The anticipation surrounding Rathnam box office was palpable, particularly with the reunion of director Hari and actor Vishal for the second time after their successful collaboration on “Thaamirabharani.” This time, they promised audiences an out-and-out mass action drama, complete with adrenaline-pumping sequences and gripping storytelling. However, as the curtains lifted on April 26, 2024, and the film made its theatrical debut, the initial reviews and audience reactions were mixed, hinting at a challenging road ahead for “Rathnam.”
Rathnam Box Office Collections
Day 1 of the film’s release saw a modest collection at the box office, with total earnings reaching Rs 2.3 Crore, split between Tamil and Telugu audiences. The Tamil version garnered Rs 1.5 Crore, while the Telugu release contributed Rs 0.8 Crore to the overall total. Despite this decent start, “Rathnam” faced stiff competition from other releases, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where it vied for attention against the strong performance of “Aavesham” and the nostalgic allure of the re-released classic “Ghilli.”
As the days progressed, the film’s box office performance continued to reflect its struggle to captivate audiences. On Day 2, estimates indicated a meager collection of Rs 0.13 Crore, bringing the total two-day earnings to approximately Rs 2.43 Crore. These figures underscored the challenges faced by “Rathnam,” as it attempted to carve out its space amidst established favorites and competing releases.
Ghilli Vs Rathnam
At the heart of “Rathnam” lies a narrative of vengeance and redemption, revolving around the titular character’s quest for justice. Vishal’s portrayal of Rathnam, a henchman working for local MLA Panneer Selvam, is anchored in his desire to protect Mallika, who bears a striking resemblance to his deceased mother. Mallika, aspiring to become a doctor, finds herself entangled in Rathnam’s mission for retribution against Beema Rayudu, Raghava Rayudu, and Subba Rayudu.
Despite the film’s promising premise and star-studded cast, including Priya Bhavani Shankar and Samuthirakani in pivotal roles, “Rathnam” struggled to make a lasting impression. The lukewarm response from critics and audiences alike raised questions about the execution of its ambitious storyline and the effectiveness of its promotional campaign.
In particular, the film’s debut in Tamil Nadu faced significant hurdles, with competing releases commanding attention and drawing audiences away from “Rathnam.” While the film boasted high expectations and considerable anticipation, it failed to resonate with viewers, who flocked to theaters for other offerings like “Aavesham” and the re-release of the beloved classic “Ghilli.”