Films like "Vanchinathan', 'Deena', 'Friends' and 'Looty', were completed right on schedule to keep up the original promise of a Pongal release. The final lineup looks something like, 'Thaali Kaatha Kaliamman', 'Kunguma Pottu Gownder', 'Naageswari', 'Engalukkum Kaalam Varum', in addition to those already mentioned. Added to this, movies like 'Pappa', which have been dubbed from Telugu, also join the bandwagon.

Let's take a sneak peek at what's in store for us.

Vanchinathan

This is the first movie Vijay Kanth has acted in, since he took the decision to act in one movie at a time, a la Rajnikanth and Kamal Hassan. Vijay Kanth's movies are well known for their mega proportions. But this movie is supposed to top the list in terms of the money spent on production.

The movie has been directed by the popular Malayalam film director Shaaji Kailash and Karthik Raja is in charge of the music. Ramya Krishnan and Saakshi are paired opposite Vijay Kanth. The film has been produced by Roja Combines' M Kaja Moideen.

Friends

Vijay and Suyra team up together to star in this light hearted movie. Devayani and Vijaylakshmi are the two opposite numbers. The cast also includes Vadivelu, Ramesh Khanna and Ceylon Manohar. 

Piriyadha Varam Vendum

The controversial movie at last sees the light of the day. This is a remake of a Malayalam original, starring the Tamil version's heroine, Shalini. Either the producers didn't make use of her dates properly or the actress couldn't accommodate them - but the fact remains that the movie almost came a cropper as the actress got married before the movie was completed and as it was her decision not to act after her marriage, the director had to depend on the bits from the Malayalam version to complete the movie. The movie is hoped to be a turning point for the hero, Prashanth. The movie tells the story of two childhood friends slowly coming to realise that they have fallen in love with each other.

Deena

After a string of commercial successes, Ajit's fans are hoping that this movie will be a success too. Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi also stars in this. The female lead is played by Laila while the music is scored  by Yuvan Shankar Raja.

Looty

Rushes show pictures of an obviously delighted Satyaraj, flanked by sexily-clad Roja and Mumtaz. It is said that Satyaraj is doing not one, but three roles. The movie also stars comedy stars Vivek and Vadivelu. Due to the graphics wizardry, one also spots yester year's acting legend, MGR. Music has been composed by Deva.

Engalukkum Kalam Varum

After "Sollamale", Livingston and Kausalya have teamed up in this family drama.  The cast includes 'Kovai' Sarala, Vinitha, Manivannan, Vadivelu and Saran. Apparently, the producer 'Anbalaya' Prabakaran was so thrilled at the way the film has come out, he presented the director Balaroopan with a gold chain.

Kunguma Pottu Gownder

If you think that this is an action film, after reading the title, you can't be more wrong! The movie's an out and out comedy, say inside sources. Satyaraj and Ramba have teamed up together for the first time in this movie. The film also stars Kausalya, Gowndamani, Saran, and Radhika Chowdry. G.N.Vishnuram has produced this for Shankar Gowri pictures while Sai Suresh has donned the director's hat. Music: Sirpi.

Nageswari

Rama Narayan's Nageswari stars Karan and Ramya Krishnan in the lead role, with Vadivelu, Ramesh Khanna and Vivek in the supporting cast. Music's by S.A.Rajkumar.

Thali Kaatha Kaaliamman

A love story, depicted against a devotional backdrop. Prabhu, Kausalya, Sanghavi and Banupriya are the main actors.

Rishi

Sharath Kumar's sole release has him in a double role. Industry sources say the roles are much like MGR's double role in 'Neerum Neruppum', with a docile Sharath and another, totally opposite. Meena and Sanghavi are the female leads.  Music is by Yuvan Shankar Raja.

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