'Kaththi' Sets High Benchmarks: Will Ajith's 'Yennai Arindhaal', Vikram's 'I' Break it?

Vijay's "Kaththi" has set new benchmarks at the worldwide box office. The film, which hit the screens on Diwali (22 October), took grand openings in India as well as in overseas box office.

"Kaththi" collections have surpassed the ₹100 crore mark in just 12 days at the worldwide box office. It is Vijay's second film to achieve the feat after his 2012-blockbuster flick, "Thuppakki," which is also helmed by director AR Murugadoss.

The Vijay starrer has performed exceptionally well in the US, where it has become the first non-Rajinikanth, non-Kamal Haasan film to cross the $600,000 mark. Till the release of "Kaththi," no Tamil film other than Rajinikanth's "Sivaji", "Endhiran" and "Kochadaiiyaan" as well as Kamal Haasan's "Dasavatharam" and "Vishwaroopam" have crossed the $600,000 mark.

Besides these films, no other Tamil films have even surpassed the $400,000 mark. Even Vijay's "Thuppakki" had managed to mint only $375,000. "Kaththi" created history by becoming the first non-Rajini, non-Kamal film to fetch more than $400,000 at the US box office.

Now, all eyes will be on upcoming biggies like Ajith's "Yennai Arindhaal," Vikram's "I", Rajinikanth's "Lingaa" and Kamal Haasan's "Vishwaroopam 2" and "Uttama Villain." Since Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan's last few releases have already earned more than $600,000, the focus will be on the two films – "Yennai Arindhaal" and "I."

Ajith's "Yennai Arindhaal"

Ajith's "Yennai Arindhaal" is one of the most anticipated Tamil films. The first time collaboration of Ajith and director Gautham Menon has generated positive expectations from the audience. The release of the first-look posters has created huge hype surrounding the project, which is expected to soar with the release of teaser, trailer and audio.

Ajith has always proved to be the king of opening box office. The actor's star value has ensured that his films open with a bang upon its release. But, till now no Ajith film has managed to cross the ₹100 crore mark at the worldwide box office.

In the US, none of the actor's films have crossed the $400,000 mark. His 2013-Diwali release "Arrambam" raked in $380,141, but Vijay's "Kaththi" easily surpassed those numbers. Ajith's upcoming release "Yennai Arindhaal" is likely to take big openings upon its release. But, it remains to be seen if the film will be able to surpass the benchmarks set by "Kaththi."

Produced by Sri Sai Ram Creations, "Yennai Arindhaal" will be releasing this year end or in January 2015.

Vikram's "I"

Vikram's "I" has been in the making for nearly 2 years. The film's shooting has been completed and the post-production work is going on in full swing.

Expectations are sky high for "I" following the tremendous response for the film's songs and the teaser. The Vikram starrer has created positive pre-release buzz not just in South India, but also in northern circuits.

Director Shankar has teamed up with Vikram for the second time post the humongous success of their 2006-release "Anniyan." Shankar's films like "Endhiran" and "Sivaji" have done fantastic business in India and overseas markets. Both the films had Rajinikanth, who has a huge fan-following worldwide, as the hero. It will be interesting to see if "I," starring Vikram, will be able to repeat the success of any of those two films.

Produced by Aascar Ravichandran, "I" is expected to hit the screens this year.