Pongal box office clash Dhanush Captain Miller and Sivakarthikeyan's Ayalaan take up maximum screens in Tamil Nadu


In the bustling landscape of Kollywood, four highly-anticipated films are gearing up for release, each with its unique genre and star power. Among them, "Captain Miller" and "Ayalaan" stand out, grabbing substantial pre-release attention and screen distribution in Tamil Nadu.

With 450 confirmed theaters each, "Captain Miller" and "Ayalaan" are poised for a head-to-head clash at the box office. While "Captain Miller" unfolds as a high-octane period film with Dhanush in the lead, portraying a soldier turned vigilante, "Ayalaan" offers a family-friendly sci-fi experience, directed by R Ravikumar, and sprinkled with elements of comedy.

Director Arun Matheswaran's "Captain Miller" encountered scrutiny from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) due to its intense violent scenes, prompting several cuts. However, trade analyst Ramesh Bala emphasizes that both films cater to substantially different audiences, minimizing the risk of cannibalizing each other's business.

Bala notes, "Ayalaan is a family entertainer for kids. Captain Miller is an action movie. So in terms of screen space and box office potential, both have equal potential." With a six-day long weekend ahead, Bala predicts a favorable outcome for both films, suggesting they could both claim the top spot.

Meanwhile, Vijay Arun's "Mission: Chapter 1" secures approximately 150-200 screens in Tamil Nadu, positioning it as the third contender in terms of screen space. "Merry Christmas," a dubbed film starring Vijay Sethupathi, is expected to target multiplex audiences, facing competition from the heavyweight releases.

Chennai-based trade expert Sreedhar Pillai acknowledges the excitement surrounding all four films but predicts that "Captain Miller" and "Ayalaan" have the upper hand due to the star power of Dhanush and the family-friendly appeal of "Ayalaan." He suggests that "Mission: Chapter 1" and "Merry Christmas" might find success in multiplexes, catering to a niche audience.

As the curtain rises on this cinematic showdown, industry insiders anticipate box office numbers to soar, with both "Captain Miller" and "Ayalaan" eyeing an entry into the coveted Rs 100 crore club. The battle for supremacy in Tamil Nadu's theaters is set to unfold, promising a thrilling spectacle for movie enthusiasts and a significant boost for the industry as a whole.