As October 10, 2024, marked the highly anticipated release of Vettaiyan, starring the legendary Rajinikanth alongside Amitabh Bachchan, the clash between two colossal Tamil films—Vettaiyan and The GOAT—took center stage. With both films generating immense pre-release excitement, fans and industry experts have been eagerly following the box office numbers to see which movie emerges victorious in terms of ticket sales and overall box office dominance.
Day 1 Ticket Sales Vettaiyan Scores Big
On its opening day, Vettaiyan generated enormous hype due to the Rajinikanth-Amitabh Bachchan reunion, drawing a massive turnout at theaters across Tamil Nadu and beyond. According to initial reports, Vettaiyan sold tickets worth ₹10.33 crore in advance bookings for its opening day. Chennai, as expected, led the charge with ₹4.33 crore in sales, while other key markets like Bengaluru and Coimbatore followed closely. The advance bookings for Vettaiyan have been impressive, particularly in South India, with Tamil Nadu being its strongest market.
In comparison, The GOAT (The Greatest of All Time), starring Thalapathy Vijay, had released on September 5, 2024, and recorded a phenomenal ₹28.90 crore in ticket sales for its opening day, setting a high benchmark for Vettaiyan to surpass. Despite Vettaiyan’s impressive figures, it still trailed behind The GOAT in terms of total ticket sales on Day 1. However, industry analysts are optimistic that Vettaiyan could close the gap in the days to come, with its stellar cast and strong word-of-mouth reviews working in its favor.
Why Vettaiyan Is Still a Strong Contender
While The GOAT enjoyed a higher opening day, Vettaiyan has been praised for its engaging storyline, larger-than-life performances, and nostalgic appeal, thanks to the pairing of Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan after decades. The film’s advance booking data indicates strong demand, especially in overseas markets like the US and the Middle East, where Rajinikanth continues to have a massive fanbase. For instance, in the US, Vettaiyan raked in $97,000 (approximately ₹80 lakh) in advance bookings across nearly 4,000 tickets sold, reflecting its global appeal.
Another aspect working in favor of Vettaiyan is the festive season of Dussehra, which typically sees higher footfall in cinemas. As the holiday season unfolds, ticket sales are expected to surge further, potentially helping Vettaiyan close the gap with The GOAT. Moreover, the film’s action-packed sequences, emotionally resonant plot, and strong ensemble cast, including notable actors like Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, and Manju Warrier, contribute to its widespread appeal.
Plot and Audience Appeal
Vettaiyan is an action-packed Tamil-language film directed by T.J. Gnanavel and produced by Lyca Productions. The film tells the story of a retired police officer (played by Rajinikanth) who must confront an entrenched system of corruption and crime in order to deliver justice. Amitabh Bachchan, in his Tamil cinema debut, plays a pivotal role in the narrative, adding to the film’s star power. The chemistry between Rajinikanth and Amitabh, coupled with intense action sequences and a meaningful plot, has made Vettaiyan a crowd favorite.
Audiences have lauded the film for its balance between high-stakes action and moments of emotional depth. This dynamic combination has resulted in strong word-of-mouth buzz, with many predicting that Vettaiyan will experience sustained success at the box office in the weeks to come.
Day 1 Box Office Comparison Vettaiyan vs The GOAT
| Film | Day 1 Ticket Sales (₹ Crore) | Top Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Vettaiyan | ₹10.33 crore | Chennai, Bengaluru, Coimbatore |
| The GOAT | ₹28.90 crore | Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore |
While The GOAT has set a formidable record, Vettaiyan has proven itself to be a strong competitor. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Rajinikanth’s film can outpace The GOAT in overall box office performance.
What’s Next?
As Vettaiyan continues its theatrical run, the film is expected to maintain strong ticket sales, especially as it benefits from the Dussehra holiday and positive word of mouth. Analysts predict that while Vettaiyan may not surpass The GOAT in immediate box office sales, its sustained momentum could push it toward becoming one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2024.
Fans of both Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan are eager to see how the film performs in the long run, and with critical acclaim pouring in, it seems that Vettaiyan has the potential to leave a lasting impact on Tamil cinema.
Conclusion
While Vettaiyan may not have surpassed The GOAT in terms of opening day ticket sales, the film’s strong performance, particularly in Tamil Nadu, reflects its enduring appeal. As both films continue to dominate theaters, it will be interesting to see how the box office race unfolds in the days and weeks ahead. For now, the battle between Vettaiyan and The GOAT remains fierce, with Rajinikanth’s latest venture well-positioned to challenge its rival in the long run
