'Jilla' Shooting Completed, Vijay Starrer on Track for January Release

The shooting of Vijay's "Jilla" has been wrapped up. The post-production work is already in full swing to ensure that the film releases as per the slated date.

"Jilla" has been officially confirmed to release for Pongal 2014. However, the exact release date has not yet been revealed.

Directed by RT Nesan, "Jilla" is deemed as a commercial entertainer that is sure to impress fans. The film will have Malayalam actor Mohan Lal, yesteryear actress Poornima Bhagyaraj, Mahat Raghavendra of "Mankatha" fame, Niveda Thomas, Soori and Sampath in pivotal roles.

For the second time, Kajal Aggarwal plays the female lead opposite Vijay, post the success of "Thuppakki".

"Jilla" is one of the most-awaited films of 2014 as two popular stars from south Indian cinema - Vijay and Mohanlal - are sharing screen space for the first time. There is a lot of positive buzz doing the rounds about the film in Tamil Nadu as well as in Kerala.

The film's distribution rights have been sold for all areas. The distribution rights for Chennai area has been bought by veteran Kerala distributor Shibu of Thameens Films. Yahaya Bhai & associates has acquired the distribution rights for NSC and overseas areas. Trichy distribution rights are purchased by Boss Films, whereas Coimbatore rights have been sold to Cosmo Shiva, a leading distributor who has also bought the distribution rights for Ajith's recently-released "Arrambam". The Kerala distribution rights have reportedly been acquired by Mohan Lal.

With the film doing great business, it is expected to have a wide release across the globe. It is likely that "Jilla" will take on Ajith's "Veeram", which is set to hit screens on 10 January to cash in on the Pongal holidays.

Earlier, reports had claimed that Rajinikanth's "Kochadaiiyaan" will hit screens during Pongal. Since "Jilla" and "Veeram" have confirmed their releases, the makers of the Rajini starrer are reportedly looking to release the film at a different date. Buzz is that the epic drama might hit screens only in April 2014.

Although it will be a big disappointment for Rajini fans, the Pongal festival will offer a real treat for Thala (Ajith) -Thalapathy (Vijay) fans. This is not the first time that Ajith and Vijay films are having a face-off. In the past, their films have clashed on various occasions.

2002 - "Villain" and "Bhagavathi"

2003 - "Thirumalai" and "Anjaneya"

2006 - "Aadhi" and "Paramasivam"

2007 - "Aalwar" and "Pokkiri"

On all these occasions, only one of the two films have managed to set the cash registers ringing. We need to wait and see who will emerge as a big winner during Pongal next year.