2013 - The Top 10 Tamil Grossers
2013 has been a decent year for Tamil films. There have been roughly around 165 Tamil releases. As the year comes to an end, we take a look at the top 10 grossers from worldwide theatrical revenue and sales from rights (Satellite, Overseas, Audio, Internet & others) to producers.
Highest Grosser of 2013 - Vishwaroopam
Revenue generated from worldwide sales in terms of Indian Theatrical distribution sales + Language Rights (Hindi, Telugu) + Satellite Television rights + Audio + Overseas Theatricals & other rights + Internet rights.
What Worked – An ambitious project of Kamal Haasan, the controversies and two-week ban in Tamil Nadu helped the film to generate huge revenues outside of the state. People from Tamil Nadu went to neighbouring states out of curiosity to watch the film. The Hindi version of the film Viswaroop which simultaneously released with Tamil version also became a hit. And in the international market the film is this year’s highest grossing Tamil film.
Super Hits –
(According to alphabetic order)
Arrambam
What Worked-The hype created by Ajith fans on social media and curiosity around this long-in-making film and U certificate in Tamil Nadu, created a gargantuan opening for the film. Vishnuvardhan was able to project the star the way his fans wanted. And outside of TN it became Ajith’s biggest grosser.
Raja Rani
What worked -A breezy musical romcom which worked with youth and family audiences. The film's success may partly be credited to the buzz generated by the sizzling chemistry between the lead pair-Arya & Nayanthara. The cute trailer and aggressive marketing made it one of the most talked about films, thus leading to immense anticipation that finally saw huge box office collections filter into the coffers.
Singam 2
What worked –Was paisa vasool for masses, shamelessly masala, no pretence otherwise, this Suriya starrer went on to be last year’s biggest theatrical earner and was also equally well received in Telugu. Suriya and the brand value of the title played an important role in getting that penetration in B & C markets. Added to that the solo release without any opposition for two weeks helped the film.
Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam
What worked- In terms of Return on Investment (ROI) it is the biggest hit. The film received a positive to mixed critical reception and became a major commercial success at the Box-Office despite featuring newcomers like Sivakarthikeyan and Sri Divya. The fresh cast, mass comedy and lovely songs worked big time to make it hit throughout Tamil Nadu. The aggressive marketing and promotions from the producers got it a phenomenal reach across the state.
Hits of 2013
Ethir Neechal – A simple love story seeped in Tamil nativity and good music
Kanna Laddu Thinna Asai – Santhanam and buzz around Power Star Srinivasan
Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga – A fun movie packaged for the mass market.
Pandiya Nadu – The emotional content, good music and climax twist
Soodhu Kavvum – A noir film which struck a chord with multiplex audiences.
Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru – A comedy multi-starrer which provided the necessary laughs.
Some smaller budget films with no big stars also sprung a pleasant surprise as they shone amid the flurry of big budget films. Here are some of the small wonders of 2013 which made money for its producers
Chennail Oru Naal
Endrendrum Punnagai
Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara
Kutty Puli
Neram
Udhayam NH4
