Arun Vijay-Bala’s Vanangaan officially enters the Pongal race; Ajith’s Good Bad Ugly speculated to join

Pongal is one of the most important festivals in Tamil Nadu, and there is a natural clamour when it comes to the films that would release during this festive occasion. With just a couple of months left for the big holiday weekend, filmmakers have started to throw their hat in the ring to confirm their presence in the highly contested race. First up, we have Bala’s Vanangaan, headlined by Arun Vijay, confirming its presence for Pongal. Backed by Suresh Kamatchi, known for producing Venkat Prabhu-Silambarasan TR’s Maanaadu, the release of Vanagaan was confirmed on the occasion of Arun Vijay’s birthday. 

If all goes according to plan, this would be the second Bala film to hit the screens for Pongal after Thaara Thappattai, headlined by Sasikumar and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar. While there has been no official updates from other makers about fixing their release date for Pongal 2025, there are speculations that Adhik Ravichandran-Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly might enter the race. Incidentally, Ajith’s last theatrical outing, Thunivu, was a 2023 Pongal release.

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Talking about this potential clash with his Yennai Arindhaal co-star, Arun Vijay said, “He is the peak. He has no competition. Also, all his fans love me too. So, it is not a competition at all. I believe we have our own window and space.”   

Vanangaan, which was started with Suriya and Mamitha Baiju in the lead, was shelved due to personal differences between the actor and the filmmaker. Later, Arun Vijay stepped into the project, which now features Roshni Prakash in the lead role. Vanangaan also stars Mysskin, Samuthirakani, Ridha, Brinda Sarathy, and Arul Doss in pivotal roles.

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The film marks the second musical collaboration between Bala and composer GV Prakash Kumar after Avan Ivan.  They have also worked together as an actor and a director in Naachiyaar, which had music by Ilaiyaraaja.