Tamil cinema's latest offering, Maharaja, starring Vijay Sethupathi, has taken the box office by storm, becoming the first HIT film of the year for the industry. The film's opening weekend collections have solidified its success, with an impressive gross of Rs. 25 crore at the Indian box office.
Maharaja's phenomenal start began on Friday with a strong opening of Rs. 5.50 crore. The film's momentum continued to build throughout the weekend, with Saturday and Sunday witnessing significant gains. Sunday's collections surpassed Rs. 10 crore, doubling the film's Friday earnings.
Unlike many recent Tamil films, Maharaja has also performed exceptionally well beyond Tamil Nadu, particularly in the Telugu states. The Telugu dubbed version of the film gained significant traction over the weekend, contributing to the film's success.
A closer look at the regional breakdown reveals that Maharaja has dominated in Tamil Nadu, grossing a substantial Rs. 15 crore in its first three days. This impressive performance places the film fourth among the highest-grossing films of the year in the state, behind Captain Miller, Aranmanai 4, and Garudan.
In the Telugu states, Maharaja has also made a mark, raking in a commendable Rs. 6 crore plus over the weekend. This strong trend is a rare sight in the state, highlighting the film's widespread appeal. Kerala, too, saw a surge in collections over the weekend, despite a modest start.
The territorial breakdown for Maharaja at the Indian box office is as follows:
1. Tamil Nadu: Rs. 15.00 croren2. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Rs. 6.25 croren3. Karnataka: Rs. 2.00 croren4. Kerala: Rs. 1.40 croren5. Rest of India: Rs. 0.35 crorenTotal: Rs. 25.00 crore
With its HIT status secured, Maharaja stands as a beacon of hope for the Tamil film industry, which has faced a dry spell in the first four months of the year. The film's impressive performance is a testament to its engaging storyline, stellar performances, and the audience's eagerness for entertainment.