Mumbai, October 15, 2024 – Superstar Rajinikanth’s latest action thriller, Vettaiyan, has achieved a new milestone by crossing the $28 million mark at the India box office. The film, which hit theaters on October 10, has been on a record-breaking spree since its release, cementing Rajinikanth’s status as one of the biggest box office draws in Indian cinema.
Directed by TJ Gnanavel, known for his hard-hitting social dramas like Jai Bhim, Vettaiyan features Rajinikanth as a maverick police officer who takes on a powerful drug mafia. The film also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, and Manju Warrier in pivotal roles.
A Strong Opening Weekend
Vettaiyan opened to a massive response across India, especially in the southern states where Rajinikanth enjoys a demigod-like status. The film collected Rs 31.7 crore on its opening day, making it the second-highest opener of 2024 after Vijay’s The Greatest of All Time.
The positive word of mouth and the festive season of Dussehra helped Vettaiyan maintain its momentum over the weekend. The film earned Rs 24 crore on Friday, Rs 26.5 crore on Saturday, and Rs 22.3 crore on Sunday, taking its four-day total to a whopping Rs 104.5 crore.
Rajinikanth’s Star Power
Vettaiyan’s success is a testament to Rajinikanth’s unparalleled star power and his ability to draw audiences to theaters in large numbers. The 72-year-old actor, who made his debut in 1975, has been a dominant force in Tamil cinema for over four decades.
Rajinikanth’s last few films, including Annaatthe (2021) and Jailer (2023), have all been massive hits, proving that his popularity remains undiminished. With Vettaiyan, he has once again shown that he is the undisputed king of the box office.
Critical Acclaim
Apart from its commercial success, Vettaiyan has also received praise from critics for its gripping storyline, powerful performances, and technical finesse. Rajinikanth’s portrayal of a no-nonsense cop has been hailed as one of his best in recent years.
Amitabh Bachchan, who plays a judge in the film, has also received acclaim for his commanding presence. The scenes featuring Rajinikanth and Bachchan together have been highlighted as the film’s major highlights.
Director TJ Gnanavel has been lauded for tackling the sensitive issue of encounter killings and police brutality with nuance and sensitivity. The film’s commentary on the Indian education system has also struck a chord with audiences.
Overseas Success
Vettaiyan has also performed exceptionally well in overseas markets, especially in countries with a large Tamil diaspora. The film has grossed over $2.5 million in North America, making it one of the highest-grossing Tamil films in the region.
In the United Kingdom, Vettaiyan has collected over £500,000, while in Australia, it has crossed the A$1 million mark. The film’s success in these markets underscores Rajinikanth’s global appeal and the growing popularity of Indian cinema abroad.
The Road Ahead
With its strong opening and positive word of mouth, Vettaiyan is expected to continue its impressive run at the box office in the coming weeks. The film faces little competition in the next few weeks, with no major releases lined up.
However, the film’s performance in the weekdays will be crucial in determining its final box office tally. Vettaiyan witnessed a significant drop on its first Monday, earning only Rs 5.25 crore. The film will need to maintain steady numbers throughout the week to cross the coveted Rs 200 crore mark.
The film’s performance may also be affected by the heavy rainfall predicted in Tamil Nadu in the coming days. With the state government advising IT companies to implement work from home, footfalls in theaters are likely to be impacted.
Despite these challenges, trade analysts are confident that Vettaiyan will emerge as one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time. The film has already surpassed the lifetime collections of several recent blockbusters and is on track to enter the prestigious Rs 300 crore club.
Conclusion
Vettaiyan’s box office success is a clear indication of Rajinikanth’s enduring stardom and the immense love and loyalty he commands from his fans. The film’s gripping storyline, powerful performances, and technical finesse have also contributed to its success.
As Vettaiyan continues its dream run at the box office, it has once again proved that Rajinikanth is the undisputed king of Tamil cinema. With his upcoming projects like Lal Salaam and Jailer 2 generating immense buzz, it is clear that the Rajinikanth phenomenon is far from over.
