Two Big Experiments in South cinema 2024

This year, two renowned South directors attempted unique experiments by bringing superstars from across india into single films.

One project turned out to be a disaster, while the other became a blockbuster success.



1. vishnu Manchu’s Dream Project – Kannappa

Released on 27 june 2024 after years of anticipation.

Marketed as a grand pan-India mythological drama with a budget of ₹200 crores (as per Times of India).

Despite high expectations, the film was a box office flop, earning only ₹41.75 crores worldwide (as per Sainnik).


Key Highlights:

Marked Akshay Kumar’s debut in South indian cinema.

Cameos and roles by Mohanlal, Prabhas, Kajal Agarwal, R. Sarathkumar, Preeti Mukundan.

Storyline: Follows Thennadu, a hunter who later becomes a devotee of Lord Shiva.


Written by vishnu Manchu and directed by mukesh Kumar Singh.

Result: Despite a star-studded cast and strong buzz, it turned into a huge failure.



2. lokesh Kanagaraj’s mass Hit – Coolie

Released on 14 august 2024 with Rajinikanth in the lead role as Deva.

Budget: ₹375 crores; Collection: ₹507.75 crores worldwide in 18 days (Sacnilk).

Turned out to be a major success, continuing Rajinikanth’s box office dominance.

Ensemble Cast:

Nagarjuna (Telugu superstar).

Upendra (Kannada actor).

Aamir Khan (Bollywood’s Mr. Perfectionist).

Shruti Haasan, sathyaraj and others.


Directed by lokesh kanagaraj, who is known for delivering crowd-pulling films.

The audience loved the star power, mass appeal, and action-packed execution.

Result: This experiment became a pan-India blockbuster, winning both critical acclaim and commercial glory.


Conclusion:

Kannappa → Ambitious but failed experiment.

Coolie → mass entertainer that delivered big profits.
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D N INDUJAA

01/09/2025 05:20 PM