Box Office Collection: Ajith's 'Veeram' Continues to Dominate over Vijay's 'Jilla' at Chennai BO

Pongal releases "Veeram" and "Jilla" have managed to retain the top two spots at the Chennai box office, despite new film releases. "Veeram" has continued to dominate over "Jilla" in its third weekend (24-26 January). Newly released "Goli Soda" has taken the third spot followed by Salman Khan's Bollywood flick "Jai Ho."

Chennai Box Office (24 to 26 January)

1.     Veeram

2.     Jilla

3.     Goli Soda

4      Jai Ho

5.     47 Roni

"Veeram", which was leading over "Jilla" during the second weekend, has managed to sustain its momentum and continue to top the Chennai box office.The Ajith starrer is estimated to have earned 5.36 crore (since its release) at the Chennai box office, whereas "Jilla" has collected 5.09 crore, according to Behindwoods.

Despite new releases, "Veeram" and "Jilla" are running successfully in theatres and are fast approaching the 25-day mark."Veeram" is leading over "Jilla" in Tamil Nadu, but the Vijay starrer has managed to outperform the Ajith starrer at the worldwide box office. Both the films are still being shown in a few screens at the overseas markets.

Prior to the release, distributors were wary of the Vijay and the Ajith starrers hitting theatres on the same day (10 January) as they felt that the films might eat into each other's revenue. Surprisingly, both the films did fantastic business despite facing strong competition from each other. Much to the delight of "Thala" (Ajith) and "Thalapathy" (Vijay) fans, both "Veeram" and "Jilla" have turned to be hits.

Now that the films have done well at the box office, the focus has shifted to Ajith and Vijay's next projects. Both the actors are set to team up with renowned directors.While Ajith will be working with Gautham Menon for the first time, Vijay is set to team up with AR Murugadoss for the second time post the success of "Thuppakkai."Both the untitled films have evinced great interest among fans.

Ajith-Gautham film's Pooja on 6th February?

Ajith's 55th film to be directed by Gautham  Vasudev Menon is on full swing of per-production y. Ajith who has given back to back super hits in Arrambam and Veeram that released for Diwali and Pongal respectively is starting his next film within a very short span of time.  The Pooja of the film is expected to take place on 6th of February and shooting may commence soon after that.

The film to be produced by A.M.Rathnam after his successful reunion with Ajith in Arrambam will mark the union of Ajith and Gautham Menon for the first time. It is to be remembered that the much expected combo failed to materialize after several attempts in the past.

But this time GVM is working on full zeal to make this opportunity to direct Ajith, a grand success.   He has almost completed the shoot of film with Simbu and Pallavi Subash playing the lead roles by working day and night. He has reportedly stated that his film with Ajith will be a Stylish Mass entertainer catering to all kind of audiences.

Simbu's Vaalu to release on Ajith's birthday

Vaalu, directed by debutante Vijay Chander starring Simbu, Hansika, Santhanam and VTV Ganesh is all set to hit the screens on May 1st on Thala Ajith's birthday. It is a well known fact that Simbu is an ardent fan of Ajith and so has decided to release his much awaited film on the star's birthday.

The audio of the film which has music by Thaman is set to be launched on February 14 on Valentine's day. Vaalu is a love story and is about a youngster who lives in the railway quarters in Chennai. Produced by NIC Arts the film is expected to be a thorough entertainer.

Simbu's last release was Poda Podi in November 2012 and he had no notable releases last year except for his cameo appearance in Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya.

Anushka to Star Opposite Ajith in Gautham Menon's Film?

Ajith's "Veeram" has just released but the buzz surrounding his new film has already began.

It is well known that Ajith has decided to work in Gautham Menon's untitled film after "Veeram" release. The new film is expected to go on floors on 15 February. While Ajith has been confirmed to play the lead role, details about the other cast members are yet to be announced.

Latest buzz doing the rounds in Kollywood is that Anushka Shetty has been approached to play the female lead opposite Ajith. Anushka, who is working in two big budget films "Rudhramadevi" and "Mahaabali" ("Baahubali" in Telugu), has agreed to star in Gautham's film but has not yet officially signed it.

