5 Indian movies to light up the screens this Deepavali
From Sivakarthikeyan’s true-life ‘Amaran’ to Bollywood’s action-packed ‘Singham Again’, this festive season will keep moviegoers happy.
Sivakarthikeyan’s “Amaran” is one of 3 Tamil films releasing this Deepavali. (Amaran Youtube pic)
Deepavali is never complete without some family time, and after feasting, what better way to relax than with a movie? This Oct 31, three Tamil films go head-to-head, alongside two major Hindi releases from beloved franchises.
Here’s a peek at what’s hitting the big screens.
‘Amaran’
Directed by Rajkumar Periyasamy, “Amaran” tells the inspiring true story of Major Mukund Varadarajan, an Indian Army officer who lost his life in a 2014 counterterrorism operation.
Produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) and Sony Pictures, this is one of the most highly anticipated Tamil films of 2024.
Audiences are buzzing about the on-screen pairing of Sai Pallavi and Sivakarthikeyan for the first time, with Pallavi playing the late Mukund’s wife, Indhu Rebecca Varghese. “Amaran” also marks Sivakarthikeyan’s first film with music composed by GV Prakash Kumar.
In an exclusive chat with FMT Lifestyle, Sivakarthikeyan, 39, shared: “Amaran is the first Tamil film to be based purely on a real-life army man’s story.”
He added that the film is going to take audiences on an emotional journey. “This story had a big impact on me, and I felt it was one that everyone needed to know.”
‘Amaran’ will be released on Oct 31.
‘Brother’
“Brother,” directed by M Rajesh, is a light-hearted romantic comedy that’s shaping up to be a family entertainer.
The film also features Priyanka Mohan in the lead actress role with music by Harris Jayaraj, marking his fourth collaboration with Ravi, following hit albums like “Dhaam Dhoom.”
In fact, “Makkamishi,” a single from this movie released two months ago, has already racked up 32 million views on YouTube.
The one-minute-long teaser shows Jayam Ravi playing Karthik, a happy-go-lucky hero. It might seem plain and simple, but when done right, there’s nothing more feel-good than a solid rom-com.
‘Brother’ will be released on Oct 31.
‘Bloody Beggar’
The dark horse of this Deepavali line-up is “Bloody Beggar,” directed by debutant Sivabalan Muthukumar. Kavin, riding high after last year’s “Dada,” where he played a single father, takes on an unconventional role this time around.
In a teaser that grabbed everyone’s attention, Kavin plays a beggar without legs, approaching an auto driver for alms. After getting a disinterested response, he quips, “If I had legs, I’d be driving an auto like you,” which earns him some sympathy and money from the driver.
The teaser takes a playful twist when Kavin, hearing music from a nearby procession, suddenly reveals his legs and bursts into an unexpected dance, leaving the driver completely shocked.
If you’re after a refreshing storyline, this movie is your top pick!
‘Bloody Beggar’ will be released on Oct 31.
‘Singham Again’
Rohit Shetty’s “Singham Again” returns for its fifth instalment, featuring an Avengers-style ensemble cast ready to blow things up – literally.
The “Singham” series, centred around a cop who takes down the bad guys, began in 2011 as a remake of a Tamil film.
This time, Ajay Devgn reprises his role as Bajirao Singham, while Deepika Padukone makes her debut in the “copverse” as Shakti Shetty. Ranveer Singh and Akshay Kumar also return as Simmba and Sooryavanshi, respectively.
The trailer hints at a story rooted in the Hindu legend of Ramayana, making it a perfect watch for Deepavali.
If you’re into witty one-liners, gravity-defying stunts, and the occasional explosion in the background, this movie’s got you covered.
‘Singham Again’ will be released on Nov 1.
‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’
Bollywood really seems to love their sequels…
This year, Deepavali overlaps with Halloween – perfect timing for the horror-comedy “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.”
The franchise, originally based on a Malayalam film, kicked off in 2007 with Akshay Kumar in the lead. But it was revived in 2022 by Karthik Aaryan to great success.
Now, Vidya Balan returns as the iconic centuries-old entity Manjulika, joined by Madhuri Dixit and directed by Anees Bazmee.
Set in the eerie kingdom of Raktaghat, the trailer promises supernatural thrills as Rooh Baba (Karthik) confronts vengeful spirits.
The biggest twist? Both Vidya and Madhuri portray Manjulika, teasing an exciting ghost face-off that’s getting fans buzzing.
‘Bhool Bhullaiyaa’ will be released on Nov 1.
And there you have it – five films, five distinct experiences. The question is: which one will you choose this Deepavali?