Thalapathy Vijay's upcoming cinematic swansong, Jana Nayagan, is setting the box office on fire even before its release, amassing a staggering Rs 15 crore globally in advance sales for its opening day. This remarkable figure underscores the superstar's immense fan following as he prepares for his political plunge. According to data from industry tracker Sacnilk, the film, which is still a week away from hitting theatres and hasn't even released an official trailer, has opened to an extraordinary response at ticket windows worldwide.
Overseas Markets Lead the Charge
The film's performance in international territories has been nothing short of phenomenal. The overseas market alone has contributed a massive Rs 11 to Rs 12 crore from advance bookings. Major contributions are pouring in from Vijay's strongholds like North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia, where the actor commands a loyal and extensive fan base. This robust overseas performance highlights Vijay's global appeal and the heightened anticipation for his final film before entering politics.
Indian Advance Sales: A Story of Potential
In contrast to the overseas frenzy, the film's advance collection within India currently stands at approximately Rs 3 crore. However, this figure comes with a significant caveat. As of now, advance bookings have only commenced in the states of Karnataka and Kerala. The trade tracker Sacnilk has pointed out that a substantial surge is anticipated once bookings open in the crucial market of Tamil Nadu and other key Indian territories. These regions have historically been major contributors to Vijay's opening day numbers, and the current Indian tally is expected to multiply rapidly in the coming days.
Addressing Remake Rumours and Political Context
Jana Nayagan has been a focal point of discussion for multiple reasons. Primarily, it is being hailed as Vijay's last film before he formally steps into the political arena. Additionally, the project has been surrounded by speculation about it being a remake of the Nandamuri Balakrishna-starrer Telugu film, Bhagavanth Kesari.
Director H. Vinoth recently addressed these concerns in an interview with Cinema Vikatan. He reiterated his stance from the film's audio launch, stating, "Whether this story is a remake of Bhagavanth Kesari, or whether a few scenes were adapted, or even if just one scene was inspired by it, whatever it is, audiences need not worry about that." He appealed directly to fans, saying, "This is a Thalapathy Vijay film. Some people might think, 'I have already seen the original, why should I watch this?' Others may even get upset. To them, I say, just watch one show. You'll have your answer."
The film's audio launch, held on a grand scale in Malaysia, had already set the stage for this hype, where Vijay himself hinted at his political future. The combination of his impending career shift and the strategic marketing has created a perfect storm of anticipation, translating directly into record-breaking pre-sales for this political actioner.
