A record number of 17 Tamil straight films were released in January 2014. It works out to an average of almost a release every two days. At the moment it is totally chaotic in Kollywood, with shelf life of a film reduced to hardly a week!

Getting a theatre release is priority for producers, even if it is only a single show in a small screen. The mad rush has resulted in some films which open badly on Friday to be replaced by a more successful film by Sunday!

One of the films which released last Friday was replaced with a proven hit like Veeram in a couple of screens, as it could get more audiences on a Sunday than a new release. Another film which released in the big screen of a complex was taken off after one show and shifted to smaller screen. Goli Soda which was playing at the small screen was promoted to the big screen.

A popular multiplex which was screening Drishyam with daily two shows quietly played seven shows of the Malayalam blockbuster on Saturday and Sunday, after removing two new releases. A theatre near Madurai cancelled noon show of a new release, due to lack of audiences. Now Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association is insisting on a small fee for shows which get cancelled if there are not enough audiences to watch the film.

Meanwhile the release rush continues unabated. The way things are going; February will also see new record releases. As of now 15 films have announced to the trade that they are trying for a February release, depending on various factors. Even if some of them drop out, there are others waiting to jump the queue.

February 7 there are four releases. Among the lot Vijay Sethupathy's Pannaiyarum Padminiyum has got prime screens along with Vimal-Prasanna Pulivaal. The other releases are Kovalanin Kadhali and Vu.

February 14 will have three releases including the biggest release of the month. Udhayanidhi Stalin- Nayanthara –Santhanam romcom Ithu Kathirvelan Kathal will hit maximum screens in Tamil Nadu. Red Giants have the reach and clout in the trade to get a virtual solo release on Valentine weekend. There are two other small films which are also trying for a release- Rettai Kathir and Velmurugan Borewell.

February 21 will most probably see the release of Sasikumar's mass entertainer Bramman along with two other films, which are trying for screens. Some films which have been sitting in the box for a long time are eyeing the same date.

February 28, the last Friday of the month has also a lot of claimants. Among the lot Jayam Ravi's Nimirinthu Nil is the frontrunner. If all goes well the Samuthirakani directed bilingual in Tamil and Telugu will hit the screens. Added to that the usual suspects which have been announcing their release every month but getting postponed, will make another bid to see the light.

February is already choker block with releases. In another couple of days the focus will shift to March. Traditionally in March first three weeks nobody releases their films as it is the examination season. Let us wait and watch whether the release rush will continue in March. Till then sit back and enjoy the February releases, at your nearest screen.