Check out the headline-grabbing stories from Kollywood in the first month of the year 2014
Vijay vs Ajith Clash
After a span of seven years, two of the biggest stars of south cinema - Vijay and Ajith - clashed at the box office during the Pongal festival period.
Vijay's "Jilla" and Ajith's "Veeram" released on 10 January. Both the films received fantastic response at the box office and turned out to be big hits.
"Jilla" is a mass masala entertainer with Vijay and Mohanlal in lead roles. Kajal Aggarwal, Soori, Poornima Bhagyaraj, Niveda Thomas and Mahat Raghavendra appear in pivotal roles. The film is directed by RT Neason and produced by Super Good Films.
"Veeram" is an action-packed entertainer with Ajith doing the male lead role. Bala, Vidarth, Munish and Suhail appear as Ajith's brothers in the film. Tamannaah plays the female lead for the first time with Ajith. The film is directed by "Siruthai" Siva and produced by Vijaya Productions.
Suriya's Anjaan
The makers of Suriya-Lingusamy film announced its title as "Anjaan" (Fearless).
The film, touted to be a mass entertainer, will have Suriya and Samantha playing the lead roles. Actors Vidyut Jamwal, Manoj Bajpai, Brahmanandam and Dalip Tahil will be appearing in pivotal roles.
"Anjaan" will have music by Yuvan Shankar Raja. The film's cinematography is by Santosh Sivan and editing is by Anthony.
Class of 80s
Veteran south stars including Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Chiranjeevi and Ambareesh among others had a day-long get-together at Mohanlal's beachfront property in Chennai on 18 January.
Actresses Ramya Krishnan, Radhikaa Sarathkumar, Lizzy, Sumalatha, Nadhiya, Saritha, Radha and Ambika were among others who attended the party.
This is the fifth time that the actors, who ruled the roost in the 1980s, reunited for a fun party. Every year, the actors would have a different theme for their party. This time, their party had a Hawaiian theme where the actors wore Hawaiian-style floral dresses and flower garlands. They had a great time talking, playing and sharing their memories.
Vijay - Chimbudevan
Vijay is all set to team up with director Chimbu Devan after completing his new project with AR Murugadoss.
The film will reportedly be an action-fantasy entertainer and will go on floors by July this year. The untitled flick will be jointly produced by Vijay's PR manager PT Selvakumar and Shibu of Thameens Films.
Sameera Reddy Marries Akshai Varde
"Vaaranam Aayiram" actress Sameera Reddy tied the knot with Akshai Varde in a private ceremony at her Mumbai house on 21 January.
Sameera dated Mumbai-based business man Akshai Varde for two and a half years before getting married. Akshai co-owns Vardenchi motorcycles, a company that designs customised bikes.
The wedding was a private affair with the presence just around 60 people including the family members and close friends of Sameera and Akshai.
Nazriya Nazim-Fahadh Fassil Marriage
On 20 January, fans of Nazriya Nazim were in for a surprise when she announced her engagement to Malayalam actor Fahadh Fassil.
The 19-year-old actress posted a message on her Facebook page saying, "Friends.. I have got engaged with Fahadh Faasil. Thanks for all your wishes."
Fahadh's father and noted director Faasil announced that the marriage would take place in August this year.
Dhanush Wins Filmfare Award
South actor Dhanush won the 59th Filmfare award for Best debut actor (male) in recognition of his fantastic performance in Hindi film "Raanjhanaa."
The national award winning actor impressed everybody with his power packed performance in the romantic film, directed by Anand L Rai.
Kamal and Vairamthu Get Padma Bhushan, Santhosh Sivan gets Padma Shri
Versatile actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan and lyricist Vairamuthu were among the 24 awardees chosen for the Padma Bhushan award.
The Indian government announced the list of Padma awardees on the occasion of 65th Republic day. Kamal and Vairamuthu will be recipients of Padma Bhushan, which is the third highest civilian award in India.
Renowned cinematographer Santhosh Sivan will be among the 101 recipients of the Padma Shri award, which is given for the awardees' distinguished service in any field.
Vaalu release date
Simbu's much-delayed "Vaalu" is set to hit the screens on 1 May, which happens to be Ajith's birthday.
"Vaalu", directed by debutante Vijay Chander, will have Simbu, Hansika, Santhanam and VTV Ganesh in pivotal roles. The film's audio is set to be launched on 14 February, but a single track from the album will be released on 3 February as Simbu's birthday gift for his fans.
