Kaththi Poster
"Kaththi" PosterFacebook/KaththiMovie

The next three months (October-December) will be crucial for the Tamil film industry with several big films lined up for release.

From Vijay's "Kaththi" to Ajith's "Thala 55," check out the list of big films gearing up for release in the last quarter of 2014.

Kaththi

Vijay's "Kaththi" will be releasing as a Diwali treat for fans. The film is currently in the post-production stage.

"Kaththi" is red hot in trade with the film's teaser and songs becoming hugely successful. The film's makers have started holding talks for selling the distribution rights. Boss Films Siva has acquired "Kaththi" distribution rights for Trichy-Thanjavur region and is planning to release the film in record number of 45 screens in the two regions, reported Behindwoods.

Directed by Murugadoss, "Kaththi" has Vijay in dual roles while Samantha, Neil Nithin Mukesh and comedian Sathish appear in pivotal roles.

The film is carrying huge expectations as Vijay has teamed with Murugadoss nearly after two years when "Thuppakki" hit screens. "Thuppakki," released during Diwali 2012, turned out to be a blockbuster and it will be interesting to see if "Kaththi" repeats the success during this year's festival.

I

Vikram's "I" is creating huge buzz across the country thanks to the impressive teaser. The film's audio launch, which witnessed the presence of several big stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Rajinikanth, was a huge success.

"I" has been creating records prior to its release. The film's teaser has crossed the 5 million mark, thus becoming the first south Indian film to achieve the feat. There is a huge demand for the film's theatrical rights for different territories.

The film's Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra (Telugu dubbed version of "I") theatrical rights have been sold for record prices and the film is gearing up for a big release during the Diwali period.

Directed by Shankar, "I" is a romantic thriller with Vikram appearing in different looks. The film has Amy Jackson, Upen Patel and Suresh Gopi in supporting roles.

The magnum opus will be locking horns with Vijay's "Kaththi" at the box office.

Uttama Villain

Uttama Villain First Look Poster (Ramesh Aravind/Twitter)
Uttama Villain First Look Poster (Ramesh Aravind/Twitter)Ramesh Aravind/Twitter

Kamal Haasan's "Uttama Villain" is currently in the post-production stage. The film was expected to hit the screens in September but was delayed. 

Latest buzz is that the film will be releasing for Kamal's birthday on 7 November. However, there is no official confirmation in this regard.

"Uttama Villain," directed by Ramesh Aravind, is a comedy drama and will have Kamal playing dual roles. The film boasts of an ensemble cast including director K. Balachander, K.S. Vishwanath, Nassar, Urvashi, Jayaram, Pooja Kumar, Andrea and M.S. Bhaskar among others.

Vishwaroopam 2

The Kamal starrer has been in the making for more than a year. Post-production work has reportedly delayed the film's release. "I" producer Aascar Ravichandran, who has also funded "Vishwaroopam 2," is planning to release the film three weeks after the Vikram starrer hits the screens, reported Behindwoods. This could mean that the film might hit the screens in November.

There is also a buzz that Kamal's "Uttama Villain" will be releasing in November. It is not clear whether the makers of both the films will take risks to release them in the same month.

"Vishwaroopam 2" is a sequel to the 2013 spy-thriller film "Vishwaroopam." Besides Kamal, the film has Pooja, Andrea, Shekhar Kapur, Rahul Bose and Waheeda Rahman in pivotal roles.

Lingaa

Superstar Rajinikanth's "Lingaa" is all set to hit the screens for the actor's birthday on 12 December. The film's shooting is progressing well and is expected to be wrapped up soon.

The audio launch of "Lingaa" is expected to take place during diwali festival period. However, there is no official confirmation in this regard.

The film, touted to be a commercial entertainer, will have Rajinikanth appearing in two roles. Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha is making her debut in Tamil with "Lingaa," while Anushka Shetty plays the other female lead.

Director K.S. Ravikumar has helmed the project and it is produced by Rockline Venkatesh.

Thala 55

Thala 55
A still from the location of the upcoming Ajith-Gautham Menon film.Gautham Menon Twitter official page

Ajith-Gautham Menon's "Thala 55" is one of the most-anticipated films as the actor-director duo has teamed up for the first time.

In a recent interview to The Times of India, director Gautham Menon had stated that "Thala 55" team is planning to release the film in December. The film's audio launch is expected to take place in November and the title is also likely to be released around the same time.

"Thala 55" is touted to be an action thriller with Ajith playing the role of an investigative officer. The film also has Trisha, Anushka Shetty, Vivek and Arun Vijay in pivotal roles.

Besides these big films, there are several other interesting films including Vishal's "Poojai," Jiiva's "Yaan," Dhanush's "Yaan," Sivakarthikeyan's "Taana" (tentatively titled), Siddharth-Prithviraj's "Kaaviya Thalaivan" and Simbu's "Vaalu" set to hit screens this year.