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Watchlist: With content-driven films lined up for release, August likely to be a vibrant month for Tamil cinema

The upcoming releases are expected to end the dry spell the Tamil Nadu theatres have been experiencing for some time.

South First Desk

Published Jul 31, 2024 | 6:30 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 01, 2024 | 12:18 PM

Tamil movies releasing in August 2024

Tamil movies releasing in August 2024. (X)

The first half of 2024 saw a handful of Tamil films making a mark at the box office, while many others went unnoticed. August 2024, with its array of promising movies, brings hope for a business revival in Tamil cinema. Alongside high expectations for Vikram’s Thangalaan, a bunch of small-budget Tamil movies are also set to hit the screens next month, fueling optimism among moviegoers. We hope this will end the dry spell the Tamil Nadu theatres have been experiencing for some time.

Here’s the lineup of Tamil movies releasing this August 2024:

Boat

Set in 1943 during World War II, Yogi Babu’s Boat with director Chimbu Deven releases on 2 August.

In a nearly two-minute teaser, the British officials discuss capturing a killer in war-torn Madras Presidency.

During this time, 10 strangers, led by Yogi Babu as the boatman, seek shelter in the Bay of Bengal.

Amid a crisis at sea, he must make tough decisions to protect the passengers, unaware that a silent killer among them threatens everyone’s lives.

Boat also features Gouri G Kishan, MS Bhaskar, Chinni Jayanth, Chaams, Madhumitha, Sha Ra, and Kollapuli Leela.

It is produced by Maali and Maanvi Movie Makers and Chimbudeven Entertainment, and distributed by Shakthi Film Factory.

The film features cinematography by Madhesh Manickam, music by Ghibran, editing by Mani Maran, and production design by T Santhanam.

Also Read: Chimbu Deven’s Boat—A film shot entirely at sea

Mazhai Pidikkatha Manithan

The trailer for Mazhai Pidikkatha Manithan begins with Sarath Kumar‘s character advising Vijay Antony‘s character to keep a low profile and avoid people for unknown reasons. While in seclusion, the protagonist rescues an injured dog, an act that disrupts his anonymity and brings trouble.

Directed and shot by SD Vijay Milton, the Tamil film will be released in Telugu as Toofan. The technical crew includes music composers Vijay Antony, Achu Rajamani, and Sourav Roy, and editor KL Praveen.

Daali Dhananjaya, Sathyaraj, Thalaivasal Vijay, Murali Sharma, Saranya Ponvannan, and Pruthvi Ambaar are the other cast.

Bankrolled by Kamal Bohra, Lalitha Dhananjayan, Pradeep B, Pankaj Bohra, and S Vikram Kumar of Infiniti Film Ventures, the action thriller will be released on 2 August 2024.

Vasco Da Gama

Nakkhul’s Vasco Da Gama, long in the making, will be released on 2 August. Its two-minute trailer opens with a group resembling prison convicts taking an oath to “keep drinking to support the government, divide the nation by caste, religion, and disrupt public peace”.

Set in a world ruled by drug peddlers, thieves, killers, and human traffickers, Vasco Da Gama offers satirical commentary on the government and examines a society driven by greed and deception.

Directed by RG Krishnan in his second project, the Tamil film stars Vamsi Krishna, KS Ravikumar, Arthana Binu, Mansoor Ali Khan, Anandraj, Munishkanth, and Redin Kingsley.

It has music by Arun NV, cinematography by NS Sathish Kumar, and editing by Tamil Kumaran.

Also Read: Nayanthara restores her ‘hibiscus tea’ post

Jama

Directed by and starring Pari Elavazhagan, Jama will be released in theatres on 2 August.

In an interview, director Pari Elavazhagan, who plays a Therukoothu artiste and takes on female roles in the film, explained, “A team of Therukoothu performers is called a Jama. The story centres on two artists who form a Jama together and follows the protagonist’s struggle to reclaim his father’s lost leadership position.”

Filmed entirely in and around Thiruvannamalai, Jama also features Chetan, Ammu Abhirami, and Srikrishna Dayal.

It is bankrolled by Learn and Teach Production, known for the award-winning Koozhangal (2021). The movie boasts cinematography by Gopal Krishna, editing by Partha MA, and art direction by Srikanth Gopal.

Pechi

Starring Gayathrie Shankar and Bala Saravanan, Pechi is based on a short film by the legendary Balu Mahendra. Set for release on 2 August 2024, the Tamil movie delves into age-old practices like black magic and witchcraft.

Shot over 30 days in dense forests, the trailer for Pechi begins with a man running towards a haunted, dilapidated house. It then shows a group of campers led by Gayathrie, ignoring a “Do not proceed further” sign and encountering a series of horror and witchcraft scenes.

This folklore horror film boasts music by Rajesh Murugesan, cinematography by Parthiban, editing by Ignatious Aswin, and production design by Kumar Gangappan.

Also Read: Nadigar Sangam condemns TFPC’s decision to ban Dhanush

Nanban Oruvan Vandha Piragu

Releasing on 2 August, Nanban Oruvan Vandha Piragu marks the directorial debut of Ananth, known for Meesaya Murukku (2017). It also stars him in the lead role.

The trailer highlights Ananth as a protagonist who chooses Visual Communication over Engineering to pursue a film career and plans to start an event management company with friends.

Nanban Oruvan Vandha Piragu follows his journey, showcasing the happiness, struggles, and challenges he faces.

A drama centred on friendship, the film also stars Bhavani Sre, Mirchi Vijay, and Monica, along with Elango Kumaravel, Vijay TV-fame Bala, and RJ Aanandhi.

