Rajinikanth’s Jailer becomes new box office king in Kerala, dethrones Vijay’s Varisu on Day 1

Rajinikanth’s Jailer, which also has Mohanlal and Vinayakan in pivotal roles, has created a new record for Malayalam movies such as King of Kotha to chase this year

Rajinikanth in Jailer

The upcoming Malayalam releases of 2023 including Dulquer Salmaan’s King of Kotha and Mohanlal’s Barroz will first have to contend with Thalaivar Rajinikanth’s Jailer at the box office. The Nelson Dilipkumar directorial, which released on August 10, has dethroned Vijay’s Varisu to become the highest opening-day grosser in Kerala in 2023.

Jailer, which also has Malayalam actors including Mohanlal, Vinayakan and Mirnaa Menon, took home Rs 5.8 crore from the Kerala box office on Thursday. The total tally of the movie on its first day extended to Rs 55 crore in India and Rs 35 crore overseas, as per reports.

Also read: Jailer movie review: This Rajinikanth movie is an enjoyable and pure fan service

Jailer dethrones Varisu in Kerala

The Kerala box office has been dominated by Tamil films this year, with Thalapathy Vijay’s Varisu and Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan: II holding the record for the highest and second highest opening day grossers in Kerala till Jailer’s release. Varisu reportedly took in Rs 4.8 crore when it hit theatres in January.

Incidentally, only two Malayalam movies – Tovino Thomas and Asif Ali’s 2018 and Mammootty’s Christopher - found space in the top 10 list of 2023, which also featured films such as Ajith’s Thunivu, Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan and even Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.

Also read: 2018 box office: Tovino Thomas-starrer smashes records, sets new milestones

Nelson magic in Kerala box office

Incidentally, the record for the highest opening-day grosser also belongs to another Nelson film. Vijay’s Beast, which opened to theatres last year, a figure of Rs 6.6 crore. Jailer’s success, along with no big releases in Malayalam this week, also means that more shows are being added for the Tamil superhit.

Malayalam movies such as Kunjammini’s Hospital and Jaladhara Pumpset Since 1962 are expected to take a big hit for releasing along with Jailer, with shows of both movies being cancelled in various centres.

Can Dulquer’s ‘King’ take down Jailer?

Dulquer Salmaan’s King of Kotha , which is expected to have a major release in Kerala, is the next contender to aim for Jailer’s record. The film, which will hit theatres on August 24, however, is expected to rake in good figures, much like Dulquer’s previous Malayalam movie Kurup.

Also read: King of Kotha to Empuraan: Upcoming Malayalam movies expected to break 2018's box office record

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