2024 has proven to be a year full of surprises and contradictions for South Indian cinema. While many low-budget films, often relying on word-of-mouth and organic audience engagement, have gone on to become massive commercial successes, some of the most highly anticipated releases, fueled by star power, hefty budgets, and intense marketing campaigns, have disappointed both critics and audiences alike. Films like Premalu, Manjumel Boys, Ka, Vaazhai, and Meiyazhagan were released with relatively little fanfare but ended up taking the box office by storm due to their compelling storytelling and solid performances. In contrast, several big-budget, high-profile films simply couldn’t live up to the enormous expectations that had been built around them.
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the films that promised so much but ultimately left audiences feeling let down. Despite the immense hype, these films failed to make the mark in terms of content, execution, or both. Let’s take a closer look at some of the films that couldn’t live up to the colossal expectations set for them in 2024.
Indian 2: A Sequel that Fell Flat
One of the most anticipated films of the year, Indian 2, was expected to carry forward the legacy of the iconic Indian (1996), a landmark film in Tamil cinema, helmed by director Shankar and starring Kamal Haasan. The original Indian addressed corruption in India with sharp social commentary and a gripping narrative, and its influence is still felt today. When it was announced that Shankar and Haasan would reunite for a sequel, fans were overjoyed, expecting the same level of intensity and relevance.
However, Indian 2 quickly became one of the most disappointing releases of 2024. The film felt more like a scattered collection of random thoughts on corruption rather than a cohesive, thought-provoking narrative. The script, which had the potential for a powerful commentary on the state of corruption in India, failed to come together effectively. The dialogues, while well-meaning, became repetitive and tiresome, and the pacing of the film dragged. The overuse of bizarre elements, such as a YouTube parody group called ‘Barking Dogs,’ felt completely out of place in a movie that tried to address serious issues. Kamal Haasan’s performance was earnest, but the dubbing choices and the disconnected nature of his character’s motivations left a lot to be desired. The only redeeming factor was the teaser for Indian 3 that played during the end credits, leaving fans wondering if the next installment might be able to rectify the missteps of its predecessor.
Kanguva: A Grand Idea Lost in Execution
Kanguva, directed by Siva and starring Suriya, was another highly anticipated film of 2024 that ultimately failed to deliver on its promise. With a sprawling narrative set in an imaginary world, featuring five clans, two timelines, and themes of betrayal, prophecy, and forgiveness, Kanguva had the makings of an epic. The film was marketed as a visual extravaganza, and early teasers promised spectacular action sequences and stunning world-building.
Unfortunately, the film’s ambitious scope quickly became its downfall. The parallel timelines, one set in the present day with Suriya as a bounty hunter and another set in the past with him as a tribal prince, lacked the necessary cohesion. The two timelines never truly merged in a way that made sense, leaving audiences confused and disengaged. The film’s pacing was inconsistent, and while the action sequences were visually impressive, they felt disconnected from the overall narrative. Suriya’s earnest performance couldn’t save the film, and Bobby Deol’s role as the antagonist was underwritten and lacked the impact that such a role demanded. The film’s heavy reliance on loud, over-the-top dialogue and a bombastic background score only added to its tonal confusion. What should have been a gripping epic ended up feeling like a missed opportunity.
Double iSmart: A Sequel That Lost its Charm
The iSmart Shankar franchise was one of the surprise hits of its year, with its bold narrative, crass humor, and high-octane action sequences. Given its commercial success, it was no surprise that a sequel was quickly greenlit. However, Double iSmart, directed by Puri Jagannadh, failed to capture the same magic as its predecessor.
While the first film was a fun ride with its unique narrative and energetic performances, the sequel felt more like a tired retread of old ideas. The plot, which centers around Shankar (Ram Pothineni) whose memory is transferred to aid a drug cartel, was convoluted and far-fetched. The film relied heavily on loud dialogues and crass humor, both of which detracted from the story. While Pothineni gave a solid performance, the rest of the film faltered in every department. Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of the antagonist felt uninspired, and the film’s comedic sequences, particularly the ones involving supporting characters like Ali, were too over-the-top and often felt out of place. The film ultimately begged the question: Was a sequel really necessary, or was it simply an attempt to capitalize on the success of the original?
Malaikottai Vaaliban: A Visual Feast Without Substance
Mohanlal’s Malaikottai Vaaliban was expected to be a visual spectacle, especially with its talented director, Lijo Jose Pellissery, known for his innovative filmmaking style. The film’s premise, focusing on an undefeated warrior named Vaaliban, suggested that audiences were in for an action-packed, visually stunning experience. The film’s action sequences and cinematography indeed lived up to expectations, but that was where the positives ended.
The narrative, however, was a different story. The pacing was uneven, with the first half of the film dragging as Vaaliban moved from one villain to the next without any real progression in the plot. While the second half did pick up in terms of action, it still struggled to tie the events together in a meaningful way. The film’s over-reliance on superhero-like action sequences, while visually impressive, took away from the impact of the storytelling. Mohanlal’s performance was solid, and Danish Sait as the adversary was a welcome addition, but the film struggled to blend its historical and action elements. The resulting confusion left audiences with more questions than answers.
High Hopes, Unfulfilled Promises
These films were expected to be major game-changers for the South Indian film industry in 2024. They had all the ingredients for success—big budgets, star power, talented filmmakers, and compelling premises. However, despite these advantages, they ultimately failed to meet the high expectations set for them. Their disappointing performances at the box office highlight the fact that a strong marketing campaign or an established star cast is not always enough to guarantee success.
The failure of these films also serves as a reminder that good storytelling, engaging characters, and well-crafted narratives should always be the cornerstone of any film. As we look toward 2025, the South Indian film industry will likely focus on creating content that resonates more with audiences on an emotional and intellectual level, rather than relying solely on hype, spectacle, or star power. The unpredictability of this year has shown that in the ever-changing landscape of cinema, the most unassuming films often end up making the biggest impact.
