Chennai, September 17, 2025 – The Tamil-language action thriller Madharaasi, directed by A.R. Murugadoss and starring Sivakarthikeyan, has solidified its grip on the Tamil Nadu box office, grossing over ₹57 crore in the state after two strong weekends. The film, which premiered on September 5, 2025, is now on the cusp of joining the prestigious ₹100 crore club globally, marking a significant milestone for both its lead actor and director.
The film, produced by Sri Lakshmi Movies, has resonated with audiences through its blend of high-octane action, emotional depth, and a gripping narrative centered on a police officer battling illegal weapons smuggling in Tamil Nadu while grappling with personal struggles. Featuring a robust ensemble cast including Rukmini Vasanth, Vidyut Jammwal, Biju Menon, Vikranth, and Shabeer Kallarakkal, Madharaasi has been lauded for its performances and action sequences, despite mixed reviews regarding its screenplay.
Stellar Performance in Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, Madharaasi has demonstrated remarkable staying power. After a robust opening weekend that saw collections of approximately ₹33.75 crore, the film crossed the ₹50 crore mark in the state by its ninth day, becoming Sivakarthikeyan’s eighth film to achieve this feat. Despite a dip in weekday collections, the second weekend witnessed a resurgence, pushing the state’s total to over ₹57 crore, according to industry estimates. The film’s strong performance in cities like Chennai and Coimbatore has been a key driver, with occupancy rates peaking at 77.4% during night shows on its opening day.
Global Box Office Triumph
Globally, *Madharaasi* is inching toward the ₹100 crore milestone, having already grossed ₹63 crore by its fourth day and continuing to add steady numbers. The film’s opening day saw a worldwide collection of ₹21.25 crore, including ₹5.25 crore from overseas markets, making it Sivakarthikeyan’s second-biggest opener after his 2024 blockbuster *Amaran*, which earned ₹34.7 crore globally on its debut day. With dubbed versions released in Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi (titled Dil Madharaasi), the film has found traction beyond Tamil-speaking audiences, particularly in the United States and Europe, where distribution rights were acquired by Prathyangira Cinemas and 4 Seasons Creations, respectively.
Critical Reception and Star Power
Madharaasi has garnered mixed reviews, with critics praising Sivakarthikeyan’s evolution as an action hero and Vidyut Jammwal’s menacing portrayal of the antagonist, Virat. The film’s action sequences, choreographed by Kevin Kumar, and Anirudh Ravichander’s pulsating soundtrack have been highlighted as standout elements. However, some reviews noted a predictable plot and inconsistent screenplay, with ratings ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 stars. The Week’s Sajin Shrijith called it “Murugadoss’ strongest work in recent years,” while The Hindu noted that the film “trades reasoning for hero-appeasement” in its final act.
The film’s buzz was further amplified by a glowing endorsement from Tamil cinema icon Rajinikanth, who praised Sivakarthikeyan’s performance, calling it “excellent” and dubbing him an “action hero.” Sivakarthikeyan shared the superstar’s appreciation on X, expressing gratitude to his “Thalaivar” for the heartfelt words.
Competitive Landscape and Future Prospects
Despite facing stiff competition from releases like The Bengal Files, Bad Girl, Ghaati, Gandhi Kannadi, and Baaghi 4, Madharaasi has held its own, buoyed by Sivakarthikeyan’s growing star power and Murugadoss’s reputation for delivering action-packed entertainers. The film’s ₹180 crore budget, one of Sivakarthikeyan’s most expensive projects, has already yielded over ₹100 crore in pre-release business, ensuring profitability for its makers.
With limited major releases until the next festival season, industry analysts are optimistic about Madharaasi sustaining its momentum, particularly in Tamil Nadu. However, its ability to maintain weekday collections will be crucial to hitting the ₹100 crore global mark and potentially surpassing the ₹200 crore net domestic target needed to be deemed a blockbuster.
A Milestone for Sivakarthikeyan and Murugadoss
For Sivakarthikeyan, Madharaasi follows the monumental success of Amaran, which grossed over ₹300 crore worldwide, cementing his status as a leading Kollywood star. For A.R. Murugadoss, the film marks a triumphant return to Tamil cinema after a five-year hiatus following Darbar (2020). While his recent Salman Khan-starrer Sikandar received lukewarm reviews, Madharaasi has rekindled faith in the director’s ability to deliver commercially viable action dramas.
As Madharaasi continues its theatrical run, all eyes are on whether it can replicate the success of Murugadoss’s earlier hits like Thuppakki and Kaththi or even challenge the box office records set by Sivakarthikeyan’s Amaran. For now, the film remains a testament to the enduring appeal of mass entertainers in Tamil cinema, with Sivakarthikeyan and Murugadoss proving a formidable duo at the box office.
