Sivakarthikeyan’s much-anticipated action thriller Madharaasi, directed by A.R. Murugadoss, has made a powerful debut at the box office. Released on September 5, 2025, the film has exceeded expectations with a robust opening day performance, both domestically and overseas. Despite a relatively subdued pre-release buzz, Madharaasi has managed to pull in large crowds, thanks to a combination of star power, holiday timing, and strong word-of-mouth.

According to early trade estimates, Madharaasi has grossed approximately ₹30 crore worldwide on its first day, with Tamil Nadu alone contributing over ₹22 crore. The film’s performance has surprised industry analysts, especially given the mixed reception to Murugadoss’s previous outings. With packed theaters in major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy, the film has clearly struck a chord with audiences.

A Thunderous Start in Tamil Nadu

The lion’s share of Madharaasi’s day one earnings has come from Tamil Nadu, where Sivakarthikeyan enjoys a massive fan following. The film reportedly collected ₹16 crore in the state through advance bookings alone, with final figures crossing ₹22 crore by the end of the day. The Eid-e-Milad holiday gave the film a significant boost, especially in morning and matinee shows, which saw occupancy rates as high as 46 percent.

The film’s original Tamil version performed best, while dubbed versions in Telugu and Hindi saw more modest returns. The Telugu version registered around 23 percent occupancy, while the Hindi version struggled with just 2 percent in morning shows. Nevertheless, the overall response in the South Indian market has been overwhelmingly positive.

Overseas Reception and Global Numbers

Internationally, Madharaasi has received a warm reception, particularly in the UAE, Singapore, and Malaysia, where Tamil cinema has a strong diaspora audience. Early overseas estimates suggest that the film added ₹8 crore to its global total, helping it reach the ₹30 crore mark on opening day.

The film’s action-packed trailer and the return of A.R. Murugadoss to Tamil cinema after a five-year hiatus generated curiosity among international viewers. Combined with Anirudh Ravichander’s pulsating soundtrack and a star-studded cast, Madharaasi has managed to create a buzz beyond Indian borders.

Factors Behind the Strong Opening

Three key factors have contributed to Madharaasi’s impressive day one performance:

1. Sivakarthikeyan’s Mass Appeal: Known for his versatility and relatability, Sivakarthikeyan has successfully transitioned from family dramas to action thrillers. His fan base remains loyal, and Madharaasi showcases him in his most intense avatar yet.
2. Murugadoss’s Comeback: After the lukewarm reception of Sikander and Darbar, Murugadoss returns with a vengeance. The director’s signature blend of action and emotion is evident in Madharaasi, and fans were eager to see if he could recapture his earlier magic.
3. Ensemble Cast and Music: With Vidyut Jammwal, Rukmini Vasanth, Biju Menon, and Vikranth in pivotal roles, the film boasts a strong supporting cast. Anirudh’s music has also played a crucial role in building pre-release hype, with tracks trending across platforms.

Audience Response and Word-of-Mouth

Initial audience reactions have been largely positive, with praise directed at Sivakarthikeyan’s performance, the film’s pacing, and its action sequences. The screenplay, while formulaic in parts, has been appreciated for its emotional depth and character development.

Social media buzz has helped amplify the film’s reach, with fans sharing clips, reviews, and reactions throughout the day. The hashtag #MadharaasiFirstDayFirstShow trended on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting the excitement surrounding the release.

However, critics have offered mixed reviews, pointing out that while the film delivers on action and spectacle, it occasionally falters in narrative cohesion. Still, the general consensus is that Madharaasi is a crowd-pleaser with enough punch to sustain momentum over the weekend.

Comparison with Sivakarthikeyan’s Previous Releases

Madharaasi’s opening day numbers are slightly below those of Amaran, Sivakarthikeyan’s previous release, which earned ₹25 crore on day one and went on to become a blockbuster. However, considering the lower pre-release buzz and competition from other films like Baaghi 4 and The Conjuring: Last Rites, Madharaasi has performed admirably.

Trade analysts believe that if the film maintains its current trajectory, it could surpass Amaran’s lifetime collection, especially given the strong weekend bookings and limited competition in the Tamil market.

Box Office Outlook and Weekend Projections

With a ₹30 crore global opening, Madharaasi is well-positioned to cross ₹75 crore by the end of its opening weekend. Saturday and Sunday bookings are already showing strong trends, and if word-of-mouth continues to be favorable, the film could emerge as one of the biggest Tamil hits of the year.

The film’s performance in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities will be crucial in determining its long-term success. Early reports suggest that Madharaasi is performing well in smaller centers, thanks to its mass appeal and action-driven narrative.

Final Thoughts

Madharaasi has delivered a solid start at the box office, reaffirming Sivakarthikeyan’s status as a bankable star and marking a successful return for A.R. Murugadoss. With ₹30 crore in global earnings on day one, the film has exceeded expectations and set the stage for a strong weekend.

As audiences continue to flock to theaters, Madharaasi stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted commercial cinema. Whether it becomes a blockbuster or settles into a steady performer, its opening day has already made headlines—and given fans plenty to cheer about.