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Vijay Sethupathi’s action-packed thriller Maharaja has taken the China box office by storm. Directed by Nithilan Swaminathan, this Tamil suspense film has achieved a significant milestone, cementing its place as a standout Indian release in China post-pandemic.
Strong Opening with Impressive Collections
Maharaja premiered on November 29, and its early screenings alone earned around ₹5.4 crores ($635K or ¥4.6 million). The first full day of release added ₹4.65 crores ($550K), bringing the total opening-day collection to ₹10 crores ($1.18 million). This impressive debut includes over 100,000 admissions, with total footfalls reaching 220,000 so far, according to ENT Group, a local box office tracker.
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High Demand and Positive Audience Reception
Renowned industry tracker Ramesh Bala reported that Maharaja debuted at the fifth position in China’s daily box office rankings. It was screened across 32,621 shows, reflecting strong demand. The audience’s response during preview shows was overwhelmingly positive, with viral videos showing viewers shocked by the film’s gripping climax.
First Indian Release After Diplomatic Breakthrough
Maharaja holds the distinction of being the first Indian film released in China after recent diplomatic normalization between the two countries. This development, aimed at easing border tensions in Eastern Ladakh, has paved the way for renewed cultural exchanges.
High Ratings Boost Film’s Success
The film’s success is bolstered by its excellent ratings on local platforms. According to the state-run Global Times, Maharaja boasts an 8.7/10 rating on Douban, one of China’s leading movie review websites. This makes it one of the highest-rated Indian films in China in recent years.
Competing with Major Releases
Despite stiff competition from Hollywood’s Gladiator II and the local drama Her Story, Maharaja carved its own niche. Its gripping storyline and strong performances by Vijay Sethupathi, Anurag Kashyap, Mamta Mohandas, and Natty Natraj helped it stand out.
Road to Becoming a Top-Grossing Indian Film in China
Maharaja is already making waves, but it faces a challenge in surpassing Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, which earned ¥76M (₹89 crores) in China. To enter the top 10 highest-grossing Indian films in China, Maharaja needs an additional ₹83.6 crores. Its strong start suggests it may achieve this milestone.
Domestic Success and Global Recognition
Originally released in India on June 14, Maharaja grossed ₹109.13 crores worldwide before its China release. With its Chinese earnings now included, the film’s total global gross stands at ₹116 crores. Made on a budget of ₹20 crores, it has already proven to be a massive success.
A Unique Storyline Resonating with Audiences
The film tells the story of a barber who is a single father to his daughter. He reports a stolen dustbin to the police, which holds great emotional value. As the story unfolds, unexpected twists reveal there is much more at stake.
Future Looks Bright for Maharaja
With solid advance bookings, industry experts predict a strong weekend ahead. Indian films with universal themes have historically resonated with Chinese audiences, and Maharaja seems poised to join the ranks of blockbusters like Dangal and Secret Superstar.
Maharaja’s journey at the China box office is far from over, but its remarkable debut has already set a new benchmark for Tamil cinema.