In a stunning box office performance that has become the talk of the town, the horror-thriller Jenma Natchathiram has shattered expectations, emerging as a major commercial success. The film’s triumph was celebrated by its cast and crew at a thanksgiving gathering in Chennai, where it was revealed that the movie’s collections in its first three days alone matched the entire lifetime earnings of the team’s previous film, Oru Nodi.
The film’s success has been particularly remarkable for its broad appeal. Initially projected to perform well in multiplexes, Jenma Natchathiram has seen an overwhelming response in single screens, a rare feat for a small-budget genre film. This groundswell of support has led to a significant increase in screen counts, with the film expanding from an initial 150 screens to over 250, all of which have been retained into its second week.
Lead actor Taman Akash expressed his astonishment at the film’s performance. “My previous film Oru Nodi performed well within its budget, but Jenma Natchathiram has already matched that film’s total lifetime collection, within just 3 days!” he announced. “We barely slept for weeks before the release, wondering whether the film would sustain its theatrical run. But unlike many films, our footfalls never dropped; in fact, they kept growing.”
Director Mani Varman, who was equally surprised by the film’s reach, credited the positive word-of-mouth for its success. “Initially, I expected multiplex audiences to appreciate the film, but the strong reception in single screens was beyond my expectations,” he said. “It’s thanks to the press and media for spreading such positive word.”
The film’s victory is being hailed as a significant moment for independent cinema. Industry observer Cable Shankar noted, “The success of a small-budget film like this will encourage producers and create more opportunities for upcoming talent. Jenma Natchathiram has truly paved the way.”
The cast, including actresses Malvi Malhotra and Raksha Cherin, shared emotional accounts of visiting theatres and witnessing audiences react with a mix of shock and appreciation, particularly for the film’s unpredictable climax. With houseful shows and a growing buzz, Jenma Natchathiram has cemented its status as one of the year’s most impressive sleeper hits.