"Anushka has not yet heard the script, but has agreed to go ahead with it as it involves big names like Ajith and Gautham Menon. Currently, she is shooting for Rudhramadevi and Mahaabali. She will allot dates for this project during the breaks she gets between these two big-budget films, both of which have her in key roles," a source close to the actress told the news daily.

Anushka's spokesperson has confirmed the new development and has revealed that the actress is likely to start shooting for the film in March once she officially signs up for it. An official announcement from the director is still awaited.

The Ajith-Gautham Menon project is one of the most-awaited films of 2014. Expectations are high for the yet-to-be-titled venture as Ajith and Gautham have teamed up for the first time. With "Veeram" turning out to be a big hit, "Thala" (Ajith is fondly referred by this name) fans will be expecting another hit from the actor.

'Veeram' Box Office Collection: Ajith Starrer Takes Solid Opening in Tamil Nadu

Ajith's "Veeram" has started off with a rocking performance at the Indian box office.

"Veeram" released in around 800 screens worldwide on 10 January and opened its business with a solid start.

The commercial, family entertainer received positive feedback from both critics and audience. Ajith's performance as a ruffian who deals violence with violence has found appreciation from all quarters. After a long time, the actor has worked in a village-based story. "Veeram" is termed as a regular, run-of-the-mill story, but the film's script and Ajith's performance make it work.

The action entertainer has reportedly grossed over 7 crore at the Tamil Nadu box office. Though "Veeram" is facing a major threat from "Jilla", the Ajith starrer has managed to do fantastic business at the box office. Both films are performing equally well even on the second day, and a clear picture on which film will take the top spot will be known only after the Pongal festival.

First report: Fans verdict on Veeram

Mass commercial movie mixed with action, comedy and sentiments. Wholesome family entertainer!

Overall it is Thala all the way. His stylish and solid performance and his dare-devil stunts are a highlight.

Families should enjoy this, and for sure all Thala fans should too.

Fun, romance, action, 2nd half: Sentiment & action.

Ajith's wholesome package for the masses.

Veeram is a typical masala with Ajith's screen presence and charisma.

First half full mass and comedy. Perfectly packaged commercial entertainer.

Ajith-Vijay fans special plans ahead of release

Celebrations are on at the theatres much before Pongal as Ajith and Vijay fans gear up for the release of Veeram and Jilla. Nearly after six years, the films of these two stars are clashing at the box office and, as a popular Tamil film phrase goes, it's the season for 'Thala Thalapathy'. And their fans seem to be joining hands in celebration — while we hear that the Ajith fan clubs across the city are planning a special mention about Vijay's Jilla in their banners, Ilayathalapathy's fan club members are likely to wish Veeram too in their promotional banners.

Sachin Mani, one of the heads of the Ajith's fan club association in the city, says, "We don't want to give room for any clash between the fans at the theatres. So, we are designing some of our Veeram banners wishing Vijay's Jilla as well. The banners will have pictures of both Vijay and Ajith, and will wish both the films success. It will say 'Vijayin Jillavum vetri pera vaazhthugirom'. We are sure that our Thala will like this initiative of ours."

So, what's happening in the Jilla camp? "Some of the banners promoting Jilla will have a tagline wishing Ajith's Veeram as well," says Vijay Elango, who is part of Ilayathalapathy's fan cub in the city. Apart from this, the regular celebrations that are part of a big film release, including giant cutouts, garlands, will take place this season too.

'Veeram' Box Office: Will Ajith Starrer Break 'Arrambam' Collections?

Ajith's much-awaited film "Veeram" is all set to hit the screens on 10 January.

Directed by "Siruthai" Siva, "Veeram" is an action-packed, mass entertainer with all the commercial elements - action, comedy, romance and punch dialogues. After working in urban subjects, Ajith has returned to do a masala entertainer set in the backdrop of a village.

The actor, who was sporting stylish suits in films such as "Billa" and "Mankatha", will be seen in dhoti in "Veeram." He has also retained his salt and pepper look, which became popular in "Manakatha."

Expectations are high for "Veeram" as the film carries a positive pre-release buzz. The action entertainer is releasing just over two months after blockbuster flick "Arrambam" hit the screens. The stylish action film, which released on 31 October, turned out to be one of the biggest hits of 2013.

