Stars shine

It was a year to celebrate for Ajith fans. The actor bounced back strikingly with hits in Thirupathi and Varalaru. It was a year worth remembering for Vishal (Sandai Kozhi and Thimiru) too. Also Bharath enjoyed his share of luck with hits in Pattiyal and Em Mahan. He had two releases on the same day (Veyyil and Chennai Kadhal).

Vijay had a solo release in Aathi while Vikram’s Bheema is under production.

Among the actress Nayantara managed three releases on the same day on Deepavali (Vallavan, Thalaimagan and E). Bhavana,who made her debut in Chithiram Pesuthadi managed to bag over half-a-dozen offers including director Bala’s Naan Kadavul. It was a year when actresses Laila, Sonia Agarwal and Jyothika chose to bid goodbye to acting after getting married.

Music

It was Yuvanshankar Raja all the way. With prominent hits under his belt this year including Pattiyal, Pudhupettai and Vallavan, the young music -composer managed to hit the bull’s eye.

Harris Jayaraj too had a good outing in Ullam Ketkumae, Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu and the recent Unnalae Unnalae.

Rahman had his share of success in Sillunu Oru Kadhal and Varalaru.

Rahman’s nephew G V Prakash is the talent to watch out for.The 19-year-old youth’s maiden venture Veyyil has won him accolades.

Stealing the show this year was Gana Ulaganathan for his Valamenukkum Velangumeenukum song in Chithiram Pesuthadi. It became an instant hit and propelled the success of the movie.

Sops

Veteran film personality M Karunanidhi assumed the chair of Chief Minister last May. He reeled  a slew of offers including tax-exemption for movies titled in Tamil for the revival of the industry. As a token of gratitude, a grand function was organized to honour him by the industry.

Also Rama Narayanann was elected the president of Tamil Film Producers Council and Sarath Kumar assumed the chair of the president of the Nadigar Sangam.

Marriages

It was a year of marriages in Tamil cinema. Laila bid adieu to acting after her marriage in February, while Suriya and Jyothika ended their long romance with marriage on 11 September, 2006. Also director Selvaraghavan and actress Sonia Agarwal, actor Manoj K Bharathy and Nanadana, actors Arun Kumar, actress Gayathri Raghuram, among others, got married this year.

Deaths

Kollywood was bereaved by the death of veteran actresses Padmini, Sri Vidhya, G Varalakshmi and veteran actor R S Manohar this year.