In 2024, Kollywood faced a significant setback, with many films underperforming at the box office. Out of the 241 films released that year, only around 18 were successful, while a staggering 223 failed to make a mark. The industry, which has been home to iconic filmmakers, actors, and unforgettable films, experienced its share of disappointments last year.
Despite a few notable successes such as Amaran, Maharaja, and Meiyazhagan, which won both critical acclaim and solid box office returns, Kollywood struggled overall. Reports indicate that Tamil film producers collectively spent nearly ₹3,000 crore on film production in 2024, but suffered a loss of around ₹1,000 crore.
The major issue lay in the large number of high-budget films that failed to live up to expectations. Big names like Suriya, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth, whose films are usually anticipated by huge audiences, unfortunately delivered box-office disappointments. For example, Suriya’s much-anticipated pan-Indian film Kanguva, with a ₹350 crore budget, was expected to rake in ₹1,000 crore but only managed ₹106 crore, despite its hyped music and star-studded cast.
Shankar’s long-awaited sequel Indian 2, with a budget of ₹250 crore, similarly underperformed, grossing only ₹150 crore. Rajinikanth’s collaboration with Amitabh Bachchan in Vettaiyan also fell flat, despite a stellar ensemble cast and a 33-year wait for the film.
Interestingly, while big-budget films faltered, smaller films like Garudan, Lubber Pandhu, DeMonte Colony 2, and Vaazhai fared much better at the box office. This shift reflects a change in audience preferences, as Tamil viewers, traditionally enamored with star power, now seem to prioritize compelling stories over famous faces.
Further reinforcing this trend, Shankar’s Game Changers Tamil version, which starred big names, earned only ₹10 crore, while smaller films like Madha Gaja Raja and Kudumbasthan grossed more than ₹70 crore and ₹10 crore, respectively, in January 2025.
This shift in audience behavior suggests that compelling narratives are now taking precedence in Tamil cinema. As 2025 rolls in, several major Tamil films like Ajith Kumar’s Vidaamuyarchi, Rajinikanth’s Coolie, Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life, and Suriya’s Retro are expected to hit the box office, with hopes high for a better year.
Overall, 2024 was a tough year for Tamil cinema, but the industry is optimistic that it will bounce back in 2025, delivering better films and rekindling audience interest.
(With Inputs From IBTimes)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.