"Arrambam" gave Ajith his best ever opening despite getting released on a non-holiday (31 October). The film raked in around 8.75 crore (nett) on the first day at the Tamil Nadu box office and its collections from other areas including Kerala, Karnataka and North stood at 1.55 crore. The film's total opening day figures (India) amounted to approximately 10.30 crore.

"Arrambam" faced strong competition from other Diwali releases including "Pandiya Nadu" and "Krrish 3", but it still managed to sustain its momentum at the box office. The Ajith starrer reportedly grossed around 80 crore in three weeks at the worldwide box office. The Telugu version of the film titled "Aata Arrambam" also did average business.

The success of "Arrambam" reiterated the fact that Ajith is the king of box office, whose presence alone can bring in good revenues for the film.

Following the stupendous success of "Arrambam", the focus has shifted to "Veeram." The film's music, which was released last month, received luke-warm response. However, the film's teasers and trailers have generated a lot of hype about its content.

The Ajith starrer is set for a massive release worldwide and it is likely to take a fantastic opening on the first day of its release. But, it remains to be seen if the action entertainer will be able to break "Arrambam" collections, considering that the film will be facing strong competition from other Pongal releases including "Jilla" (Tamil), "1 Nenokkadine" (Telugu) and "Yevadu" (Telugu).

Ajith Next To Rajinikanth In Box Office Opening: A Veeram Distributor

Ajith Kumar, who is known as the King of Opening by traders, is getting ready for his next release Veeram, which will hit the screens worldwide on January 10. The film is releasing in 50 screens alone in Karnataka.

Leading Kannada producer K Manju has acquired the distribution rights of Karnataka. He said, "I'm delighted to be distributing Veeram in Karnataka. The response is stupendous for the film here."

Being a popular distributor of Kannada and other languages movies, he could not distribute Ajith Kumar films in Karnataka till date. He said, "This is my first Ajith Kumar's movie and I have pinned high hopes on it." The movie is being released in 50 screens in Karnataka and 20+ screens alone in Bangalore.

When asked if the numbers have come down due to other releases like Vijay's Jilla and Mahesh Babu's Telugu movie 1: Nenokkadine, K Manju reacts, "No. The content of Veeram is not only for masses, but for all sections. The occupancy for the movie will remain same or increase for such projects after initial craze. So, I have decided not to have a wide release instead I wish to see a long run in theatres for the movie."

Thala Ajith’s ‘V’ connection continues with Veeram

Thala Ajith was Vinayak in Mankatha and he will be Vinayakam, yet again, in his next release Veeram. "The name of the character (Vinayakam) was part of the original script itself and we stuck to it," said director 'Siruthai' Siva, at a press meet recently, "When I went to Ajith sir's house to narrate the entire story, he was in a rugged look and we decided to have the same tone for the film too. It was a different experience for Ajith as he is doing a rural film after a while."

The letter 'V' has always been lucky for the star. While Veeram starts with the letter, the name of Ajith's character in the film starts with the same alphabet as well. His previous hits in Kollywood — Vaali, Varalaaru and Villain - all start with the same alphabet too.

Ajith Wanted to Do a Rural Pot-boiler: 'Veeram' Director

Ajith Kumar-starrer Tamil rural actioner "Veeram" is coming out Jan 10 on the occasion of Pongal, and its director Siva said that it was the actor who wanted him to come up with a rural commercial entertainer.

Ajith essayed suave urban roles in his last three outings - "Mankatha", "Billa 2" and "Arrambam".

"It was Ajith who wanted me to do a rural commercial entertainer for him and not the other way around. I never forced him to work in a rural pot-boiler. We worked hard for 110 days and we are extremely happy with the final product," Siva told reporters here at a promotional event of the film.

"It has been a long time since we saw Ajith in a complete rural avatar. I'm sure this will be one of the biggest highlight of the film. His transformation from an urban character to rural one is commendable and it will be evident in 'Veeram'," he added.

Also starring Tamannah Bhatia, Nassar, Santhanam, Ramesh Khanna, Pradeep Rawat and Vidyullekha Raman, the film is produced by Bharathi Reddy.

Veeram Trailer