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        The Tamil film industry is in an upbeat mood with the first six months of the year turning out to be good for them. Over a dozen films have made good profits. The number is better than what it was for the whole of previous year.

        According to the Tamil Film Producers Council president Rama Narayanan, 'the number of films released this year between January and June was 50 as against 42 last year. Among them nearly twelve movies have raked in good money'.

        Rajnikanth's Sivaji (directed by Shankar) leads from the front. It has witnessed a bumper opening in all the centres. The film has set a new trend after being released in maximum number of theatres.

        Vijay starrer Pokkiri was another big hit followed by the likes of Mozhi, Paruthiveeran, Naan Avan Illai, Unnale Unnale and Chennai 6000028 .

        'Effective marketing and attractive packaging are attributed as reasons to the recent success of Tamil movies', say a section of the industrymen.

        Mozhi, produced by Prakashraj and directed by Radhamohan, won rave reviews for its intrinsic artistry. Coupled with the aggressive marketing by Pyramid Saimira (the distributors), the movie succeeded.

        Mozhi has proved all the conventional wisdom of commercial cinema to be just a myth.

        Paruthiveeran which featured actor Surya's sibling Karthi as hero has done well especially in rural centres. Director Ameer seems to have given tremendous amount of thought to each scene in the movie. The stand out aspect of the movie is the casting. Ameer has proved that one needs no big names to pull it off at the box-office. Unnale Unnale, a feel-good film shot extensively in abroad by late cinematographer - director Jeeva, has appealed to the urban youth.

        Chennai 600028, a film on gully cricket with no big stars, is doing well in urban centers. The film has proved to be the flag bearer for the emerging face of Tamil cinema. It should be applauded for bringing to life an exciting new pool of youngsters who are definitely faces to watch out for in future.

        Trade analysts feel the boom will continue. The growing demand for Tamil movies abroad coupled with the entertainment tax exemption announced for films with Tamil titles and a reduction in admission rates in theatres may work in their favour.

        With several multiplexes coming up in the State, the coming days look promising even for small and medium budget films. 'The future is bright', says Rama Narayanan.

        Some of the big movies expected for release this year include Vikram starrer Bheema, Ajit's Kireedom, Malaikottai featuring Vishal, Kamal Haasan's Dasavatharam, Surya starrer Vel, Silambarasan's Kettavan and Dhanush's Yaradi Nee Mohini.

        In other words, the cash registers will ring continuously.