Ajith Kumar’s much-anticipated film Vidaamuyarchi, directed by Magizh Thirumeni, finally hit the big screen on Thursday after a prolonged wait. The action-thriller, inspired by the 1997 Hollywood film Breakdown, has seen a mixed response from critics and audiences alike. Over its first five days in Indian cinemas, the film amassed an estimated ₹65 crore net, according to Sacnilk.
Box Office Performance
After an impressive ₹26 crore opening day, Vidaamuyarchi maintained a steady run over the weekend, raking in ₹10 crore on Friday, ₹13 crore on Saturday, and ₹12 crore on Sunday. However, as expected, the film experienced a sharp decline on Monday, earning just ₹3 crore. Tamil Nadu’s overall occupancy rate on February 10, 2025, stood at 17.11%.
The film’s worldwide earnings were reported to have reached ₹92 crore by Day 3, though updated numbers from the producers are yet to be disclosed. Meanwhile, production house Lyca Productions revealed that the film had grossed $800,000 at the North American box office, highlighting its overseas appeal.
Plot and Production Journey
Set against the backdrop of Azerbaijan, Vidaamuyarchi follows a gripping narrative where an ordinary man embarks on a perilous mission to rescue his kidnapped wife from a dangerous gang. The film’s production spanned from 2023 to 2024, facing multiple delays before finally securing a theatrical release. Originally planned as a Pongal release, the schedule was shifted, partly due to Ajith Kumar’s parallel commitment to his racing career.
Audience Reception and Critical Take
Unlike many of Ajith’s previous mass-action blockbusters, Vidaamuyarchi takes a different route, focusing on an emotional and intense storyline. The Hindustan Times review remarked, “At its core, Vidaamuyarchi is not your typical star-driven spectacle. It steers clear of the grandiose elements often associated with Ajith Kumar’s films, instead delivering a gripping tale of a man fighting against the odds to save his wife.”
The film’s long-term box office fate will depend on word-of-mouth reception, with its mixed reviews playing a key role in determining sustainability in theatres.
Ajith Kumar’s Legacy and Star Cast
Ajith Kumar, a stalwart of Tamil cinema, boasts an illustrious career spanning over 60 films. His past hits include Aasai, Kadhal Kottai, Citizen, Villain, Varalaru, and Billa, cementing his status as one of the industry’s most beloved actors.
Alongside Ajith, Vidaamuyarchi features Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Sarja, and Regina Cassandra in pivotal roles. Trisha, who also stars in Good Bad Ugly, shares screen space with Ajith after their successful collaborations in the past.
As the film continues its theatrical run, all eyes are on whether Vidaamuyarchi can maintain momentum and achieve box office success despite its mixed reception.
