Pongal with the biggest release of the lot, Villu, sadly failing to make an impression at the box office. Vijay’s presence and star status helped the film just about stay afloat for a while. Padikathavan scrapped and scratched its way into a zone of acceptable success thanks to another effortless performance by Dhanush and Vivek hitting a purple patch.

Post Pongal, there was a regular stream of commercials that kept hitting the screens. But, only very few of them managed to make any impact. Sundar C’s two releases Perumal and Thee did not quite live up to his billing as B & C entertainer, while Sarath Kumar’s search for the elusive hit continues, after 1977 received a flat response. Youthful and contemporary films like Siva Manasula Sakthi, Laadam and TN 07-A-4777 all received mixed bags with SMS managing to survive initial hiccups, courtesy mostly to Jiiva’s youthful demeanor and Yuvan’s distinct notes.

Then there were a whole lot of medium and low budget ventures that sank without a trace like Adada Enna Azhagu and Innoruvan. And, a few films, in spite of looking good for a sustained run and getting favorable reports did not garner as much attention as expected like Ravikrishna’s Kadhalna Summa Illa and the bilingual Ennai Theriyuma.

The first quarter of 2009 has also witnessed some class efforts and results in film making. How can one forget Naan Kadavul, the hard hitting product from Bala? Performance at the box office apart, it is definitely a film that will be remembered for the mastery of its maker. Priyadarshan’s highly acclaimed Kancheevaram went and came without much noise, a pity considering the amount of national and international recognition it had managed prior to the release.

But, the biggest surprise packets of the season and one suspects, the biggest earners, all belonged to one sparsely used genre, horror. It all began with Yaavarum Nalam passing through the initial days before establishing itself as a success with its novel content and tight presentation. This was followed the next week by a vastly different Arundhathee who captured the imagination of movie goers of all classes. Horror, was in. The cascade effect was seen with Sivapuram, the dubbed version of the Malayalam Ananthabhadram, hitting screens, only to disappear even without a whimper. That notwithstanding, the horror fever has caught with at least 6-7 films currently in various stages of making and more being planned. Another shot in the arm for Kollywood was the widespread acceptance that was achieved by Vennila Kabaddi Kuzhu which started off as a nondescript newcomers' bandwagon but went on to become hugely popular.

That was about the films, now about stars. As you might have guessed by now, stars haven’t had a major say in the first quarter of 2009. Suriya missed out on a first quarter release with Ayan arriving only in early April, it will definitely be on the half yearly success list. Vijay and Ajith kicked off their respective projects Vettaikaran and Asal while Suriya started another of his own Aadhavan. After prolonged speculation Thalaivan Irukkiran finally was rechristened Unnaipol Oruvan. Silambarasan sprang a surprise with Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya taking off while Dhanush had his double start with Aadukalam and Kutty. Most of the other stars had a pretty uneventful first quarter. Films that were expected for the first quarter but disappointed us with delays include Mysskin’s highly rated Nandhalala and Vishnuvardhan’s Sarvam, the IPL and elections reportedly being the major reasons.

Events that were noticed during the course of the first three months of 2009 included the Star cricket match at Chennai between Kollywood and Tollywood, the 100th day celebrations of Saroja, Ilaiyaraja’s rendezvous of the real life folk who were on screen for Naan Kadavul and many colorful audio and film launches which were well attended by big names. Actor Prabhu’s daughter’s marriage was a grand affair with Kollywood turning out in full force while actress Sangeetha and singer Krish had a more private and simple ceremony. There was also poignancy and a sense of bereavement when the industry got together to remember two legends Nagesh and M.N. Nambiar.

Finally, the Tamil film industry was done proud by two of its favorite sons. Vivek brought home the Padmasree for all the years of commitment and performance. But, the brightest spot of 2009 definitely has to be the Oscar Thamizhan A.R. Rahman’s triumph. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that we all saw it coming, it was indeed a special feeling and once again a big thanks to the Mozart of Madras for making the Indian Oscar dream come true.

That was Kollywood in the first quarter of 2009.Let’s hope that the days to come carry better results and returns.