Tamil cinema experienced a mixed bag in 2024, with its performance feeling subdued compared to the blockbuster success of 2023. While superstar-driven films faced criticism, the year reaffirmed that compelling storytelling continues to captivate audiences and define box office success.
A Stellar 2023 for Tamil Cinema
In 2023, Tamil cinema reached new heights, delivering massive hits like Vijay’s Leo and Rajinikanth’s Jailer, each grossing over ₹600 crore. Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan 2 earned ₹340 crore, while Vaathi, Maaveeran, and Por Thozhil also shone brightly. Films such as Viduthalai Part 1, Jigarthanda Double X, Chithha, and Maamannan broke barriers, cementing 2023 as a landmark year for Tamil cinema.
Superstar Films Struggle in 2024
Despite high expectations, 2024 saw superstar films receiving mixed reviews. Rajinikanth’s Vettaiyan grossed ₹253 crore, and Vijay’s The Greatest of All Time (The GOAT) earned ₹457 crore, both underperforming compared to their predecessors. Other high-profile releases, such as Rajinikanth’s Lal Salaam, Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2, and Suriya’s Kanguva, failed to live up to the hype. However, Dhanush’s Captain Miller and Raayan and Vikram’s Thangalaan managed to garner positive attention.
The Real Game Changers
The true standouts of the year were films driven by powerful narratives. Vijay Sethupathi dazzled with Merry Christmas, Maharaja, and Viduthalai Part 2, showcasing his range as an actor. Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi’s Amaran, a biopic of Major Mukund Varadarajan, grossed over ₹300 crore and earned critical acclaim. Karthi and Arvind Swami’s bromantic drama Meiyazhagan struck a chord with audiences, while entertaining films like Aranmanai 4 and Lubber Pandhu also found success.
Despite the prominence of superstar-driven projects, 2024 emphasized that heartfelt storytelling remains the backbone of Tamil cinema. Films such as Amaran and The GOAT joined the ranks of the highest-grossing Indian films, proving that the industry thrives when balancing star power with meaningful content.