1. Thangalaan
“Thangalaan” stands out as one of the most awaited Tamil films of 2024. Directed by Pa. Ranjith, this period fantasy action movie stars Chiyaan Vikram as a tribal leader during the British Raj. The story revolves around his character aiding colonizers in mining gold, only to face the wrath of Aarathi, a powerful sorceress. The film also features an impressive cast, including Malavika Mohanan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Pasupathy. Backed by Studio Green and Neelam Productions, with music composed by GV Prakash Kumar, “Thangalaan” promises to be a visually stunning and gripping tale set against the backdrop of colonial India.
2. Double iSmart
Directed by Puri Jagannadh, “Double iSmart” is a science fiction action film that continues the story from the 2019 hit “iSmart Shankar.” Ram Pothineni reprises his role as the lead character, with Sanjay Dutt joining the cast. The film features Kavya Thapar and Sayaji Shinde in pivotal roles. The movie is produced by Puri Jagannadh’s Puri Connects, and the soundtrack is composed by Mani Sharma. Known for its high-octane action sequences and futuristic themes, “Double iSmart” is expected to be a major box office draw.
3. Raghu Thatha
“Raghu Thatha” is a social comedy starring Keerthy Suresh. Directed by Suman Kumar in his directorial debut, the film tackles various social issues such as Hindi imposition in the South and patriarchy. Keerthy Suresh plays Kayalvizhi, a rebellious young woman who stands up for her beliefs. The movie also stars MS Bhaskar, Ravindra Vijay, and Rajeev Raveendranathan. Produced by Hombale Films, “Raghu Thatha” is expected to strike a chord with audiences, especially for its topical themes and strong performances.
4. Mr. Bachchan
Ravi Teja returns to the big screen with “Mr. Bachchan,” a crime action drama directed by Harish Shankar. This film marks Ravi Teja’s second release in 2024, following “Eagle.” The plot is inspired by real-life events, specifically income tax raids on industrialist Sardar Inder Singh. The cast includes Jagapathi Babu, Sachin Khedekar, and Bhagyashree Borse. Produced by People Media Factory, with music by Micky J Meyer, “Mr. Bachchan” is anticipated to be a thrilling ride packed with suspense and action.
5. Bhairathi Ranangal
Shiva Rajkumar stars in “Bhairathi Ranangal,” directed by Narthan. This film is a follow-up to the 2017 hit “Mufti” and delves into the backstory of the gangster Bharathi Ranangal, a character from the original film. The movie also features Rahul Bose, Rukmini Vasanth, and Devaraj. The film’s production is handled by Geetha Pictures, and the music is composed by Ravi Basrur. Fans of the original film are eagerly awaiting this sequel, which promises to explore new facets of its intriguing characters.
6. Nunakkuzhi
“Nunakkuzhi” is a light-hearted comedy directed by Jeethu Joseph, known for his thriller “Drishyam.” The film stars Basil Joseph and Grace Antony, with a supporting cast that includes Manoj K Jayan, Nikhila Vimal, and Siddique. The plot centers around Basil Joseph’s character, a wealthy man who finds himself in a series of comical situations. Produced by Saregama, with music by Vishnu Shyam, “Nunakkuzhi” is expected to be a refreshing change of pace, offering laughter and entertainment for the whole family.
7. Manorathangal
Rounding out the list is “Manorathangal,” an anthology series consisting of nine short films, each directed by a different filmmaker. The series is based on the works of the legendary Malayalam writer MT Vasudevan Nair. The cast is a veritable who’s who of Malayalam cinema, featuring stars like Mohanlal, Mammootty, Fahadh Faasil, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Biju Menon. The series will be released on the streaming platform Zee5, making it accessible to a wide audience.
