Kollywood gaining ground on Bollywood
THIS was the year of Kollywood, which produced movies and stars to match Bollywood. These are some of the biggest highlights. LOVE AND BREAKUPS Love was in the air, with some of the biggest stars in the Tamil film industry getting hitched. Yuvan Shankar Raja and Zafrun Nizar married at a beach resort in Keezhakarai in Ramanathapuram. Raja, who recently embraced Islam, married for the third time. His father did not attend the event, which raised many eyebrows.
Arulnithi married his long-time girlfriend Keerthana in June. The wedding was a spectacular affair with many high-profile guests.
Other marriages included the union between Shanthanu Bhagyaraj and his childhood sweetheart Keerthi in Chennai in August, and Ganesh Venkatram and Nisha Krishnan.
Some stars broke up this year. Actress Trisha called off her engagement to businessman Varun Manian after they got together in January.
Kollywood A-listers Hansika and Simbu were the talk of the town when they started dating, but their relationship was short-lived. Hansika said after the controversy that she did not want to stir any animosity. “I still wish him the best. I’ve no regrets,“she said. STARS WE FELL IN LOVE WITH The year saw good and bad movies, but it was the stars who shone.
Ajith’s roles in Vedalam and Yennai Arindhaal were noteworthy, and he was highly acclaimed.
Vijay impressed audiences in fantasy adventure Puli with his strong, multiple characters, and it did not matter whether it was a top grosser at the box office or not.
Kollywood royalty Suriya gave a top-notch performance in Massu, where he played dual roles.
Kamal Haasan had success with Uttama Villain, Papanasam and Thoongaa Vanam, giving fans three doses of his talent in one year.
Vickram, who appeared as multiple avatars, including a bodybuilder, model, hunchback and beast, received much praise for his dedication in his roles.
Taapsee Pannu, of Kanchana 2 fame, was all the rage when she received blockbuster status for Vai Raja Vai.
Anandhi’s adult comedy with GV Prakash Kumar was a super hit even though her antics were deemed controversial.
Aishwarya Rajesh shone as a slum mother in Kaaka Muttai. She has been hailed as one to watch. – IB Times, Times of India, India Glitz