Vettaiyan Box Office Collection Day 1: Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan’s Film Off to a Strong Start

Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan’s highly anticipated film Vettaiyan has made a significant impact at the box office on its opening day, October 10, 2024. The action drama, directed by TJ Gnanavel, features a star-studded cast that includes Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, and Manju Warrier. With fans eagerly awaiting this collaboration between two of Indian cinema’s biggest icons, Vettaiyan opened to enthusiastic responses from audiences across the country.

The film has reportedly earned around ₹22.86 crore on its first day, making it one of the biggest Tamil openers of the year, trailing only behind Jailer, which collected ₹26 crore on its debut. The excitement surrounding Vettaiyan was palpable, with theaters across India seeing packed houses as fans celebrated the return of Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan to the big screen together after 33 years. Their last collaboration was in the 1991 film Hum.

Opening Day Highlights

• Box Office Performance: By 10 AM on its release day, Vettaiyan had already grossed ₹5 crore in India. The film’s early screenings included special morning shows and premieres in the USA, contributing to its robust opening.
• Fan Celebrations: Fans of Rajinikanth showed immense enthusiasm, with many gathering at theaters as early as the night before the release. The atmosphere was festive, featuring massive cutouts, fireworks, and jubilant celebrations as fans cheered for their idol.
• Critical Reception: While the film has received mixed reviews from critics—some praising its entertainment value while others noted its predictable storyline—audiences have been largely supportive. Social media is filled with positive reactions from fans who are enjoying the film’s first half.

Cast and Crew Insights

Director TJ Gnanavel aimed to blend commercial elements with a narrative that critiques extrajudicial killings—a topic he previously explored in his acclaimed film Jai Bhim. In Vettaiyan, Rajinikanth plays a cop named Athiyan who is involved in controversial police encounters. Amitabh Bachchan portrays Judge Satyadev, who opposes these violent methods. This dynamic creates a compelling tension between the two characters.

Rajinikanth expressed admiration for Amitabh during promotional events, calling him a role model and highlighting their mutual respect within the industry. The chemistry between these two legends is expected to be one of the film’s highlights.

Audience Reactions

Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement about Vettaiyan. Many have shared videos from theaters showcasing their reactions during key scenes. Comments like “I thought #Jailer had the best screenplay for first half, but my goodness #Vettaiyan” reflect the high expectations and satisfaction among viewers.

Technical Aspects

The film’s music, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, has also garnered praise. His score adds depth to crucial moments in the film and enhances the overall viewing experience. Critics have noted that while the screenplay may falter in parts, the technical execution—especially in terms of sound design—remains strong.

Movie Overview

Vettaiyan follows the story of Athiyan (played by Rajinikanth), a retired police officer who takes justice into his own hands. The plot thickens when he encounters Sharanya (Dushara Vijayan), a school teacher who stands against injustice but meets a tragic fate. This event propels Athiyan into a quest for truth and justice, leading to intense confrontations with various characters, including Nataraj (Rana Daggubati) and a morally ambiguous Amitabh Bachchan character.

Cast and Crew

• Director: T.J. Gnanavel
• Producers: Subaskaran Allirajah
• Music: Anirudh Ravichander
• Cinematography: S.R. Kathir
• Editor: Philomin Raj

Main Cast:

• Rajinikanth as Athiyan
• Amitabh Bachchan
• Fahadh Faasil
• Rana Daggubati
• Manju Warrier
• Ritika Singh
• Dushara Vijayan

Box Office Performance

As of the release day, Vettaiyan has reportedly collected around ₹9 crore at the box office. Early reviews indicate a strong opening, with many fans expressing their enthusiasm for Rajinikanth’s performance and the film’s engaging first half.

Reviews and Reception

Initial reactions from viewers have been mixed. While many fans are thrilled with Rajinikanth’s portrayal and the film’s action sequences, some have expressed disappointment with the pacing and structure of the second half. Critics have rated the film around 2.75 out of 5 stars, praising its emotional depth but noting that certain scenes felt prolonged.

Positive Aspects:

• Rajinikanth’s Performance: His charisma and action sequences are highlights.
• Strong Supporting Cast: Amitabh Bachchan and Rana Daggubati add depth to their roles.
• Music Score: Anirudh Ravichander’s background score enhances the cinematic experience.

Criticisms:

• Pacing Issues: Some viewers found the second half lacking in intensity.
• Character Development: Certain characters could have been better fleshed out for more impact.

Ticket Booking and Showtimes

Tickets for Vettaiyan can be booked through various platforms like BookMyShow and Paytm. The film is showing in major cities including Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Fans are encouraged to check local listings for specific showtimes.

Trailer and Promotional Content

The film’s trailer has garnered significant attention online, showcasing thrilling action sequences and dramatic moments that set the tone for the movie. Social media buzz includes fan tributes and reactions to early screenings.

Merchandise and Online Availability

Fans can find Vettaiyan merchandise online, including posters, apparel, and collectibles related to the film. Additionally, streaming options will likely be announced post-theatrical release.

Future Projections

Given its strong opening day performance and fanfare, Vettaiyan is poised to continue drawing audiences throughout its initial weeks in theaters. Industry experts predict that if it maintains momentum, it could surpass previous records set by other Tamil films released this year.

As more viewers flock to theaters to witness this cinematic event featuring two of India’s most beloved stars, Vettaiyan is shaping up to be a significant entry in both Rajinikanth’s and Amitabh Bachchan’s illustrious careers.