Tamil cinema, popularly known as “Kollywood,” is one of India’s most influential and commercially successful film industries. It traces its origins back to 1917 with silent films, and Chennai remains the hub for Tamil film production, hosting numerous studios and production companies. Tamil cinema ranks as India’s second-largest film industry in terms of both box office revenue and the number of films produced annually. Tamil movies have a vast international audience, with strong viewership in countries such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Oceania, the Middle East, Western Europe, South Africa, and North America.
Tamil-speaking audiences all over the world are responsible for the large-scale distribution of Tamil films in nations having a sizeable diaspora of Tamils and Indians. Tamil films have massive popularity, particularly in South India, with their strong fan base. The industry has seen grand milestones in box office collections over the years.
Thiruvilaiyadal (1965) was the first Tamil film to cross ₹1 crore, marking a new era in the commercial success of Tamil cinema. Later, Baashha (1995), starring Rajinikanth, became the first Tamil film to cross ₹10 crore. The industry’s financial landscape changed dramatically with Sivaji: The Boss (2007), which became the first Tamil film to surpass ₹100 crore. More recently, Enthiran (2010) and 2.0 (2018) set new records, further solidifying Tamil cinema’s dominance in the global film market.
1. (2.0)
Worldwide Gross: ₹800 crores 1 (US$ 92 million)
2.0, starring Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar, opened with ₹64 crore worldwide on its first day, including ₹20 crore in Tamil Nadu. It performed well in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The film’s VFX-driven narrative and Rajinikanth’s star power contributed to its ₹800 crore+ global collection, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films.
2. Jailer
Worldwide Gross: ₹650crores 2 (US$ 75 million)
Jailer, starring Rajinikanth, opened with ₹48 crore+ on its first day, dominating Tamil Nadu and performing well in Karnataka and Kerala. The film’s mass appeal, Rajinikanth’s charisma, and Nelson’s direction led to a ₹600 crore+ worldwide collection, solidifying its success as a pan-Indian blockbuster.
3. Leo
Worldwide Gross: ₹620crores 3 (US$ 71 million)
Leo, starring Vijay, opened with ₹62 crore+ on its first day, with strong collections in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. The film’s action-packed narrative and Vijay’s fanbase drove its ₹600 crore+ global collection, making it one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2023.
4. Ponniyin Selvan: I
Worldwide Gross: ₹500 crores (US$ 57 million)
PS-1 opened with ₹50 crore+ on its first day, performing exceptionally in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The film’s grand visuals, Mani Ratnam’s direction, and its epic storyline contributed to its ₹500 crore worldwide collection, appealing to both Tamil and non-Tamil audiences.
5. The Greatest of All Time
Worldwide Gross: ₹450crores (US$ 52 million)
The Greatest of All Time, starring Vijay, is highly anticipated and expected to open with ₹50-60 crore on its first day. The film’s success will likely be driven by Vijay’s massive fanbase in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, aiming for a ₹500 crore+ global collection.
6. Vikram
Worldwide Gross: ₹435crores 4 (US$ 50 million)
Vikram, starring Kamal Haasan, opened with ₹34 crore+ on its first day, dominating Tamil Nadu and performing well in Karnataka and Kerala. The film’s gripping narrative, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction, and Kamal Haasan’s performance led to its ₹400 crore+ worldwide collection, becoming a cult hit.
7. Ponniyin Selvan: II
Worldwide Gross: ₹345 crores 5 (US$ 40 million)
PS-2 opened with ₹45 crore+ on its first day, with strong collections in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The film’s grand scale, Mani Ratnam’s direction, and its epic conclusion contributed to its ₹500 crore+ global collection, cementing its place as a Tamil cinema milestone.
8. Amaran
Worldwide Gross: ₹335 crores 6 (US$ 38 million)
Amaran, starring Sivakarthikeyan, is expected to open with ₹15-20 crore on its first day, performing well in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The film’s unique storyline and Sivakarthikeyan’s charm are likely to drive its success, aiming for a ₹150 crore+ worldwide collection.
9. Varisu
Worldwide Gross: ₹310 crores (US$ 36 million)
Varisu, starring Vijay, opened with ₹30 crore+ on its first day, dominating Tamil Nadu and performing well in Karnataka and Kerala. The film’s family drama and Vijay’s star power contributed to its ₹300 crore+ worldwide collection, making it a Pongal festival hit.
