With Vidaamuyarchi no longer participating in the Pongal race, Tamil cinema swiftly adapted to capitalize on the festive season. A variety of medium and small budget films have taken the opportunity to fill the gap, providing audiences with an extensive selection of this Pongal. As the festival is celebrated over a span of 2-3 days in Tamil Nadu, the industry is poised to see film releases on various dates throughout the Pongal season.
Pongal 2025 Tamil releases: Kadhalikka Neramillai, Game Changer to Vanangaan, all films slated for festive season
Vanangaan – January 10
Vanangaan is a Tamil film directed by Bala, featuring Arun Vijay in the principal role. The project was originally intended to star Suriya and had commenced production. However, due to challenges in filming at live locations with Suriya, the decision was made to proceed with Arun Vijay as the lead. The film's music is composed by GV Prakash Kumar, and it includes performances by Roshni Prakash, Samuthirakani, Mysskin, Ridha, Chhaya Devi, Bala Sivaji, Shanmugarajan, Yohan Chacko, Kavitha Gopi, Brindha Sarathy, Mai Pa Narayanan, Aruldas, Munish Sivagurunath, among others.
Madraskaaran – January 10
Madraskaaran signifies the Tamil film debut of Malayalam actor Shane Nigam. Directed by Vaali Mohan Das, the film boasts a diverse cast that includes Kalaiyarasan, Niharika Konidela, Aishwarya Dutta, Karunas, and Pandiarajan, among others. This action drama is anticipated to be rich in emotional depth, with Shane portraying a Tamil youth from Pudukottai. It is noteworthy that Madraskaaran represents Niharika's second venture in Tamil cinema, following her role in Oru Nalla Naal Paathu Solren. The cinematography is handled by Prasanna, while the musical score is composed by Sam CS. The film is produced by B Jagadish under the banner of SR Productions.
Game Changer – January 10
Game Changer is a political action thriller starring Ram Charan. The project is directed by filmmaker Shankar and includes a cast featuring Kiara Advani, Anjali, SJ Suryah, and Samuthirakani, among others. The film's music is composed by S Thaman, and it is set to be released in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi.
Madha Gaja Raja – January 12
After nearly 13 years in production, Madha Gaja Raja, featuring Vishal in the lead role, is finally poised for release in theatres. This commercial entertainer is directed by Sundar C and boasts a musical score by Vijay Antony. The film's cast also includes Anjali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and Santhanam, among others.
Kadhalikka Neramillai – January 14
Kadhalikka Neramillai is a romantic drama featuring actors Jayam Ravi and Nithya Menen in their first collaboration on screen. Directed by Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, the film is expected to present a sophisticated narrative of love. The musical score is composed by AR Rahman. The cast also includes Vinay Rai, Yogi Babu, Lal, John Kokken, TJ Bhanu, Lakshmy Ramakrishnan, and Vinodhini, among others.
Nesippayya – January 14
Nesippaya, starring Aditi Shankar and Akash Murali in the principal roles, is a romantic drama. Directed by Vishnu Vardhan, this film signifies his return after a four-year hiatus following the release of his Hindi film Shershaah in 2021. In addition to the lead cast, the film will also showcase performances by R Sarath Kumar, Prabhu, Raja, Kushboo, and Kalki Koechlin. The musical score for the film is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
Tharunam – Pongal 2025
Kishen Das' film Tharunam is preparing for a release during the Pongal festival, although the specific date has not yet been disclosed. The film features Smruthi Venkat and is directed by Arvindh Srinivasan. Additionally, Raj Ayyappa and Bala Saravanan have significant roles in this production, which is anticipated to be a romantic narrative.
Sumo – Pongal 2025
Sumo is another Tamil film that has been eagerly anticipated for an extended period. The movie stars Mirchi Shiva in the principal role, alongside Priya Anand as the female lead. Directed by SP Hosimin, Sumo also features a cast that includes Yoshinori Tashiro, VTV Ganesh, Chetan, Besant Ravi, Srinath, Yogi Babu, and others. It is described as a comedy entertainer, centering on a sumo wrestler with a low IQ who finds himself washed ashore on a beach in Chennai.
