K'wood's fascination for animal titles

Looks like 2015 will be the year of the animal in Kollywood. While animal-related titles have always had an appeal for Tamil filmmakers ' who have used them for both hero-showcases (Murattu Kaalai) and female-centric films (Aatukaara Alamelu) ' this trend has considerably increased over the five years and this year, the list of films that reference an animal (from the humble housefly to the ferocious lion) or their characteristics (Komban, Vaalu) in their titles touches double digits, with Vishal's Paayum Puli being the latest addition.Chennai Times lists some of these 'creature' features:
Puli
Cast: Vijay, Shruti Haasan, Hansika, Sudeep
Director: Chimbudevan
In this upcoming action-fantasy film, Vijay, reportedly, has three looks. The film marks actress Sridevi's return to Tamil cinema after many years. She plays a queen and Haniska plays her daughter. They had shot with actor Sudeep in a huge set constructed on the outskirts of Chennai. The music is composed by Devi Sri Prasad.
Paayum Puli
Cast: Vishal, Kajal Aggarwal, Samuthirakani
Director: Suseenthiran
The Pandiya Nadu combo of Vishal, Suseenthiran and Imman are teaming up once again for this film which is said to be a cop story. The title of the film, which was revealed last week, is also the title of the 80s film that had Rajinikanth in the lead. Samuthirakani is said to be playing the role of Vishal's brother in the film. The team is said to have shot over 50 per cent of the film till date.
Kangaroo
Cast: Arjuna, Priyanka
Director: Samy
Controversial director Samy has apparently turned over a new leaf and has come up with a family-friendly film, which talks about the importance of relationships. The director says that it is a dedication to mothers.
Eli
Cast: Vadivelu, Sada
Director: Yuvaraj Dayalan
Vadivelu teams up with his Tenaliraman director once again for this film. The shoot for this period film is currently on and the film will be set in the 1970s, which is when western culture started to influence Indians. Looks like Vadivelu's character will have the funny characteristics of a rat in the film and hence the title.
Mapla Singam
Cast: Vemal, Anjali, Soori
Director: Rajasekhar.
This rural comedy is almost complete and reteams the hit pair of Vemal and Anjali. The actress plays an advocate in the film and Vemal sports a handlebar moustache. Adam Greig, a Scottish faculty member from AR Rahman's music school is playing a comic role in the film along with Soori.
Kaaka Muttai
Cast: Vignesh, Ramesh, Aishwarya Rajesh
Director: Manikandan.
Produced by actor Dhanush and director Vetrimaran, the film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film festival, recently won the National Award for Best Children's Film. The lead actors, Ramesh and Vignesh, have also won the award for Best Child Artist. The story is said to be about two brothers living in a slum who dream of having a pizza.
Paambu Sattai
Cast: Bobby Simhaa, Keerthi Suresh, Muktha Bhanu
Director: Aadam Dasan.
National Award-winner Bobby Simhaa plays the lead in this film, which is produced by actor-director Mano Bala and actor Sarath Kumar. The director is an assistant of Shankar and the film is said to be a masala film with a twist. Bhanu of Thamirabarani fame plays Simhaa's sister-in-law. Ajesh Ashok of Super Singer fame debuts as a composer with this film.
Jeyikkira Kuthira
Cast: Jeevan, Dimple Chopade, Ambika Soni, Shravya
Director: Sakthi Chidambaram.
Thiruttu Payale fame Jeevan makes a comeback with this film, which is about the battle between a junior artist in the film industry and a movie producer told in a humorous way. He plays a character which does a little bit of fraud to win in this cat-and-mouse game. The director has roped in three heroines to take care of the oomph factor of the film.
Recent films with animal titles
Singam (2010)
Mynaa (2010)
Sura (2010)
Siruthai (2011)
Vengai (2011)
Nadunisi Naaygal (2011)
Singam Puli (2011)
Naan Ee (2012)
Kumki (2012)
Kazhugoo (2012)
Madha Yaanai Koottam (2013)
Onaiyum Aatukuttyum (2013)
Pattathu Yaanai (2013)
Thanga Meenkal (2013)
Mathil Mel Poonai (2013)
Naaigal Jaakirathai (2014)
Seval (2014)
Irumbu Kuthirai (2014)
Cuckoo (2014)
Mosakutti (2014)