Ajith Kumar's much-anticipated film, Vidaamuyarchi, opened to impressive numbers at the domestic box office, earning ₹22 crore on its first day of release. While the film, directed by Magizh Thirumeni, had high expectations trailing its delayed release, it has swiftly attracted the attention of audiences and critics alike.
The film's Tamil version contributed strongly to the collection, raking in ₹21.5 crore, whereas its Telugu release brought in ₹0.5 crore. This marks Ajith's return to the silver screen after two years, with audiences eager to see his latest cinematic endeavor. The film became available for viewers on February 6, 2025, with industry analysts closely monitoring its performance.
On opening day, Vidaamuyarchi witnessed overall occupancy rates of approximately 61.24%. The morning shows recorded around 58.81% occupancy, which slightly increased to 60.27% by the afternoon. Notably, the film enjoyed its greatest audience turnout in Trichy and Pondicherry, boasting occupancy rates of 92.00% and 91.67%, respectively, with Chennai also contributing significantly at 88.33%.
The film follows Arjun Kumar (played by Ajith) and Kayal (Trisha Krishnan) as they navigate the challenges of their deteriorated marriage. Their lives take a dramatic turn when Kayal mysteriously disappears during their trip to Azerbaijan, prompting Arjun to undertake a harrowing adventure to find her. The engaging storyline, characterized by its emotional stakes and high-intensity drama, has reportedly been well-received by moviegoers.
Reviews have lauded both the direction of Thirumeni and Kumars' strong performance: "Vidaamuyarchi is a high-octane thriller with Ajith Kumar in top form. Magizh Thirumeni’s direction is sharp, and Anirudh’s music amps up the excitement. A must-watch for fans," proclaimed excited viewers online.
Despite the strong opening, Vidaamuyarchi's initial box office collection fell short compared to Ajith's previous release, Thunivu, which debuted at ₹24.4 crore. That said, analysts believe the film's positive word of mouth and favorable reviews could drive box office growth over the weekend, with expectations it will gain momentum as audiences review and share their experiences.
Fans celebrated the film's release, creating atmospheres of excitement inside theaters, complete with dance performances and cheers for Ajith. Along with visuals of fans enjoying the screenings, clips surfaced showing some revelers bursting firecrackers, showcasing the fervor surrounding the actor and his latest project. While there were incidents of unruly behavior, the enthusiasm for Vidaamuyarchi was undeniable.
Directed by Magizh Thirumeni, this film adapted from the 1997 American thriller Breakdown reflects the potential to reshape how Ajith Kumar's characters resonate within Tamil cinema. Typically associated with more bombastic roles, Kumar's attitude and approach shift the narrative focus outward, demanding viewers to engage with realistic character dilemmas.
Thirumeni's vision emphasizes subtler storytelling, positioning Vidaamuyarchi outside the conventional frames of mass-action hero films typically associated with the industry's superstar culture. While the film aims for grittiness, the emotional depth of Kumar’s character has struck a chord, leading audiences to step away from traditional comparisons.
Looking to the future, both producers and analysts are hopeful about how Vidaamuyarchi will perform, especially considering its ability to adapt to audience feedback and market conditions. The weekend could serve as the decisive moment for sustaining box office momentum as families and friends make plans to discover the film's twists and turns.
With each new release, Ajith Kumar continues to solidify his standing, and Vidaamuyarchi reinforces his place within the pantheon of Tamil cinema stars. Following the success of his latest project, he is already set to appear next year in the action-comedy Good Bad Ugly scheduled for release this coming April—suggesting audiences can expect much more from the reliable star.