Whenever a Vijay Sethupathi movie arrives, fans know they’re in for something special. Add Nithya Menen to the cast, and expectations go even higher. Their 2025 romantic comedy “Thalaivan Thalaivii” lived up to the hype, drawing audiences to theatres and later sparking conversations ahead of its OTT release.

Let’s take a closer look at how the film performed at the box office, its release details, audience reception, and how it fared before stepping into the streaming world.

Release Date and Runtime

The movie was released in cinemas on 25 July 2025. With a runtime of about 2 hours and 20 minutes, the film struck the right balance—long enough to build emotional depth but crisp enough to keep audiences hooked. Its release timing was also ideal, as July had relatively fewer competing Tamil blockbusters, giving the film more screens and better visibility.

Budget and Expectations

Though the makers did not officially reveal the exact budget, industry trackers estimate that the production cost was around ₹25–30 crore. Considering the star cast and promotional campaign, this was a medium-budget project by Tamil cinema standards.

Importantly, such films are designed to be safe bets. With strong theatrical potential and secured streaming rights, the producers had already minimized risk. Still, the movie’s theatrical journey exceeded many trade expectations.

Opening Day Collection

On its first day, the film recorded a solid ₹5.2 crore in domestic earnings. For a romantic comedy—especially one without heavy action or visual spectacle—this was considered an impressive start.

Fans of Vijay Sethupathi ensured houseful shows in Tamil Nadu, while word of mouth began spreading through positive social media buzz.

First Four Days Performance

The film quickly picked up momentm over its opening weekend. By the end of Day 4, it had already earned ₹25.75 crore.

• Day 1: ₹5.2 crore
• Day 2: Collections improved as reviews spread
• Day 3: Peak with nearly ₹9 crore
• Day 4: Slight drop to ₹3 crore, but still steady overall

The upward swing on Day 3 showed that audiences were warming up to the film, with many calling it a “feel-good entertainer.”

Two-Week Earnings

By the end of the second week, the film’s worldwide collections touched nearly ₹75 crore. Trade experts highlighted that the film benefitted from strong family turnout and repeat audiences.

For context, romantic dramas rarely cross the ₹70 crore mark in Tamil cinema, so this achievement placed Thalaivan Thalaivii in the “commercially successful” bracket.

Domestic vs Overseas Business

One of the film’s biggest strengths was its balanced performance in both domestic and overseas markets.

• Domestic (India): By Day 26, the film netted around ₹58 crore, with a gross of approximately ₹68 crore.
• Overseas: Tamil audiences abroad, especially in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Gulf, contributed nearly ₹18 crore.
• Worldwide Total: Combining the two, the film grossed around ₹86 crore globally.

Some sources quoted the worldwide figure as ₹84 crore, but almost every trade portal agreed that it comfortably crossed ₹80 crore.

Box Office at a Glance

Audience Response

The secret behind the movie’s success was simplicity and relatability. Unlike action-heavy blockbusters, this film focused on emotions, humor, and everyday struggles in relationships.

Viewers particularly enjoyed:

• The chemistry between Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen
• Light-hearted comedy woven into a realistic narrative
• Soulful soundtrack that resonated with younger audiences

Families, couples, and even older audiences appreciated the clean entertainment factor, making it a perfect weekend watch.

Critical Reception

Critics, too, had good things to say. While some pointed out minor pacing issues in the second half, most reviews praised:

• Vijay Sethupathi’s effortless screen presence
• Nithya Menen’s heartfelt performance
• Direction that balanced romance and situational comedy
• Music and dialogues that added to the film’s charm

This critical support boosted word of mouth, further helping the film sustain beyond its first week.

OTT Release on Amazon Prime Video

After a successful theatrical run, the movie premiered on Amazon Prime Video on 22 August 2025. The digital release came just four weeks after the cinema debut—a strategy that has become common for mid-budget films.

What made its OTT journey more special was the multilingual release. Audiences could stream it in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada, ensuring nationwide reach and a global Tamil diaspora connection.

Why Its Box Office Success Matters

In recent years, many films have been relying heavily on OTT deals for profitability. Thalaivan Thalaivii proved that theatres still matter.

Earning ₹80–86 crore on a budget of ₹30 crore made it a clear box office hit. It not only recovered costs but also delivered profits for distributors and producers.

For Vijay Sethupathi, it reinforced his image as a versatile star who can shine in both experimental and commercial films. For Nithya Menen, it was yet another reminder of her ability to connect with audiences emotionally.

Impact on Tamil Cinema

The film’s performance sends a strong message to the Tamil industry: audiences are open to romantic comedies with strong storytelling. It doesn’t always take massive budgets or heavy action sequences to succeed.

Its box office numbers may encourage more filmmakers to take risks with content-driven mid-budget films in the future.

Final Thoughts

Thalaivan Thalaivii was not just another release—it was a refreshing entertainer that resonated with audiences. With theatrical earnings of ₹80–86 crore worldwide, it entered the list of 2025’s successful Tamil films.

Now streaming on Amazon Prime Video in multiple languages, the movie is reaching new homes and new audiences every day.

For fans of Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen, the film is a perfect reminder of why these two stars remain audience favorites: they bring heart, charm, and authenticity to every frame.

As it transitions into its OTT phase, it is set to gain an even larger audience base. For fans of Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen, the movie is not just another release—it is a reminder of how simple, heartfelt stories can still rule both the big screen and the small screen.