It’s double dhamaka for Tamil Nadu distributors and theatre owners

There has been a severe drought of good films especially during festive seasons for quite a few years now. Both these films have broken the jinx and put a smile on faces of producers, distributors and theatre owners. Tiruppur Subramaniam, President of Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association and a leading distributor says, “Finally, we can breathe. Petta and Viswasam have given us the business we were looking for, since October. It has been a minimum of five years since a commercially viable film released on Pongal.” There was a talk in K-town that the release of two big films on the same day will hamper the business of one another.

However, Subramaniam clarifies, “It is a pure misconception. Both films have strong content packed with powerful performances from stars like Rajinikanth and Ajith. People have flocked to the theatres like never before. This shows that more than one big film with a good storyline can release and still emerge successful on a festive day.” Producer Dhananjayan seconds him and says, “Deepavali and Pongal holidays always bring in large theatre going audience for new films, which benefits them. This year, it’s an unusual 11 days of Pongal break with two weekends supporting new films. With both Petta and Viswasam getting positive word of mouth, they are doing very well across Tamil Nadu.

Trade estimates that both films will rake in 100 crore each gross collection in two weeks thus giving a good opening for the new year 2019. Both the films of top artistes have brought in cheer to audience, exhibitors, distributors and Producers, which is a good sign of confidence to the industry. However, we must remember that the two films belong to top Artistes of the industry and hence their films will do even if they are released on regular days. Release on Pongal holidays gave them added impetus.”  Trade analyst Ramesh Bala says that while Petta has already entered 100-crore club, Viswasam will reach the mark this week. “Petta’s worldwide gross has crossed Rs 100 crore till date.

As Viswasam’s overseas performances is not on a par with its Indian theatrical run, Ajith’s film has collected Rs 80 crore so far.” 

With no film releases for the next 10 days, these films are set to have a strong theatrical run. Apart from Petta and Viswasam, STR’s Vandha Naan Rajava Dhaan Varuven and RJ Balaji’s LKG were also aiming for a release. However, constraint in screen allocations and production delays, forced makers to postpone the release. “The situation was such that another above average film could have easily released along with Petta and Viswasam and still could have succeeded.  The audience needs content. It would’ve been tough for everybody only if four or more films release on festive occasions,” says SR Prabhu, treasurer of Tamil Nadu Film Producers’ Council.

When asked will there be another clash like December 21, where as many as five films released on the same day, he replies, “The next release is on January 21. We have been looking at all possibilities to avoid clashes and a decision will be made in the first week of February to regulate film releases.”