Pongal releases 'Jilla', 'Veeram' gold spinners

Tamil Pongal releases "Jilla" and "Veeram" have struck gold at the box office and trade pundits describe it as an auspicious start to 2014. Both the films have registered record openings in the opening weekend.

They were released Jan 10 worldwide and reportedly both the films have minted over Rs.25 crore each in the opening weekend all over, said trade analyst Trinath.

"We are unable to get an accurate number but both 'Jilla' and 'Veeram' have registered record openings. Each film has collected over Rs.25 crore worldwide in the opening weekend. This is a great start to the year," Trinath told IANS.

"Producers are not keen on revealing exact numbers for personal reasons but the distributors are extremely happy. The long Pongal break worked in favour of the films," he added.

Vijay and superstar Mohanlal starrer "Jilla" also registered the highest opening in Kerala.

"The film (Jilla) collected a whopping Rs.2.74 crore on its release day in Kerala. That's the highest single day earnings for any film across all languages in the state. Apparently, Mohanlal had said that even his own films have not had such a big opening," distributor Arvind Nambiar told IANS.

"It released in over 200 screens and received phenomenal response. Mohanlal's presence in the film made a lot of difference. I haven't seen such a response to a Tamil film outside the state," he added.

Ajith Kumar-starrer "Veeram" too raked in the moolah.

"Ajith's return in a rural avatar clicked at the box office. As the dhoti-clad hero, he was received well by his fans, who watched back-to-back shows on the opening day. In Tamil Nadu, 'Veeram' collected Rs.15.24 crore in the opening weekend," said Trinath.

A leading producer, on the condition of anonymity, said that only stars can bring in the revenue during festive seasons.

"When it comes to festivals such as Diwali and Pongal, only stars can control the box office. Only stars like Vijay, Ajith and Suriya can rake in the moolah. Small films may have a successful run but they won't register a big opening," said the producer.