Move over horror movies and rom–coms, it is time for crime thrillers in Kollywood. Much recently, over a dozen flicks – mostly on whodunit themes (loosely based on a few real-life incidents) – have made it to the theatres. Young filmmakers in Tamil cinema seem to have a penchant for this genre and delivered engrossing fare.Watchman, featuring G V Prakash; K13, helmed by Bharath Neelakantan; Jayam Ravi-starrer Adanga Maru; Arjun Vijay’s Thadam; Vellai Pookal with Vivek in the lead; Vishal’s Irumbu Thirai; Karthi-starrer Theeran Adhigaram Ondru; Sivakarthikeyan’s Kaaki Sattai; Uruyadi 2; Boomerang; and Vishnu Vishal’s Ratchasan are among the few that won rave reviews.
Says Kannan, an industry tracker, “Horror stories and mass hero films have become cliched these days. They are too predictable. Audience want a change.”
“Remember, such movies have always dominated Tamil cinema. Sivaji Ganesan’s Andha Naal or Ravichandran’s Adhey Kangalwere popular those days. In the 1980s, films like Sigappu Rojakkal, Nooravudhu Naal or Oru Kaidhiyin Diary made headlines. The trend is slowly coming back.”
“Films like Irumbu Thirai that spoke about digital crimes, or Theeran Adhigaram Ondru that threw light on masked robbers from north India, had a connect with the audience,” he says, and adds, “Issues that are discussed on social media inspire filmmakers to come out with movies.”
David, an ardent movie buff, says, “Today, bringing the audience to theatres is a difficult task. He has various avenues of entertainment. It is a big challenge for directors. Even big heroes’ films have flopped. Content is the key. Knowing that fully well, young directors dare to do innovative themes and crime thrillers that attract people to theatres.”
“Movies should be crisp and engaging these days. It should be little less that two hours. Handling thrillers is considered the wise thing,” he explains.
“Also, the influence of Western cinema and OTP platforms embolden young directors to try this genre repeatedly,” he adds.