As per trade sources the film has grossed approximately Rs 40 Crore in its first week (Jan 12 to 19). In Tamil Nadu it recorded almost 95 % opening in its first four days, which is extraordinary by any yardstick.
The film opened in nearly 625 screens in Tamil Nadu in its first two days (Jan 12 &13) without any opposition.
Nanban made merry and it helped the film to get the second biggest opening after Enthiran. By Pongal day, the film became steady at the box-office and the word-of-mouth started working to its advantage .
Says Asick Meera of Mariyam Pictures who purchased the TK area: “Nanban is running packed houses in 33 release stations and there is no drop so far. After Enthiran, Nanban is the only film which is drawing repeat audience and is going steady. The collections are on par with Enthiran first week collections and the film has netted Rs 2.75 Crores in its opening week, which is phenomenal by any yardstick.”
Added Sivakumar of Cosmo Village Pictures, the distributor for Coimbatore & Nilgiri area: “We gave Nanban a very big release by opening in 70 screens and has netted an awesome Rs 5.20 Crore in the first week so far and has been drawing unprecedented crowds especially in small towns. What is remarkable is that the film has done excellent business at single screens as well as multiplexes, a feat which only Enthiran has managed in the recent past”
Nanban is also testimony to the fact that Vijay is one of the biggest stars in Tamil films with an assured opening. Shankar is the biggest brand in south cinema and the combo with Vijay worked wonders for the film.
Family audiences took advantage of the long weekend to catch the faithful 3 Idiots remake. Gemini Film Circuit, the producers hit the bull’s eye by releasing the film for Pongal which ensured the family audiences came in droves and the word of mouth promotions by the masses has worked well for the film.
As per Gemini Film Circuit, Nanban is faring well in Tamilnadu, Kerala and overseas and is expected to collect over Rs100 crores in the long run from theatricals, audio and television rights (Vijay TV has brought the rights at a new record price).
And now you know, why Ilayathalapathy is all smiles? All Izz Well, that ends well!