Blockbuster Return
Vijay and Trisha’s 2004 sports action extravaganza, Ghilli, has made a triumphant return to the silver screen, captivating fans once again.
Revival Amidst Election Season
In light of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections dampening new releases in Tamil cinema this April, producers and distributors are banking on the allure of revisiting past hits. Ghilli, helmed by director Dharani, marks a much-anticipated revival after two decades, gracing theaters on April 20th. Recent estimates suggest that Vijay’s Ghilli is poised to amass a staggering ₹10 crore globally on its reopening day, igniting a social media frenzy in the days leading up to its release.
Anticipation and Excitement
According to Cinetrak, Ghilli had already secured approximately ₹3 crore in worldwide pre-sales for its opening day. With Vijay’s penchant for shattering his own box office milestones, the re-release of this cinematic gem has sent fans into a frenzy. Social media platforms have been inundated with videos of enthusiasts grooving to the iconic tunes of Arjunar Villu and Appadi Podu, echoing the sentiment shared by Ram Muthuram Cinemas on X (formerly Twitter), proclaiming, “Ghilli remains an unparalleled highlight in #Thalapathy @actorvijay’s illustrious career! Setting new benchmarks! #GhilliInRamCinemas.” Likewise, Aascar Cinemas reported consecutive sold-out screenings on April 20th.
Trisha’s Delight
Lead actress Trisha expressed her elation at the overwhelming response to the film’s re-release. Taking to Instagram, she conveyed her gratitude, “Thank you Thank you Thank you. Such amazing posts and videos you guys are sending me. Making my day and how. (heart emoji) #ghillirelrease.” She further shared her excitement on X (formerly Twitter), sharing snapshots and clips from Ghilli, stating, “If this isn’t coming full circle, I don’t know what is (love emoji, emotion emoji, evil eye emoji) Woke up to FDFS BLOCKBUSTER vibes AGAIN (star emoji) 2004 (until emoji) 2024.” Reports also surfaced suggesting her intention to join fans for a special screening of the film over the weekend.
Celebrating Two Decades of Success
Originally released on April 17, 2004, Ghilli now commemorates its twentieth anniversary this April. Undoubtedly, it stands as a monumental success in the careers of its lead actors, Vijay and Trisha, sparking a box office resurgence with its re-release. Intriguingly, Ghilli is a remake of the Telugu blockbuster, Okkadu, starring superstar Mahesh Babu. The Tamil rendition enjoyed a remarkable theatrical run of 200 days and grossed over ₹50 crore worldwide in 2004.
The Vijay Phenomenon
With Vijay poised to venture into politics and transition away from Tamil cinema, his fanbase has intensified their focus on his every move. His recent appearance at a polling booth during the Tamil Nadu elections drew throngs of admirers. Presently, amidst the resounding success of Ghilli’s re-release, all attention converges on his forthcoming project with director Venkat Prabhu, anticipated to be the epitome of his cinematic legacy.