Maharaja, which premiered worldwide on June 14, 2024, has garnered significant attention as actor Vijay Sethupathi’s 50th film. The movie, co-produced by The Root and Fashion Studios, and directed by Nithilan Saminathan, has been met with a range of reactions from critics and audiences alike.
Despite the mixed reviews, Maharaja has proven to be a commercial success, particularly in the Tamil and Malayalam markets. The film’s box office performance has been a welcome relief for the Tamil film industry, which had been struggling with a lack of notable releases in the months leading up to Maharaja‘s release.
During the film’s thanksgiving ceremony, Vijay Sethupathi addressed the initial concerns surrounding the movie’s potential success, given the mixed reception of some of his previous films. “Earlier some of my films didn’t go well, even when I put up a banner for this film, some people said, ‘Vijay Sethupathi will get a crowd if I put up a banner from now on,’” the actor revealed. “There were many questions like this around me. I didn’t make this film for those questions. But Maharaja has become the answer.”
Director Nithilan Saminathan acknowledged the praise and alternative opinions the film has received, thanking the cast and crew for their contributions. He specifically highlighted Vijay Sethupathi’s performance, stating, “Sethu Anna has once again proved that he is a great actor.”
While the film’s success has been celebrated by the production team and cast, some critics have pointed out that the overwhelming praise from industry insiders during the thanksgiving ceremony may not accurately reflect the mixed reception from audiences and reviewers.
As Maharaja continues its theatrical run, it remains to be seen whether the film’s commercial success will mark a turning point in kollywood for 2024. The movie’s performance has undoubtedly provided a much-needed boost to the industry, but it also raises questions about the sustainability of relying on star power to drive box office numbers in the face of varied critical reception.