Vijay Sethupathi’s Maharaja hits Rs 100cr milestone, reviving Tamil cinema’s box office fortunes

In an explosive turnaround for the Tamil film industry, “Maharaja” has become the first Tamil movie of the year to smash through the Rs 100 crore mark at the global box office. Starring the versatile Vijay Sethupathi, this film has injected a much-needed vigor back into the Tamil cinema, which has seen its fair share of struggles in the box office earlier this year. According to the trade website sacnilk, “Maharaja” raked in about Rs 76 crore in India and an impressive Rs 24 crore overseas, totaling a gross of Rs 100 crore worldwide in just its third weekend.

The film not only achieved this landmark but also overtook “Aranmanai 4” to become the top-grossing Tamil film of the year worldwide. While “Aranmanai 4,” a horror-comedy, concluded its global theatrical run at Rs 99 crore, “Maharaja” is projected to amass approximately Rs 105 crore by the end of its cinematic journey. This milestone is particularly significant in a year dominated by the colossal success of “Kalki 2898 AD,” which features stars like Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone, and has grossed over Rs 600 crore globally in just five days.

Despite the overwhelming success of “Kalki 2898 AD,” “Maharaja” has carved out its niche, demonstrating resilience and appeal amidst stiff competition. “Kalki 2898 AD” has been a juggernaut, especially overseas and in the domestic market where it has collected Rs 343 crore nett, showing a robust hold at the box office. However, “Maharaja” continues to draw audiences, highlighting the diverse tastes and preferences of movie-goers.

The second half of 2024 looks promising for Tamil cinema with several potential hits lined up. This resurgence is a breath of fresh air after a tepid first half, where only a few films like “Garudan” and the re-release of Thalapathy Vijay’s “Ghilli” managed to create any significant buzz. Industry insiders are optimistic, foreseeing a wave of high-quality releases that could sustain and enhance the momentum gained by “Maharaja.”

The success of “Maharaja” represents a significant beacon of hope for Tamil cinema. It not only underscores the industry’s capacity to rebound but also the enduring star power of Vijay Sethupathi. Moreover, the film’s performance is a testament to the growing global appetite for diverse cinematic narratives, transcending regional and cultural boundaries.