Tamil actor Sivakarthikeyan, currently enjoying the success of his latest film Madharaasi, has shared his perspective on why Tamil cinema, also known as Kollywood, is yet to produce a film that grosses ₹1000 crore. In a recent interview, he addressed the various factors at play, including ticket pricing and distribution strategies.
Sivakarthikeyan believes that focusing solely on achieving the ₹1000 crore mark isn't the right approach to filmmaking. He stated that when working on a film like Amaran, the primary focus was on the film's quality, not the potential revenue it could generate. He emphasized that box office numbers are determined by the audience and cannot be accurately predicted during the production process.
While Sivakarthikeyan acknowledges the importance of quality content, he also pointed out that other elements significantly impact a film's earnings. One key factor he highlighted is ticket pricing. He noted that ticket prices in Tamil Nadu are generally lower compared to cities like Bengaluru or Mumbai. He believes that if Tamil Nadu had similar ticket prices, a film like Jailer could have easily crossed ₹800 crore, if not ₹1000 crore. However, he also clarified that he is not in favor of increasing ticket prices.
Another challenge Sivakarthikeyan addressed is the distribution of Tamil films in North Indian markets. He explained that many Tamil films have a four-week deal with OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms, meaning the films are available for streaming shortly after their theatrical release. This contrasts with the practices in Mumbai, where multiplexes often require an eight-week window between a film's theatrical release and its digital premiere. Sivakarthikeyan believes this short window hinders the reach of Tamil films in the North Indian market, using Amaran as an example of a film that could have reached a wider audience if not for this issue.
Despite these challenges, Sivakarthikeyan remains optimistic about the future of Tamil cinema. He believes the industry is steadily progressing and will likely achieve the ₹1000 crore milestone in the coming years. He also emphasized that creating pan-Indian films isn't about intentionally trying to appeal to a broader audience but rather about the content's inherent acceptability.
Sivakarthikeyan's journey in the Tamil film industry has been marked by his versatility and ability to connect with audiences. Starting as a television presenter and comedian, he transitioned to acting, earning recognition for his roles in films like Ethir Neechal, Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam, and Remo. He has also ventured into production with his own company, Sivakarthikeyan Productions. His recent film Madharaasi, directed by AR Murugadoss, is anticipated to be another significant film in his career.