Comebacks are always special. For the star and their fans. 2015 saw some great comebacks by both actors and filmmakers. Here’s a list of the best comebacks we saw this year and why we liked them.
Jyothika : The actress married actor Suriya in 2006, when her career was at its peak. She then decided to stay away from films and focus on her family. She stayed in the news, through appearances in advertisements, and at events and award shows. But that was no substitute for seeing her back on celluloid. One of the top female actors in the 2000s, Jyothika was known for her expressions, which were over the top at times, but likeable nonetheless. In 2015, she made her comeback with 36 Vayadhinile, a remake of last year’s highly successful How Old Are You?, a Malayalam film, which was a comeback film for Manju Warrier. We saw ‘Jo’ back in form, with no semblance of rustiness. She carried the film on her shoulders with her performance. It was as though she had never left.
Goundamani : Tamil cinema’s comic genius had MIA since a few forgettable roles in 2010. He made a comeback as the lead actor with the political drama, 49-O. The film was a sarcastic take on contemporary politics and politicians. Goundamani asked some tough questions on governance and bureaucracy with his sarcastic ‘Nakkal’ and ‘Naiyyandi’.
Mohan Raja : Should we call it a comeback or an ‘almost-debut’? Mohan Raja shed his old name ‘Jayam’ Raja, and also shed his tag ‘Remake’ Raja with Thani Oruvan. By far the best Tamil film this year according to many, Thani Oruvan revived Raja’s career and gave him an identity. Now, his film is being remade in five other languages. Could there be a better comeback?
Gauthami Tadimalla : Gauthami made a comeback not only in cinema but also in life, when she successfully battled breast cancer. She returned to mainstream cinema after 13 long years with Papanasam. As the timid, quintessential middle-class wife, her performance was convincing and endearing. This 47-year old’s fitness levels also left everyone impressed. Definitely an inspirational comeback.
Arvind Swami : Though he technically made a comeback in 2013 with the disastrous Kadal, it is Thani Oruvan which has revived his popularity amongst audiences. His portrayal of a badass villain, made his character (Siddharth Abhimanyu) a household name. Playing a complex villain is hard to pull off, and Arvind did it with absolute panache. So much so that we liked the villain more than the hero.
Karthik : Though Karthik has been working on and off on minor roles in unnoticed films, Anegan brought him back to the limelight. His role in the film was pivotal, and had multiple shades to it (read: he was the villain). He next stars in a sequel to his older film, Amaren.
*****
