Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Are Tamil cinema’s big stars failing the industry?

According to some estimates, Kollywood lost nearly £100 million on dud projects

Are Tamil cinema’s big stars failing the industry?
Indian 2

BOLLYWOOD’S recent string of big box of fice disasters has been well-documented, but Tamil cinema is also experiencing a tough period.

The industry, known as Kollywood, had one of its worst years in 2024, with a jaw dropping amount of money being lost on big-budget blockbusters that were rejected by audiences. Although there were a few successes, like Amaran and Maharaja, 2024, just like previous years, was dominated by expensive flops headlined by big-name stars that didn’t live up to expectations.


According to some estimates, it lost nearly £100 million on dud projects. One report suggested that there was less than a 10 per cent success rate, with most of the “success es” being low-budget films with tiny profits.

Some of last year’s most spectacular failures included Kanguva, Vettaiyan, and the deeply disappointing sequel Indian 2. One thing that big-budget Tamil movies head lined by big stars had in common was a strong opening weekend, followed by a dramatic collapse in collections once audiences realised they were anything but good. A simi lar story played out with last year’s highest grossing Kollywood release, The Greatest of All Time (GOAT), which opened strongly thanks to the star power of Vijay, before the mixed reviews came in and the film gradually fizzled out. The difference with GOAT is that it took longer for interest to die down, unlike other high-profile Tamil films that seemed to be hits, but weren’t, because of their extremely high budgets.

Kanguva

While these films may look flashy on the surface, much like Hindi cinema, the big gest stumbling block has been the terrible writing. Kollywood audiences, once star struck, now, like Bollywood fans, want much better storylines. Another major rea son for the failures is the soaring production costs, largely driven by the ridiculous fees demanded by major stars, making it far more difficult to recover the investment. Many of these films were built up with huge marketing pushes and big-name stars, but couldn’t meet the sky-high expectations that came with it.

Like Hindi cinema, Kollywood is relying on ageing actors because there’s very little fresh talent coming through. Versions dubbed in other languages like Hindi haven’t really impressed non-Tamil audiences either.

The year 2025 has gotten off to a mixed start, with low-budget films like Madha Gaja Raja and Kudumbasthan surviving mixed re views to generate decent box office returns. All eyes were on the Ajith Kumar-headlined action entertainer Vidaamuyarchi, which was expected to generate huge numbers, but like other recent mega-budget disasters, it col lapsed after a solid opening weekend.

Vidaamuyarchi

The sky-high budget means it’s go ing to lose a lot of money, wiping out the success of the smaller-budget films Madha Gaja Raja and Kudumbasthan. There are high-pro file films lined up, in cluding Rajinikanth’s Coolie, the Ajith Kumar led Good Bad Ugly, and Thug Life, which re unites Kamal Haasan with ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam. There’s also Thalapathy Vijay’s as-yet-untitled final film before his retirement. But as recent releases have shown, Kolly wood can no longer take Tamil audiences for granted.

Meanwhile, the Telugu, Punjabi, Malayalam, and Kannada industries have been having far more suc cess, with dubbed ver sions becoming hits. Even the fledgling Gujara ti market is making impres sive strides. Bollywood and Kollywood have a lot to do to get back on track.

More For You

Aaradhya Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan says Aishwarya Rai is fully responsible for Aaradhya’s upbringing

Getty Images

Abhishek Bachchan praises Aishwarya Rai for raising Aaradhya without phone or social media

Quick highlights:

  • Abhishek Bachchan credits Aishwarya Rai for taking the lead in daughter Aaradhya’s upbringing.
  • Says Aaradhya, now 13, has no phone and stays away from social media.
  • Calls Aishwarya “selfless” for prioritising parenting over everything else.
  • Slams online gossip surrounding their marriage as baseless and insensitive.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan has dismissed recent speculation around his marriage with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, instead shining a light on her unwavering dedication as a mother. In a recent chat, he spoke warmly about their 13-year-old daughter Aaradhya, revealing that she neither owns a mobile phone nor uses social media, something he attributes to Aishwarya’s hands-on parenting.

 Aaradhya Bachchan  Aaradhya Bachchan has no access to social media or a personal phoneGetty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh in a still from Lootera that captured his most restrained performance

Twelve years of 'Lootera': 5 reasons Ranveer Singh’s most understated role still holds up

Quick highlights:

  • Ranveer’s subtle performance in Lootera marked a major shift from his usual high-energy roles.
  • The 1950s-set romantic drama became a career milestone for the actor.
  • His restrained, emotionally complex portrayal earned long-term critical acclaim.
  • The film showcased a successful collaboration with director Vikramaditya Motwane.
  • As Dhurandhar builds buzz, Lootera reminds us of Ranveer’s range.

Twelve years ago, Ranveer Singh surprised audiences with Lootera, a period romance that asked him to do something unfamiliar: stay still. Set in 1950s Bengal and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film gave Ranveer the space to deliver one of his most subdued and mature performances. No outbursts. No spectacle. Just quiet heartbreak.

  Lootera released in 2013 and marked a stylistic shift for Ranveer Singh Prime Video  

Keep ReadingShow less
AR Rahman shares selfie with Hans Zimmer

AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer smile together in viral selfie

Instagram/arrahman

AR Rahman shares selfie with Hans Zimmer as 'Ramayana' music collaboration excites fans

Quick highlights:

  • AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer will collaborate on the soundtrack for Ramayana: Part One, directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
  • Rahman shared a selfie with Zimmer on Instagram, captioned “With @hanszimmer #ramayanamovie”.
  • The photo sparked a wave of excitement online, with fans and celebrities calling it a “historic moment”.
  • Ramayana: Part One stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi, and is set for a Diwali 2026 release.

AR Rahman’s latest Instagram post has set the tone for what might be one of the most ambitious film music projects in recent Indian cinema. The Oscar-winning composer shared a selfie with legendary Hollywood music producer Hans Zimmer, confirming their collaboration on Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part One. The picture quickly went viral, as fans celebrated the rare coming together of two globally acclaimed composers for a single Indian film.

  AR Rahman confirms collaboration with Hans Zimmer on InstagramInstagram/arrahman

Keep ReadingShow less
Ozzy Osbourne returns to Birmingham

Birmingham celebrates its heavy metal roots with Back to the Beginning show

Getty Images

Ozzy Osbourne returns to Birmingham for final Black Sabbath concert after 20 years

Quick highlights:

  • Ozzy Osbourne to perform one final time in Birmingham on 5 July, reuniting with Black Sabbath’s original line-up.
  • Villa Park will host a 10-hour metal concert titled Back to the Beginning, curated by Tom Morello.
  • The line-up includes Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, and others; proceeds go to three Birmingham-based charities.
  • The reunion marks the first time Ozzy, Iommi, Butler, and Ward will play together in 20 years.

After a lifetime of chaotic stage antics, searing vocals, and defining an entire music genre, Ozzy Osbourne is officially calling time on his career. On Saturday, the 76-year-old rock legend will headline his final concert in Birmingham, his birthplace, alongside the original members of Black Sabbath, the band that started it all.

Billed as Back to the Beginning, the sold-out event will not only mark Osbourne’s last performance but also a rare reunion with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Their last appearance as a full group was two decades ago.

Keep ReadingShow less
Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra says she is just getting started in Hollywood with 'Heads of State' on Prime Video

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
  • Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
  • Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.

The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.

Keep ReadingShow less