Trade Talk: ‘Ramayana’ Not A Big Competition For ‘Scene’ And ‘Mookuthi Amman 2’ in Tamil Nadu’

Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi-starrer “Ramayana” was a solo Diwali release for Hindi as well as Tamil, Telegu, Kannada and Malayalam languages.  But now the makers of Suriya-starrer “Scene” have announced their theatrical arrival during the same period. And now Nayanthara's “Mookuthi Amman 2” is also likely to arrive during the festive season.

While the Nitesh Tiwari-directorial is expected to dominate the North Indian markets, Tamil Nadu will be ruled by Suriya and Nayanthara’s films.

Prominent producer and distributor G Dhananjheyan says that “Ramayana” is not a big competition for “Scene” and “Mookuthi Amman 2” in Tamil Nadu. “This Diwali, not just Suriya's ‘Scene,’ but Sundar C's most anticipated ‘Mookuthi Amman 2’ with Nayanthara is also releasing, plus ‘Ramayana.’  However, we do not see ‘Ramayana’ as big competition, as audiences here are not so keen on mythology-based films, as they are seen mostly as agenda-driven.”

He further believes that Nayanthara’s film could give Suriya’s film a tough fight at the box office. “Suriya's ‘Scene’ is certainly bigger in expectations, but ‘Mookkuthi Amman 2,’ being a franchise with a proven combination of Sundar C and Nayanthara will compete with Suriya's film, even though the latter will command a larger share of theatres and shows during the Diwali festival.”

Related Stories

Puneet Issar on Playing Ravana on Stage and ‘Ramayana’ Cast: ‘Yash is Good as Ravana; The Fact That a Big Film is Being Made on Lord Rama Makes Me Happy’ (EXCLUSIVE)

‘Ramayana’: ‘Every Scene Was Pre-Visualized Using Motion Capture Technology,’ Reveals DoP Pankaj Kumar (EXCLUSIVE)

Ramesh Bala, prominent trade tracker from Chennai, opines that while “Scene” and “Mookuthi Amman 2” have the advantage of being local language films, the box office fate will be sealed solely by word-of-mouth. “This Diwali could see one of the most interesting box-office battles in Tamil Nadu. ‘Ramayana’ comes with massive scale and nationwide curiosity, while ‘Scene’ and ‘Mookuthi Amman 2’ have the advantage of being direct Tamil films with stronger local connect, and should open better. The festive period can accommodate multiple winners, but ultimately screen allocation, audience response and word of mouth will decide how the business gets divided,” says Bala.

While “Scene” is helmed by Jithu Madhavan of “Romancham” and “Aavesham” fame, the Nayantara-starrer is directed by Sundar C, known for the “Aranmanai” franchise and “Anbe Sivam.”