Superstar Rajinikanth’s latest film Vettaiyan is having a phenomenal run at the box office, crossing the coveted ₹240 crore mark worldwide in just four days. The action drama, which marks Rajinikanth’s reunion with Amitabh Bachchan after three decades, earned ₹240 crore globally in its extended opening weekend, with ₹104.8 crore coming from India alone.
Vettaiyan vs. GOAT: Battling for Top Spot
While Vettaiyan has firmly captured the second place among the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2024 so far, it still trails behind Vijay’s Greatest of All Time (GOAT). Vettaiyan clocked in ₹30 crore nett on its opening day in India, compared to GOAT’s ₹43 crore.
It is impossible for Vettaiyan to beat GOAT collections. Even for Coolie it is difficult- commented Vettri Theatres, Rakesh Gowthaman.
Dussehra Holiday Boosts Collections
The film greatly benefited from the extended Dussehra holiday period. It registered ticket sales of 384,470 on Day 3, which dropped to 222,000 on Day 4. The weekday performance will be crucial in determining its ultimate box office fate.
“Vettaiyan is a brave attempt to do something the moral compasses of Tamil cinema have long been wishing for, and it’s arguably one of the best Rajinikanth films since Kaala,” says film critic Bhuvanesh Chandar.
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Rajinikanth’s Track Record Remains Strong
Vettaiyan is Rajinikanth’s seventh film to cross the ₹200 crore mark worldwide, continuing his streak of box office hits. His reunion with Amitabh Bachchan, 30 years after their previous collaboration in the Hindi film Hum, has been a major draw for audiences.
However, with an estimated budget of ₹200 crore, the film will need to maintain its strong performance to be profitable. The satellite and digital rights have reportedly been sold for more than ₹170 crore, which should help offset some of the costs.
Impact on the Tamil Film Industry
Vettaiyan’s success is a positive sign for the Tamil film industry, which has been impacted by the pandemic and shifting audience preferences. It shows that star-driven commercial entertainers still have a significant draws, especially during holiday periods.
Experts predicted that the film’s performance could influence release strategies for upcoming big-budget Tamil films: “Studios may look at holiday windows more closely now and also explore wider multi-language releases given Vettaiyan’s success across markets.”
The Sustainability Question
However, some industry watchers have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of such big-budget star vehicles. With production costs soaring and box office rebounds still uncertain, there are questions about the viability of this model in the post-pandemic era.
Vettaiyan cinematographer Kathir, “We don’t want to overblow the balloon and risk it burst. We want them to have surprises with the content . Our strategy worked.”
Vettaiyan’s box office triumph is a celebration for Rajinikanth fans and a short-term boost for the Tamil film industry. But it also highlights the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead as filmmakers, studios and artists navigate the evolving cinematic landscape. A more balanced, diversified approach, with a mix of big-ticket films and smaller, innovative projects, maybe the safest path forward to ensure a thriving and sustainable Tamil cinema.
