Tweets and Facebook posts are sometimes at loggerheads with box-office findings, putting big production houses in a spot of bother.
On Ayudha Puja day, two aggressively marketed movies — Vijay Sethupathi’s ‘Nanum Rowdy Dhaan’ and actor Vikram’s ‘10 Endrathukulla’ — released, prompting a war of words between movie-goers over the accuracy of box-office numbers.
‘10 Endrathukulla’, which was distributed by Fox Star Studios India, hit almost 650 screens across India. Fox Star Studios India said that the film had collected Rs. 6.5 crore on the first day, which was hotly contested on social media.
Meanwhile, fans of Vijay Sethupathi aggressively tweeted that ‘Nanum Rowdy Dhaan’ collected Rs. 2.16 cr on the first day, a first for a Vijay Sethupathi film.
In an industry where transparency regarding box-office numbers is an issue, Fox Star Studios India sent out a statement saying that they stand by the box-office numbers they released.
It said: “It’s a sincere request to all media personnel to check with a proper trade source or theatres themselves before commenting on the collections of our film versus any other film. The brands involved in the film are of very high repute and stand by whatever information we share with media.”
‘Thalaivasal’ Vijay to play Shridi Sai Baba
‘Thalaivasal’ Vijay whose previous screen appearance was in the 2014 release Anegan is all excited about his new role in the upcoming Tamil film ‘Aboorva Mahan.’
Joining the stars who have acted in hagiographical films, Mr. Vijay of ‘Kadhal Kottai’ and ‘Payanam’ fame has adorned the titular role of Shridi Sai Baba in the movie which is set to release this month-end.
“When director Manimuthu approached me for the role, I instantly agreed. It’s something like an once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity. When we think of Raghavendra, we associate it with superstar Rajinikanth. I hope this role will be etched in audience’s mind,” said Mr. Vijay who will share screen space with actors like Suman and M.S.Bhaskar in the film.
He also recalled that actor Nagarjuna had adorned the title role in Telugu movie Shirdi Sai. Mr.Vijay who is known for his diverse performances is also awaiting releases of two more films ‘Meendum Oru Kadhal Kadhai’ and ‘Kadal Kudiraigal’ . “I play an anti-nuclear activist in Kadal Kudiraigal. The other film that revolves around a Muslim family is a remake of the Malayalam film Thattathin Marayathu. I am looking forward to doing more different roles in Tamil films,” says Mr.Vijay who has acted in over 200 films in all south Indian languages.
(Reporting by Udhav Naig and K. Lakshmi)