Pokiri leads the pack

It's battle royale at the box-office now. The Pongal releases are out and it is a stiff competition between them.

The harvest festival witnessed the release of director Mani Rathnam's Guru, Vijay's Pokiri, Ajith starrer Aalwar and Vishal's Thamirabarani.

According to initial reports, it looks likely that this Pongal absolutely belongs to Pokiri. The action-packed entertainer starring Vijay and Asin and directed by Prabhu Deva has emerged the clear winner. The movie has opened to 100 per cent collections all over the State. Similarly, it is collecting huge revenue in overseas markets too.

A typical Vijay-film, Pokiri with action-romance and humour at the right mix, has won rave reviews too. Also Mani Sharma's music and Nirav Shah's slick photography have helped the movie's cause.

Ajith's Aalwar is not far behind. The actor's movie, known for drawing grand opening, has been witnessing good crowds. However, predictable sequence of events and cliched storyline has not helped the movie's cause. The movie starring Asin, Vivek, Manorama and Lal among others, has been doing decent business in rural areas.

Vishal's Thamirabarani too is drawing good crowds. Directed by Hari, the movie has a racy storyline with Prabhu and Nadhiya giving Vishal good company.

Mani Rathnam's Guru, which caters to the niche audience, is collecting well in the A centre. The Hindi version is running to packed houses.

Director Ameer's Paruthi Veeran, which stars Karthi (Suriya's sibling) and Priya Mani in lead roles, will be out on 25 January. Expectations are high on Paruthi Veeran, since Ameer rendered an engrossing movie in his last - Ram.

Meanwhile, Irandu, which has Madhavan in the lead role, has reportedly managed a decent outing this month especially in the B and C centres.

Among films released for Deepavali, Varalaru and E managed to complete a successful 75-day run last week.