead roles. Debutant Aslam directed Paagan is a complete family entertainer in the production of Vendhar Movies banner. Paagan is an out and out laugh riot featuring Kovai Sarala, Soori et al in the lead roles that is all set to hit the mega screens on Sep 7th.

Vijay and Kajal agarwal starrer Thuppakki, Karthi and Anushka’s Alex Pandian, Gautham Menon producing Thanga Meengal, Yuvan Shankar Raja composed Aadhi Bhagavan, STR’s long waited Podaa Podi with Varalakshmi Sarathkumar and Bala directing Paradesi are the other films that are gearing up for grand audio releases in this Sep audio launch season.

Vijay and his upcoming movie Thuppakki are in news for many speculations these days, which are even succeeded in postponing the trailer release of the movie. But Gemini Films Circuit has finally confirmed the release date of AR murugadoss directed Thuppakki on Nov 13th and the audio composed by Harris Jayaraj will be released in the later half of September.

Ace producer KE Gnanavelraja is also gearing up to unveil the audio of his upcoming Karthi starrer Alex Pandian in Sep. While the music launch date is not yet confirmed, Devi Sri Prasad is done with the re-recording works for the Alex Pandian music album that will be aired by Gemini Audio. Director Suraaj is busy giving final touches for Alex Pandian that is hitting the screens in Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam versions on Oct 12th. In addition to these, National award winning director Bala, who has completed the shooting of his upcoming movie Paradesi in a record time of 90 days, is planning to release the audio album of the movie on 19th Sep in London. Atharva, Vedhika and Dhansika have played the lead roles in Paradesi that has music scored by young talent GV Prakash Kumar, who has recently completed his silver Jubilee in the cinema industry with Vikram starrer Thaandavam.

Following these, Yuvan Shankar Raja, the young composer and son of Ilayaraja is all set to unveil the music album of Ameer directed Aadhi Bhagavan in a sizzling event in Canada on Sep 29th. Jayam Ravi and Neethu Chandra have played the lead roles in Aadhi Bhagavan produced by J Anbazhagan under his Anbu Productions banner.

Meanwhile STR is making his path to be a part of this Sep audio launch season, by planning to release single track from his debutant Vignesh Sivaa directed Podaa Podi. Sony Music is planning to disclose 'Love Panlama Venama' track from Dharan composed Podaa Podi album on Sep 6th.

Sony Music, Gemini Audio, Saregama South have done a great job in bringing out these music albums to all the listeners and music lovers, who are and will be enjoying them to the fullest…

Suriya starring Maatran, Vijay’s Thuppakki and Vikram starrer Thaadavam all the three are action thrillers that are slated to be released same day. Out of these 3 films Kajal Agarwal is playing the female lead in two, pairing up with Suriya and Vijay, while Anushka is donning the lady lead in Thaandavam. Surprisingly Suriya and Vijay’s film has one more in common. Apart from the female lead both Maatraan and Thuppakki will be having the music tunes and background being composed by Harris Jayraj.

Young talent G.V. Prakash Kumar is scoring the music for Thaandavam. Coming to the cinematography of these 3 movies S. Sounder Rajan is cranking the camera for Maatraan, Santhosh Sivaa ASC is the DOP for Thuppakki and Nirav Shah is handling camera for Vikram in Thaandavam. While national award winner A. Sreekar Prasad is handling the editing works for Tuppakki, Anthony will make it for Maatraan and Thaandavam.

Eros International will be presenting K.V. Anand directing Maatran that was produced by Kalpathi S. Aghoram on AGS Entertainment, Gemini Film Circuit will theater Kalaipuli S. Dhanu producing Thuppakki being directed by AR Murugadoss under V. Creations banner and UTV Motion Pictures, who has produced Thaandavam directed by A.L.Vijay will also distribute the film.

Kollywood is buzzing that these films will also be released in Tollywood by dubbing into the Telugu version, witnessing the craze these actors have in Andhra Pradesh. Tollywood ace producer Bellamkonda Suresh has bagged the Telugu distribution rights of Suriya’s Maatran at a whooping cost of Rs.17crores and titled it as Duplicate in Telugu.