Which Tamil film will you watch this Pongal?

This Pongal festival will see the release of just three films, after GV Prakash's Bruce Lee backed out of the race due to lack of screens.

Vijay's Bairavaa, which is making all the right noises, is all set to release across 55 countries in a record number of screens.

But it will face stiff competition from talented actor Vijay Sethupathi's Puriyadha Pudhir and noted director R Parthiepan's Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga.

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Bairavaa
Director:  Bharathan
Cast: Vijay, Keerthy Suresh, Sathish, Jagapathi Babu

Bharathan's Bairavaa marks Vijay's 60th film and is bankrolled by the prestigious Vijaya Productions banner.

The teaser created a sensation with its power-packed dialogues and high octane stunts. 

Music by Santhosh Narayanan, especially the Varlaam Vaarlam Vaa Bairavaa number, has become a rage.

The film will see Vijay team up with Malayalam actress Keerthy Suresh for the first time, supported by Thambi Ramaiah, Sathish, Daniel Balaji and Telugu actor Jagapathi Babu.

Vijay's previous film Theri was one of the biggest grossers of 2016 and expectations have skyrocketed for Bairavaa.

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Puriyadha Pudhir
Director:  Ranjit Jeyakodi
Cast:  Vijay Sethupathi and Gayathrie

Vijay Sethupathi had six releases in 2016 and is expected to rock this year as well with an interesting lineup of films. 

The actor starts the year with a psychological thriller titled Puriyadha Pudhir, directed by newcomer Ranjit Jeyakodi. 

Gayathrie, who worked with Vijay Sethupathi in the cult comedy Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, plays the female lead. The others in the cast include Ramesh Thilak, Arjunan and Sonia Deepti. 

The film has music by Sam CS.

With Vijay Sethupathi's increasingly loyal fan base, one can definitely expect Puriyadha Pudhir to give Vijay's Bairavaa a run for its money.

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Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga
Director: R Parthiepan
Cast:  Shanthanu Bhagyaraj, Parvathy Nair, Parthiepan, Thambi Ramaiah

Director Parthiepan, who is known for his National award-winning films like Pudhiya Paadhai and Housefull, is back with a comedy thriller called Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga.

The film features veteran director Bhagyaraj's son Shanthanu and Parvatii Nair. 

Director Parthiepan himself plays a significant role, along with Thambi Ramaiah and actress Simran in a cameo.

The last few years have seen Parthiepan more in front of the camera with superhit films like Naanum Rowdydhaan and Mass.

His last directorial was the critically acclaimed Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam in 2014.