Bankrolled by Masala Popcorn Productions and White Feather Studios, the movie features cinematography by Tamil Selvan, editing by Fenny Oliver, and music by AH Kaashif.

Minmini

Directed by Halitha Shameem, Minmini stars Esther Anil, Pravin Kishore, and Gaurav Kaalai.  Halitha is known for Poovarasam Peepee (2014), Sillu Karuppatti (2019), Aelay (2021), and the 2022 anthology Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa.

The film, produced by noted cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa and C Murali Krishna, began in 2015. The makers paused for the child actors to mature, resuming production in 2022. It will be released on 9 August 2024.

According to the synopsis, Minmini is a drama that delves into the complex emotions of survivor’s guilt with honesty and depth. How real is survivor’s guilt? How far would you go to fulfil your loved ones’ dreams? What is the thin line between love and hate? Why are teens often more emotional than adults? Minmini explores these poignant questions.

The Tamil film features music composed by Khatija Rahman, daughter of AR Rahman, in her debut as a composer.

Related: Won’t engage with trolls, says Minmini composer Khatija Rahman

Andhagan

The makers of Andhagan announced that it will now release a week earlier than scheduled. Originally set for 15 August 2024, the Tamil movie will hit the theatres on 9 August, alongside Minmini.

Andhagan is the official Tamil remake of Sriram Raghavan’s 2018 film Andhadhun, which starred Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, and Radhika Apte. Andhadhun was remade as Maestro (2021) in Telugu and as Bhramam (2021) in Malayalam.

The long-awaited murder mystery is directed by veteran actor-director Thiagarajan, Prashanth’s father. It is produced by Staar Movies.

Andhagan features an ensemble cast including Urvashi, Karthik, Samuthirakani, Yogi Babu, KS Ravikumar, Vanitha Vijaykumar, Leela Samson, Mohan Vaidya, and the late Manobala. The technical team includes music by Santhosh Narayanan, cinematography by Ravi Yadav, and editing by Sathish Suriya.

Thangalaan

Directed by Pa Ranjith, Thangalaan is a historical action drama to be released on 15 August 2024. The trailer ends with the powerful statement, “Only those brave enough to face death truly live here,” delighting fans after the disappointment of Cobra (2022) at the box office.

Set against the backdrop of Karnataka’s Kolar Gold Fields, the story follows an indigenous tribe visiting the fields under a British officer’s instructions.

Malavika Mohanan plays a sorceress in a parallel storyline, with Parvathy Thiruvothu, Pasupathy, Daniel Caltagirone, and Harikrishnan Anbudurai in key roles.

Thangalaan is jointly produced by Studio Green and Neelam Productions, with GV Prakash Kumar as the music director, collaborating with Pa Ranjith for the first time.

Related: Makers of Vikram’s Thangalaan confirm 15 August release

Demonte Colony 2

The Tamil movie is set for release on 15 August. Directed and written by Ajay Gnanamuthu, who also helmed the 2015 original, Demonte Colony 2 has a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes.

The cast includes Arulnithi Tamilarasu, Arun Pandian, Antti Jaaskelainen, Tsering Dorjee, Muthukumar, Meenakshi Govindarajan, Sarjano Khalid, and Archana Ravichandran.

Produced by Bobby Balachandran, White Nights Entertainment, and Gnanamuthu Pattarai, the horror thriller features music by Sam CS and cinematography by Harish Kannan.

Raghu Thatha

Written and directed by Suman Kumar, one of the writers of The Family Man (2019), Raghu Thatha is a humorous and satirical film about Kayalvizhi’s (Keerthy Suresh) journey to protect her land and people.

The cast also includes MS Bhaskar, Devadarshini, Ravindra Vijay, Anandsami, Jayakumar, and Rajeev Ravindranathan. The Tamil film features music by Sean Roldan, cinematography by Yamini Yagnamurthy and editing by TS Suresh.

Raghu Thatha, scheduled for release on 15 August 2024, is produced by Vijay Kiragandur of Hombale Films.

Notably, the Keerthy Suresh starrer is the maiden production of Hombale Films in Tamil.

Related: Keerthy Suresh’s Raghu Thatha to clash with Pushpa: The Rule?

Vaazhai

Directed by Mari Selvaraj, Vaazhai will be released on 23 August. The film casts Kalaiyarasan, Nikhila Vimal, and Priyanka Nair.

With Vaazhai, Mari Selvaraj is making his debut as a producer. Centred on children, the project began filming a couple of years ago.

The technical team includes Theni Eswar as cinematographer, Suriya Pradhaman as editor, and Santhosh Narayanan, who previously collaborated with Mari Selvaraj on Pariyerum Perumal (2018) and Karnan (2021) as the music composer.

Mari Selvaraj’s most recent film is Maamannan (2023), featuring Udhayanidhi Stalin, Vadivelu, Fahadh Faasil and Keerthy Suresh.

He is also collaborating with Dhruv Vikram and Anupama Parameswaran on the sports drama Bison Kaalamaadan. The film is based on the real-life story of Arjuna Award-winning Kabaddi player Manathi Ganesan.

Kottukkaali

Directed by PS Vinothraj, Kottukkaali stars Soori and Malayalam actress Anna Ben, who was recently seen in Kalki 2898 AD.

Vinothraj is known for his acclaimed film Koozhangal (2021), which was India’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards.

Kottukkaali, a drama exploring themes of misogyny, superstition, and complex human emotions, marks Anna Ben’s Tamil debut.

The Tamil movie, set for release on 23 August 2024, is bankrolled by Sivakarthikeyan in association with The Little Wave Productions.

(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)

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Related: PS Vinothraj’s ‘Kottukkaali’ gets a release date in August

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