One hundred films in just five months is a number the Tamil industry could be proud of, but what dampens the filmmakers’ spirit is that only five out of them were hits.
The big question plaguing the industry is: Why isn’t it able to generate content-rich films, let alone blockbusters?

One of the common reasons is the dependency on stars, feels Tamil filmmaker Seenu Ramaswamy. “I agree these superstars give a Rs.100 crore business, but when their films fail at the box-office, a lot of money is going down the drain. Instead of investing so much in them, if producers choose to fund quality films made by newcomers, then the probability of success will be higher,” Seenu told us.

While all big-budget films such as Alex Pandian, Kadal and Aadhi Bhagavan failed to keep the cash registers ringing, the five that kept the business going at the box office included Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya (KLTA), Soodhu Kavvum and Ethir Neechal by debutant directors.

The other two hits were Vishwaroopam and Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga (KBKR). KLTA, reportedly made for Rs.3 crore, collected Rs.12 crore at the Tamil Box Office, while Soodhu Kavvum and Ethir Neechal, both made under Rs.5 crore, collected Rs.8 crore and Rs.12 crore respectively.

“If a film made on Rs.5 crore can yield the same profit as a Rs.100 crore film, then I don’t see the need to always dream of making a big budget film. Big actors should also be open to working with debutant directors, who guarantee success,” said Seenu.

The actors may be hesitant in working with new talent, but the industry is more receptive to newcomers, admitted producer CV Kumar who entered filmdom last year riding on a small budget out-of-the-box successful movie, Attakathi.

“The Tamil industry has been open to fresh stories and young talent in the last two years. Even bigger production houses are coming forward to support new stories, but what we lack is content. While a legion of young filmmakers are on the rise, industry is still toying with the idea of making commercial film for the masses,” said Kumar who also delivered two more hits – Pizza and Soodhu Kavvum.

Even though films such as Samar and Vathikuchi had the spark, they failed to ignite the fire because they were made for commercial purposes. It’s very important to choose different subjects, Kumar added.