Vettaiyan Struggles at Domestic Box Office, Eyes Rs 230 Crore Worldwide Finish

Vettaiyan Struggles at Domestic Box Office, Eyes Rs 230 Crore Worldwide Finish

Vettaiyan, starring Superstar Rajinikanth, has been generating attention due to its ensemble cast and high expectations, but its box office performance has been underwhelming. Despite featuring prominent actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, and Manju Warrier, the film has struggled to maintain momentum at the box office. After an expected drop in collections on its second Monday, the cop-drama is now in its final phase of its theatrical run.

Vettaiyan’s Box Office Journey: Aiming for Rs 150 Crore in India

Produced by Lyca Productions, Vettaiyan managed to add Rs 10.65 crore during its second weekend, bringing its total domestic box office earnings to Rs 143.55 crore in 12 days. However, it saw a noticeable drop on its second Monday, collecting only Rs 1.25 crore. This has brought its cumulative Indian box office figure to Rs 144.80 crore after nearly two weeks of release. The film is now on track to reach a total of Rs 150 crore at the Indian box office by the end of its theatrical run, marking a respectable yet underwhelming figure given the expectations associated with a Rajinikanth starrer.

Struggles After a Strong Start

Vettaiyan, directed by TJ Gnanavel, initially showed promise, particularly in its first three days when it seemed poised to gross around Rs 150 crore in Tamil Nadu alone. However, after a strong opening weekend, the film’s performance faltered. The lack of sustained audience interest and a significant dip in collections after the first Monday limited its domestic earnings. It is now projected to finish with approximately Rs 95 crore from Tamil Nadu, a number that falls short of expectations for a film headlined by Rajinikanth.

International Success Balances Domestic Disappointment

While Vettaiyan has faced challenges at the domestic box office, its international performance has been more promising. The film has managed to gross Rs 218.25 crore worldwide as of now. With international markets contributing to its earnings, the film is expected to close with a global total between Rs 225 crore and Rs 230 crore. Though these numbers may seem impressive, they pale in comparison to the potential earnings typically associated with Rajinikanth’s films, especially considering the budget and star power behind Vettaiyan.

Despite the challenges, Vettaiyan remains the second-best-performing Kollywood film of the year, just behind Thalapathy Vijay’s The Greatest Of All Time (The GOAT), which has set new benchmarks for the Tamil film industry.

Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown in India

Here’s a closer look at Vettaiyan’s day-wise box office performance in India over its first 12 days:

Plot Overview: Rajinikanth’s Role as a Fearless Cop

Vettaiyan follows the life of SP Athiyan IPS, played by Rajinikanth, a police officer stationed in Kanniyakumari. Known for his fearless approach and reputation as an encounter specialist, Athiyan is feared by criminals and has earned the moniker “Vettaiyan,” meaning “The Hunter.” Alongside his tough professional persona, Athiyan’s personal life includes interactions with Saranya, played by Manju Warrier, a passionate schoolteacher who fights for students’ rights and education.

Amitabh Bachchan plays Supreme Court Justice Sathyadev, a human rights advocate who opposes encounter killings, arguing that not all crimes warrant such drastic measures. The film’s narrative takes a darker turn when circumstances force Athiyan to relocate to Chennai, setting the stage for a dramatic clash between justice, ideology, and the law.

Vettaiyan blends elements of action and drama, focusing on the conflict between Athiyan’s stringent law enforcement methods and Sathyadev’s emphasis on human rights. This tension drives the plot as Athiyan grapples with his own beliefs and the pressures of his professional responsibilities.

Challenges at the Box Office and Critical Reception

Despite the star-studded cast and high expectations, Vettaiyan struggled to attract audiences consistently after its initial burst of enthusiasm. The film’s performance has been hampered by competition, mixed reviews, and the fluctuating post-pandemic box office landscape. Notably, the film’s domestic underperformance contrasts with its better reception in international markets.

Adding to the drama, Karan Johar announced that there would be no pre-release screenings for critics, which has sparked discussions within the industry. Some have speculated that this decision contributed to the film’s mixed critical reception, as reviews were delayed until after its release.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Dharma Productions Projects

While Vettaiyan inches toward the end of its theatrical run, Rajinikanth’s fans and Kollywood enthusiasts are looking forward to what comes next for the superstar. Though Vettaiyan did not achieve the blockbuster status expected, Rajinikanth remains one of India’s most beloved actors, and the film’s international success shows that his appeal extends far beyond the borders of Tamil Nadu.

In conclusion, Vettaiyan may not have lived up to the lofty expectations set by Rajinikanth’s previous films, but it still stands as one of the better performers at the Kollywood box office this year. Its global gross of Rs 225-230 crore underscores Rajinikanth’s enduring star power, even as the domestic box office presents new challenges for filmmakers in the post-pandemic era.