Released on July 25, Thalaivan Thalaivii, a rustic family drama starring Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen, has turned out to be a box office sensation. Directed by Pandiraj and produced by Sathya Jyothi Films, the film struck a chord with audiences across Tamil Nadu—particularly in the B & C centers, which were traditionally Sivakarthikeyan strongholds.
As of Day 6, the film has grossed over ₹30.9 crore in India and ₹10 crore overseas. After an explosive start that saw ₹25 crore collected in its first three days, the film did see a minor weekday dip but is expected to surge again over the weekend.
Reaching Beyond the City Limits
While Vijay Sethupathi is known for his eclectic film choices, Thalaivan Thalaivii has redefined his box office potential, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 regions. Trade experts note that the film’s rural flavor, comedy, and relatable emotional core have helped it outperform even some urban-centric films.
In fact, insiders suggest this could be the first Vijay Sethupathi film to rival the likes of Rajini Murugan or Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam in smaller towns—a territory where Sivakarthikeyan has traditionally dominated.
From Rejections to Redemption: The Film’s Troubled Path to Production
Interestingly, Thalaivan Thalaivii wasn’t an easy film to get off the ground. The script reportedly went through multiple production houses—7 Screen Studios, Shakti Film Factory, Studio Green, and even actor Jayam Ravi’s in-laws—before finally being greenlit by Sathya Jyothi Films.
The irony? All those who passed on the project are now reportedly regretting their decision, as the film’s box office momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
Promotion, Music & Word-of-Mouth
A key promotional pillar for the film was its hit song Pottala Muttaiye, which went viral even before the movie’s release, garnering millions of views on YouTube. This viral success converted directly to footfalls in theatres, especially among family audiences.
Despite some criticism for its melodramatic tone and shout-heavy performances, the film has largely received positive word-of-mouth, particularly for its grounded portrayal of post-marital dynamics.
The Comeback of Pandiraj & the Rise of a New Pairing
For director Pandiraj, Thalaivan Thalaivii marks a triumphant return after three years without a release since Etharkkum Thunindhavan. The film also celebrates the on-screen reunion of Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen after their collaboration in the Malayalam film 19(1)(a).
Rumors are now rife that the duo—Pandiraj and Sethupathi—are set to team up again soon, possibly for a project with Lyca Productions, for which Sethupathi has already received an advance. An official announcement is expected shortly.
Casting What-Ifs: Was Ravi Mohan the Original Choice?
One of the more intriguing behind-the-scenes revelations is that Pandiraj initially considered actor Ravi Mohan for the lead role before finalizing Vijay Sethupathi. Fans speculate that the earlier reports of Ravi-Pandiraj collaborations might have been tied to this very script.
Whether intentional or not, Sethupathi’s casting has proved to be a masterstroke—his nuanced performance as Aakash Veeran has earned him both critical and commercial applause.
The Road Ahead for Vijay Sethupathi
Having recently tasted success with Maharaja and rebounded from the underperformance of ACE, Vijay Sethupathi’s career graph is on the rise again. He is currently shooting for Puri Jagannadh’s next and Maharaja 2 with Nithilan Swaminathan. He’s also expected to headline another project directed by Pandiraj, along with a web series by Manikandan and the much-anticipated Train by Mysskin.
Beyond Tamil Nadu: Telugu Release as ‘Sir Madam’
With the Tamil version creating waves, Thalaivan Thalaivii is set to release in Telugu as Sir Madam. Given Sethupathi’s pan-Indian appeal, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, trade experts predict a strong run in the Telugu belt as well.
Thalaivan Thalaivii is more than just a commercial success—it’s a statement. It signals the return of Pandiraj, the resurgence of Vijay Sethupathi in mass markets, and the viability of emotional family dramas at the box office. Whether this marks a turning point in Sethupathi’s mainstream career remains to be seen, but for now, Thalaivan Thalaivii has proved one thing loud and clear: the People’s Actor is back in business.