10. Kabali
Worldwide Gross: ₹286 crores (US$ 33 million)
Kabali, starring Rajinikanth, opened with ₹48 crore+ on its first day, with massive collections in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The film’s global appeal, Rajinikanth’s iconic performance, and its social themes led to its ₹250 crore+ worldwide collection, breaking records in 2016.
Highest Grossing Tamil Movies list (Worldwide)
| Rank | Movie Title | Box Office Collection (₹) | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Kabali | ₹284–305 crore | 2016 |
| 12 | Enthiran | ₹283–300 crore | 2010 |
| 13 | Vettaiyan | ₹250−260 crore | 2024 |
| 14 | Sarkar | ₹253 crore | 2018 |
| 15 | I | ₹239 crore | 2015 |
| 16 | Beast | ₹227–240 crore | 2022 |
| 17 | Vishwaroopam | ₹220 crore | 2013 |
| 18 | Mersal | ₹220 crore | 2017 |
| 19 | Master | ₹220–300 crore | 2021 |
| 20 | Petta | ₹219–240 crore | 2019 |
| 21 | Darbar | ₹202–250 crore | 2020 |
| 22 | Dasavathaaram | ₹200 crore | 2008 |
| 23 | Thunivu | ₹190 crore | 2023 |
| 24 | Viswasam | ₹185–200 crore | 2019 |
| 25 | Annaatthe | ₹140–240 crore | 2021 |
Interesting Facts About Tamil Box Office Success
- Global Reach: Tamil films like 2.0, Ponniyin Selvan, and Vikram have achieved massive success not just in India but also in international markets like the US, UK, and Southeast Asia.
- Rajinikanth’s Stardom: Rajinikanth’s 2.0 (2018) became the first Indian film to cross ₹800 crore worldwide, showcasing his global appeal and the industry’s technical prowess.
- Mani Ratnam’s Epic Vision: Ponniyin Selvan I & II collectively grossed over ₹800 crore worldwide, proving that historical epics can resonate with modern audiences.
- Vijay’s Box Office Dominance: Vijay’s films like Leo, Master, and Bigil consistently open with ₹50 crore+ on the first day, making him one of the most bankable stars in Indian cinema.
- Kamal Haasan’s Versatility: Vikram (2022) became a cult hit, grossing ₹400 crore+ worldwide, and marked Kamal Haasan’s successful comeback as a leading actor.
- Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Cinematic Universe: The LCU (Lokesh Cinematic Universe), starting with Kaithi and expanding with Vikram and Leo, has created a unique franchise in Tamil cinema.
- High-Octane Action: Tamil films are known for their high-quality action sequences, with movies like Vikram and Leo setting new benchmarks in stunt choreography.
- Music as a Driving Force: AR Rahman’s music in films like Ponniyin Selvan and Enthiran has played a significant role in their box office success.
- Festival Releases: Tamil films often release during festivals like Pongal and Diwali, leveraging holiday crowds for record-breaking openings.
- Dubbed Versions: Tamil films like 2.0 and Ponniyin Selvan are dubbed in Hindi, Telugu, and other languages, helping them achieve pan-India success.
FAQs
Tamil films like 2.0, Ponniyin Selvan, and Vikram perform exceptionally well in states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, thanks to their dubbed versions and universal appeal.
Rajinikanth’s unique style, charisma, and ability to connect with audiences across generations have made him a global icon.
Rajinikanth and Vijay have the largest fanbases, with Vijay’s films consistently opening with ₹50 crore+ on the first day.
Leo (2023) holds the record with ₹62 crore+ on its first day, followed by 2.0 (₹64 crore worldwide).
Reference:
- Before ‘Jailer’, here’s a look at top 7 highest-grossing films of Rajinikanth, Aug 8, 2023 ↩︎
- Rewind 2023: How Rajinikanth’s Jailer, Thalapathy Vijay’s Leo, Gippy Grewal’s Carry On Jatta 3 ruled the box-office, December 30, 2023 ↩︎
- Leo worldwide closing box office collections: Vijay starrer is the Highest grossing Tamil film of All Time, Nov 23, 2023 ↩︎
- Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan 1 surpasses Vikram in Tamil Nadu to emerge the HIGHEST grossing film of ALL TIME, Oct 10, 2022 ↩︎
- பொன்னியின் செல்வன் 2 வசூலை முறியடிக்கும் ஆதிபுருஷ்? விமர்சனங்களை ஓரம் கட்டும் கலெக்ஷன்! June 19, 2023 ↩︎
- Year Ender 2024: Top 10 highest-grossing Kollywood movies at worldwide box office; The GOAT secures number 1 position Dec 27, 2024 ↩︎
