2023 has not been a great year for the Tamil film industry so far. Despite the high number of movie releases in Kollywood since January, only five films have managed to make an impact at the box office and also make significant profits. Thalapathy Vijay’s Varisu and Ajith Kumar’s Thunivu set the Tamil box office on fire in January, but it has been dull post that.
Director Vetrimaaran’s Viduthalai Part 1 released in March and gave fresh impetus to theatres, as did Vijay Anthony’s Pichaikkaran 2 in May and Vignesh Raja’s Por Thozhil in June. Trade experts said that these were the only five films that made a big profit post release. While Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan was appreciated in Tamil, it did not move into the profit zone, according to film industry insiders.
Por Thozhil, starring Ashok Selvan and Sarath Kumar, was a blockbuster.
Trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai told IndiaToday.in, “It’s the big stars who have delivered for Kollywood so far – Thalapathy Vijay’s Varisu and Ajith Kumar’s Thunivu were big winners at box office. The only hope for the Tamil film industry was kept alive by a small film called Por Thozhil which was made on a Rs 7 crore budget and has grossed more than Rs 20 crore in three weeks. When you look at ROI, Por Thozhil is the biggest hit of 2023 in Kollywood. Pichaikkaran 2 did good business in the Telugu states and was profitable too. This is a clear indication that good content-based films and thrillers have a huge market, especially if the audience likes them.”
Other South film industry trackers also believe that good content is what the audience is looking for since watching movies in theatres has become heavy on the wallet. “Post the Covid pandemic, the audience is coming to theatres only for big star movies or extremely good content. The theatre-going culture has come down in Tamil Nadu and OTT has become the preferred medium of entertainment for most people. Going to theatres has become an expensive proposition now for many,” explained trade analyst Ramesh Bala.
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But Thalapathy Vijay’s Leo and Rajinikanth‘s Jailer will turn the tide for theatres, said film industry insiders. Leo, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has got tremendous buzz and the rights of the film are being sold for enormous prices. Given that Lokesh Kanagaraj has a great track record of films and Vijay has a fantastic market in Tamil Nadu, this movie has all the makings of a blockbuster and will be profitable to all, including distributors and exhibitors.
As for Rajinikanth’s Jailer, the movie is being produced by Sun Pictures and has cameos by stars from other industries like Jackie Shroff, Mohanlal and Shiva Rajukmar. Director Nelson Dilipkumar is the director and this time round, the script seems to have all the makings of an engaging film. The audio launch of the film, which releases on August 10, is expected to be in July.
“As for other South films in the second half of 2023, Salaar is highly-ancipated. If this pan-Indian film doesn’t do well, then it’s a problem not just for Pabhas, but the south bubble will burst as well,” reiterated Sreedhar Pillai.
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Atlee’s film with Shah Rukh Khan, Jawan, is a Bollywood film, but it would have a decent market in Tamil Nadu because of Atlee and Nayanthara’s presence. However, as of now, all eyes are on Thalapathy Vijay’s Leo and October 19 as it is being touted by fans and the audience as the biggest Tamil film of 2023.
