Spring releases will rank the leading ladies

The legendary filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, who made the iconic Sholay, is making his comeback in Bollywood.

Rom com comeback

He will return to direct Shimla Mirchi, a romantic comedy about a mother and daughter who fall in love with the same guy. The movie features Rajkumar Rao, Rakul Preet and Hema Malini.

Name game

In a move that has surprised many in the industry, Surya's film for director Venkat Prabhu has been titled Masss. Earlier it was announced that the film was to be called Poochandhi, but this had a largely negative response from the public. Now Prabhu has settled on and registered this title.

Son also rises

K Bhagyaraj's 1982 hit film, Darling Darling Darling, is to be remade with his son, Saanthunu, playing the role originally played by his father. K Bhagyaraj has chosen Adhiyamaan to direct the film.

Head to head

Three leading ladies are set to clash at the box office on September 12. Anushka Sharma will arrive with NH10. Although the film has been wrapped in secrecy, rumour has it that it is inspired by Kill Bill.

Superstar actress Deepika Padukone arrives on the same day with Arjun Kapoor in Finding Fanny. This is followed by Bipasha Basu with Creature, a science fiction thriller directed by Vikram Bhatt and inspired by Jurassic Park. Basu and Bhatt last worked together on the mighty blockbuster Raaz 3.

Dual role

Prakash Raj's own production, Un Samaiyil Araiyil, opened on the South African circuit this week. This light-hearted movie has Raj in the lead role opposite Sneha, and it features a hit soundtrack by Isai Nyaani Illaiyaraja.

On Friday, Dhanush's 25th film, Velai Illaa Pattadhari, is to be released. It is directed by Velraj, the award-winning cinematographer who worked with Dhanush on films such as Pollaadhavan and Aadukallam. Also scheduled for release this month is Madras, directed by Pa Ranjith.

Dynastic leanings

Another member of the Rajinikanth family will enter the film industry through Velai Illaa Pattatthaari. This time it is Hrishikesh, the cousin of Anirudh Ravichander, who will play an important role as Dhanush's brother in the film.

Dhanush earlier introduced Anirudh Ravichander in the film 3.

Teaming up

In a game-changing move, six of Kodambakkam's most successful producers have come together to form one company to produce and distribute films for the Tamil market.

KE Gnanavelraja of Studio Green, CV Kumar of Thirukumaran Entertainment, Elred Kumar of RS Infotainment, Sashikanth of Y Not Studios and independents Abinesh Elangovan and Laxmanan have teamed up to start a new venture called Dream Factory. Dream Factory will start operations with the distribution of Kaaviya Thalaivan, Yaan and Madras.

Fever pitch

The teaser trailer of J Lingusamy's Anjaan, starring Surya and Samantha, was released amid fever-pitch excitement last weekend. The stylish teaser recorded a million views within 48 hours of its release, increasing the marketability of the film. It marks the return of composer Yuvanshankar Raja after a long absence.- SHALANDRA BUNSEELAL and DEVAN NAIR