Looking back, the year 2015 was one in which meticulously crafted and passionately made films ruled the roost, establishing Southern cinema as a massive global phenomena.
Further, this 12-month-long period saw quite a few established as well as upcoming filmmakers give solid proof of their storytelling abilities much to the delight of numerous movie buffs.
Today, let us take a quick look at the filmmakers who stole the show and countless hearts in 2015.
Mani Ratnam (‘OK Kanmani’): Mani Ratnam’s highly anticipated romantic-drama ‘OK Kanmani’ emerged a big hit at the box office and earned rave reviews courtesy its well etched out characters. Featuring Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menon in the lead, it revolved around two lovers who decided to go in for a live-in relationship rather than marriage.
M Manikandan (‘Kaaka Muttai’): Debutante M Manikandhan took the film industry by storm when ‘Kaaka Muttai’ left audiences mesmerized courtesy its enjoyable yet highly sensitive narrative. Produced by actor Dhanush, it was shot on a budget of 1 crore and emerged one of the most commercially successful movies of the year.
SS Rajamouli (‘Baahubali’): SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus ‘Bahubali’ was undoubtedly a landmark in the history of Indian cinema. Touted as an epic drama, it created a buzz amongst movie lovers because of its mesmerizing visuals and captivating screenplay. Featuring Prabhas in the titular role, the film revolved around the rivalry between two brothers. Interestingly, its sequel is expected to hit screens next year.
Anup Bhandhari (‘Rangi Taranga’): Software engineer-filmmaker Anup Bhandari’s maiden directorial venture ‘Rangi Taranga’ featured a intelligently written screenplay which incorporated elements from Indian mythology into a murder mystery. Revolving around the exploits of a novelist, it was eligible for nomination to the 88th Academy awards.
G Prajith (‘Oru Vadakkan Selfie’): Yet another debutant, G Prajith came into the spotlight when ‘Oru Vadakkan Selfie’ opened to a thunderous response at the box office. Featuring the popular Nivin Pauly in the lead, it was shot on a budget of Rs 4.5 crore and collected over Rs 31 crore upon release.
Alphonse Puthren (‘Premam’): Touted as a romantic comedy, ‘Premam’ saw filmmaker Alphonse Puthern bring to life the romantic escapades of the protagonist. Produced by Anwar Rasheed, the film ran in theatres for over 200 days. Interestingly, like ‘Oru Vadakkan Selfie,’ it too featured Nivin Pauly in the lead.
Koratala Siva (‘Srimanthudu’): Koratala Siva’s much hyped family drama ‘Srimanthudu’ floored critics and audiences alike en route to becoming a commercial success. Moreover, the positive rs;ponse received by it went a long way in helping Mahesh Babu, who had a disappointing 2014, get his career back on track. Interestingly , ‘Srimanthudu’ revolved around a rich businessman who adopts a village.
Gautham Vasudev Menon (‘Yennai Arindhaal’): One of Southern cinema’s most celebrated filmmakers, Gautham Vasudev Menon continued his tryst with cop dramas when ‘Yennai Arindhaal’ arrived in theatres this January. Featuring Ajith Kumar in the lead, it contained a perfect mix of “class" and “mass" elements.
Jeethu Joseph (‘Papanasam’): An established name in Malayalam cinema, Jeethu Joseph entered the Tamil film industry with ‘Papanasam’. Touted as a thriller, it kept the viewers at the edge of their seats coiurtesy its fast-paced narrative. Interestingly, ‘Papanasam’ was a remake of Mohanlal’s Malayalam movie ‘Drishyam’. As it so happens, Joseph had directed the original version as well.
Mohan Raja (‘Thani Oruvan’): The Mohan Raja-directed ‘Thani Oruvan’ was arguably one of the most talked about sleeper hits of the year. Featuring a bone chilling performance from Arvind Swamy, it had a very simple narrative which revolved around the tried and tested formula of good taking on evil. However, it worked in a big way courtesy an engaging narrative and well fleshed out characters.
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