good cinema in the last two months of the first quarter with Unnale Unnale and Chennai 28. The year really kicked into big time action with Sivaji and its stupendous business. The good run continued with Ajith finding form in Kreedom, followed in the recent months by Vishal’s successful Malaikottai and Jeeva’s attention grabbing Kattradhu Tamil , not to forget safe bets like Marudhamalai- 2007 has been a so far, so very good story for Kollywood. But the bumper harvest season of 2007 seems to be looking at poor productivity.

Imagine a Deepavali without crackers, a Christmas without cakes or a New Year without greetings. Well, we are not sure about Christmas or New Year but crackers don’t seem to be coming in for Deepavali this time. We don’t mean the crackers from Sivakasi, we mean the big crackers from Kollywood. Looks like the 1000 wala, the atom bomb and the rocket are not coming after all. A flower pot has been announced and 500 wala is almost sure to arrive. But in the absence of the biggies the noise created and the response generated will be obviously much lower. So, Kollywood is metaphorically going in for an eco-friendly Deepavali as recommended by the government: making less noise. But this silence can spoil an almost perfect year.

the first calendar of 2007 was released during this time in 2006. Planning for the movies that were supposed to be Deepavali releases had begun very early in 2007. Then how come this sudden flurry of withdrawals from the big business period like injured players opting out of a tournament. It was all said, planned and decided that we would have three biggies to look forward to. Fans will be disappointed, but that is the least of the concerns here. Fans will forget the delays and the period of waiting once the movie actually hits the big screen. But it is the poor distributor, the exhibitor, the agents and other middle men who have invested heavily in these power house ventures and put all plans in place for their release. A delay in the release of these movies will cause damage that cannot be repaired even if the movie turns out to be a huge hit; the interest rates of money add up to big amounts.

Yes, delays do happen. But one believes that everyone associated with the movie even in the smallest way should be forewarned about this possible eventuality well in advance. Less than a month from the scheduled release date is a pretty awkward time to be announcing delays and that too with reasons that look like ones that could have been sighted well in advance.

Ajith’s injury during the shooting period gives Billa enough excuses for its delay but they did keep everyone guessing for quite a period. ATM has said that the BGM has not yet been done. For a movie that has crores running on it matters should have been better planned. Earlier this year Sivaji too had played a few games before finally coming in. But the overwhelming success that it was seems to have atoned for the delay. Not everyone can expect to repeat that kind of success. So the best option might be to make the best of the festive season and the celebratory crowds thronging theaters. But that seems to be lost this Deepavali. Of course we have Polladhavan and Vel, but they hardly make up for the disappointment of Billa and ATM. All we can do is wish the best to the ones who are about light up this Deepavali and well….. and not cry over spilt milk. Give Billa and ATM the time they need and hope that when they do release, they more than justify the wait.