2018 was a significant year in the film world and the rest of India. It saw the resurgence of the #MeToo movement, helmed by journalist Sandhya Menon among others, with women across fields outing predators at work. In Kollywood, singer Chinmayi took on the task of naming harassers in the industry, as well as sharing experiences from other women. Vairamuthu, in particular, was accused of sexual harassment by several women, including Chinmayi herself. The industry though, has remained largely silent about it, with TFPC president and Nadigar Sangam general secretary Vishal Krishna promising to blacklist those named when charges against them are proven.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
In other news, two superstars of Tamil cinema began eyeing the political sphere this year, two films of Rajinikanth hit theatres, both as different as night and day, and Pa Ranjith marked himself not just as a director, but as a producer too. His first production, Pariyerum Perumal, couldn’t have been more successful – both with the audience and at introducing caste hegemony as part of film dialogue.
Also, it was Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja’s 75th birth year.
Moments in pictures:
Samantha, whose marriage to Naga Chaitanya was one of the much talked about celebrity wedding events of 2017, sums up our reaction to the industry’s silence to the MeToo movement. Hint: Best done with those lovely statement earrings from Misho Designs. At the 100th day celebrations of Irumbuthirai. Pic: Dani Charles
Seen here amidst supporters, Kamal Haasan began his political tour earlier this year from Kalam’s House in Rameswaram. His party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, was launched soon after. Pic Sriram Narasimhan
Trisha has a sweet moment with a fan at a launch event for a smartphone. Up next from her is the much-anticipated Petta directed by Karthik Subbaraj and co-starring Rajinikanth. Pic: Sriram Narasimhan
A R Rahman performs ‘Mazhai Kuruvi’ live at the Chekka Chivantha Vaanam audio launch. Pic: Sriram Narasimhan
If it isn’t Araathu Anandhi herself in her Karu avatar… With child actor Veronika Arora at the audio launch for the movie. Pic: Sriram Narasimhan
This picture of Shraddha Srinath made it to our Top 20 just because of the sheer happiness it radiates. Srinath’s last films in Tamil were the 2017 releases Vikram Vedha and Richie. Pic: Sriram Narasimhan
Shriya Saran, of whom we haven’t seen much lately, wears a Rajat Tangri outfit to a product launch. Her next appearance in Tamil will be in Karthick Naren’s Naragasooran.Pic: Sriram Narasimhan
When Arun Vijay blushes, we take a picture. At the press meet for Mani Ratnam’s Chekka Chivantha Vaanam. Pic: Sriram Narasimhan
This year, various institutions and outfits had celebrated Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja’s 75th birth year. The one planned by the TFPC, meanwhile, is still embroiled in a dispute. Pic: Sriram Narasimhan
Keerthy Suresh at an event for Thaana Serndha Kootam. Our Performance Of The Year award would certainly belong to her for her turn as actress Savithri in Nadigaiyar Thilagam. Pic: Dani Charles
The rulers of the 90s Tamil screen in one frame. A sequel with Rajini later, Shankar is now busy with Indian 2 – which incidentally will be Kamal’s last film before he plunges into politics full time. Pic: Dani Charles
While many will be inclined to think Amy Jackson (who played a robot and romanced one that bore uncanny resemblance to Rajinikanth in 2.0) is taking a selfie, we think she’s probably just checking her reflection, quite like the rest of us humans. Pic: Dani Charles
Dhanush’s spontaneous reaction at being called ‘Slim Sivaji’ by the host. Aishwarya Rajesh, Vetrimaaran and Andrea Jeremiah are moved to tears as well. At the Vada Chennai press meet. Pic: Dani Charles
When celebrities have a very non-celebrity moment like Tamannaah here, it’s what we call picture perfect. Candid, if you would. Tamannaah looks quite like someone who has lost her way – or her shoe, we don’t know which. Shot at the Fairpro press meet. Pic: Sriram Narasimhan
Regina Cassandra contemplates something at a calendar launch event. Along with her are Taapsee Pannu, whose Manmarziyaan released to good reviews in September, and Oviya. Pic: Sriram Narasimhan
Sneha, we are told, is a big fan of spousal humour. This time thankfully, the joke is on the husband. At the launch of White Villas, Oragadam. Pic: Dani Charles
Aditi Balan’s act here is the kind of realistic portrayal we root for. She’s all of us constantly distracted by our phones. At V4 Awards. Pic: Sriram Narasimhan
These two. Our galleries are full of pictures of them shooting that furtive look of pride-admiration-love at each other. At an event for Kaatrin Mozhi. Pic: Dani Charles
A fan kisses a poster of Vijay Sethupathi at the press meet for Junga. The screenshot of a now famous Facebook conversation between director Karthik Subbaraj and an unknown user speaks volumes about the actor’s massive growth – all in a span of eight years. Pic: Dani Charles
Best of Trisha 2018. The year when ’96 happened. At the Mohini press meet. Pic: Dani Charles
