Call it a big battle at the box office this 10 January as Ajith’s Viswasam and Rajinikanth’s Petta are releasing on the same day.
Fans of Rajinikanth and Ajith are already waging a bitter battle on social media. Same day next week will see fans flock to theatres for both the movies.
Sources say that two biggies coming in on the day may not augur well for the industry. Also, 2018 saw strikes and delayed releases. Only a handful of movies made profits.
In this scenario, when Ajith’s Viswasam and Rajinikanth’s Petta were announced for release on the same day, it took everyone in the industry by surprise.
A section of theatre owners is confused as to which film should be given priority as both are money-spinners. Especially, single screens in Tamilnadu are the most confused. There is high-pitched battle between the two to get maximum screens.
Advance bookings, too, have begun in few cinema halls for the film and there are big promotions for both movies.
Petta is produced by Sun Pictures and directed by Karthik Subbaraj. The cast also includes Simran, Trisha, Vijay Sethupathi, Bobby Simha, Nawazuddin Siddiqui among others. Music is by Anirudh.
Viswasam stars Nayanthara, Yogi Babu, Thambi Ramaiah, and Kovai Sarala among others. Music is by D Imman and the film is produced by Sathyajothi Thygarajan. Ajith joins hands for the fourth time with Siruthai Siva after Veeram, Vedhalam and Vivegam.
Says Thanikachalam, a Rajini fan, “Thalaivar is sure winner. 2.0 has collected Rs 1,000 crore. He is still the darling of the masses. Petta will be a movie to cherish for his fans.”
However, a few Ajith fans say, “Ajith’s films have always opened big. The trailer promises a commercial cocktail. Audience will enjoy the film. There will be celebrations in theatres.”