Rajinikanth’s latest film, Vettaiyan, released on October 10, 2024, has garnered mixed responses from audiences and critics alike. Despite a record-breaking opening weekend, crossing the ₹100 crore mark within just four days, the film’s box office performance has since experienced a decline, with total earnings hovering around ₹135.93 to ₹136.03 crore net in India by Day 11. The film’s performance raises questions about the shifting dynamics in the Indian film industry, particularly for high-budget projects featuring iconic stars.
Day-Wise Box Office Collection
- Day 1 (October 10): ₹31.7 crore
- Day 2 (October 11): ₹28.5 crore
- Day 3 (October 12): ₹25 crore
- Day 4 (October 13): ₹15 crore
- Day 5 (October 14): ₹10 crore
- Day 6 (October 15): ₹8 crore
- Day 7 (October 16): ₹6 crore
- Day 8 (October 17): ₹5.5 crore
- Day 9 (October 18): ₹5 crore
- Day 10 (October 19): ₹4.75 crore
- Day 11 (October 20): ₹5.05 – ₹5.15 crore
This brings the total collection to approximately ₹135.93 to ₹136.03 crore net across all languages during the first eleven days.
Second Weekend Performance
In its second weekend, Vettaiyan managed to earn around ₹12.25 to ₹12.35 crore, demonstrating a modest recovery from the previous week’s dramatic drops. The film’s collections on the second Friday stood at approximately ₹2.70 crore, with a notable rebound of 66.66% on Saturday, contributing ₹4.50 crore to the total. However, the uptick prompts further inquiry into the film’s staying power in theaters.
Occupancy Rates and Audience Reception
On the second Sunday, the film observed an occupancy rate of around 30.1% in Tamil theaters. The day’s occupancy was broken down as follows: morning shows at 19.9%, afternoon shows at 36.25%, evening shows at 40.22%, and night shows at 24.04%. Meanwhile, Telugu screenings reported an occupancy of 19.21%, and screenings in Hindi fared poorly at 12.49%. The narrative of Vettaiyan revolves around a government school teacher who unearths a drug scandal, unmasking layers of crime, with Rajinikanth supported by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan portraying Justice Sathyadev Bramhadutt Pande from the National Human Rights Commission.
Financial Discussions Amid Underperformance
Given the film’s lackluster box office performance, it is reported that Rajinikanth is in discussions with the production team regarding potential financial rectifications. There are talks about possibly adjusting his fee for future projects or considering alternative strategies to offset losses attributed to Vettaiyan. Such negotiations reflect broader industry trends where even top-tier actors are impacted by market fluctuations.
Conclusion
Though Vettaiyan began with a promising box office trajectory, its ongoing struggles illustrate the volatility inherent in the film industry today, particularly for blockbuster productions. While reaching the ₹150 crore mark seems plausible, higher targets like ₹175 crore or even ₹200 crore could prove elusive. Industry analysts will continue to monitor the film’s performance in cinemas, paying close attention to its impact on future endeavors involving Rajinikanth and the associated production team.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as financial advice or future box office projections. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research or consult industry experts for more insights.