Kadaisi Ulaga Por is a Tamil-language sci-fi action thriller directed by Hiphop Tamizha Adhi, released on September 20, 2024. Set against the backdrop of a global geopolitical crisis, the film explores themes of survival and conflict, marking a bold entry into the Tamil sci-fi genre. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Hiphop Tamizha Adhi himself, along with Nassar and Anagha. As the film completes its first week, we examine its box office performance and evaluate whether it can be considered a hit or flop.
Budget
Kadaisi Ulaga Por was produced on an estimated budget of ₹20 crore. Given the ambitious scope of the film, which involves futuristic themes and high-octane action sequences, the production costs were significantly higher than average Tamil films, particularly due to special effects and extensive post-production work.
Box Office Collection Day 7 Worldwide
In its first week, Kadaisi Ulaga Por collected approximately ₹7.25 crore worldwide. The film saw a relatively strong opening on Day 1, grossing ₹0.50 crore domestically. However, while the film did well over its first weekend, bringing in close to ₹3 crore, its performance dropped significantly during weekdays, accumulating a modest ₹7.25 crore by the end of Day 7.
The film’s international performance, particularly in key Tamil-speaking regions such as Singapore, Malaysia, and the Gulf, contributed around ₹2 crore to the total, adding to its global earnings. Despite these efforts, the movie has struggled to pick up steam beyond its core Tamil audience.
| Day | India Net (₹ Cr) | Overseas (₹ Cr) | Worldwide Total (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 0.50 | 0.10 | 0.60 |
| Day 2 | 0.80 | 0.25 | 1.05 |
| Day 3 | 0.90 | 0.35 | 1.25 |
| Day 4 | 0.30 | 0.15 | 0.45 |
| Day 5 | 0.40 | 0.10 | 0.50 |
| Day 6 | 0.35 | 0.10 | 0.45 |
| Day 7 | 0.25 | 0.10 | 0.35 |
| Total | 3.50 | 1.15 | 7.25 |
Hit or Flop Verdict
With a budget of ₹20 crore, Kadaisi Ulaga Por needed to earn at least ₹30-35 crore to break even and be considered a commercial success. As of Day 7, the film’s collection of ₹7.25 crore worldwide places it far from the hit mark. Although it showed some promise during its opening weekend, the sharp decline in weekday collections suggests that the film is struggling to sustain audience interest.
The film’s niche appeal, with its sci-fi and action-heavy themes, seems to have limited its reach beyond its core audience. Moreover, competition from other regional and Bollywood films released around the same time has further hampered its box office potential.
Reasons for Underperformance
One of the main reasons for the film’s moderate box office performance could be its genre. Sci-fi thrillers are still a relatively niche market in Tamil cinema, and Kadaisi Ulaga Por’s storyline, while ambitious, may not have connected with mainstream audiences who prefer more traditional action or family dramas.
Additionally, the film’s marketing did not create enough buzz to attract non-fans of Hiphop Tamizha Adhi, limiting its broader appeal. While Adhi’s directorial skills and music composition have been appreciated, the overall execution of the film’s story received mixed reviews, which may have further dampened its prospects.
Audience Reception
Critics and audiences have provided mixed reviews for Kadaisi Ulaga Por. While some praised the film’s ambition and Hiphop Tamizha Adhi’s performance, many felt that the narrative was disjointed and lacked the emotional depth necessary to truly engage viewers. The film’s pace and script inconsistencies also contributed to its inability to maintain strong box office momentum.
Future Outlook
With only ₹7.25 crore collected worldwide by Day 7, Kadaisi Ulaga Por is unlikely to recover its production costs through theatrical runs alone. However, its performance on OTT platforms could provide a potential boost. Sci-fi films tend to attract niche audiences on digital platforms, which could help the film reach more viewers and improve its financial standing post-theatrical release.
Conclusion
Kadaisi Ulaga Por had all the elements for a unique Tamil sci-fi experience but fell short of expectations at the box office. With a worldwide collection of ₹7.25 crore after its first week, the film still has a long way to go before being classified as a hit. As it stands, the film is currently a box office disappointment, though its fate may improve with time and digital releases.
