(This article is authored by Alar) 

For the first time in eight years, the Tamil cinema industry will most likely witness the clash of giants during Pongal 2023. While Vijay's 'Varisu' will hit the big screens during Pongal, Ajith's untitled 'AK 61' is also targeting the same occasion, which will draw down to what would be another event of fervent rivalry, not between the actors but between their fans.

Several times in the past, when the Kollywood big stars' films clashed at the box office, the rivalry between the fans of Tamil film actors Thalapathy Vijay and Ajith Kumar was put to the test. Eight years ago, at Pongal 2014, Vijay's Jilla and Ajith's Veeram engaged in combat and that was the last clash. Since that time, the movies of both the stars have been evading the clash and are getting released on various occasions.

After a long hiatus, the time has seemingly come for the giants to meet for yet another time. As per the speculations, their movies will square off in the theatres during Pongal 2023. While Varisu is already locked and loaded for the Pongal release, Ajith's AK61 is left swinging for the official release date as the makers are tight-lipped about updates of the movie and they are yet to unveil the first look and title. 

According to recent reports on social media, the AK61 crew planned a 21-day shoot in Bangkok that will officially wind up by the end of September. Earlier, it was buzzed that AK61 would get released during Diwali 2022. However, the no-promising update from the camp had deferred the release and it has now been reported that AK61 will also be targeting the 2023 Pongal release. 

Fans have already started pestering the makers on social media for updates on the movie. It's worth flipping the pages of the past to check the previous battles of Ajith and Vijay during the same time. From Coimbatore Maapillai - Vaanmathi in Pongal 1996, Poove Unakkaga - Kalluri Vaasal in the same year 1996, Kadhalukku Mariyadhai - Rettai Jadai Vayasu in 1997, Unnai Thedi - Thulladha Manamum Thullum in 1999, Friends - Dheena in 2001, Bagavathi - Villain in 2002, Thirumalai - Anjaneya in 2003, Aadhi - Paramasivan in 2006, Pokkiri - Aalwar in 2007 to Jilla - Veeram in 2014.