starbyte team
The Tamil romantic comedy «Kadhalikka Neramillai», directed by Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi and starring Jayam Ravi and Nithya Menen, released on January 14, 2025, amidst the festive fervor of Pongal. With a production budget of ₹15 crore, the film entered theaters with considerable expectations. Its star-studded cast, coupled with A.R. Rahman’s musical score, created significant buzz before release. However, as the box office numbers roll in, questions arise: Is the movie a hit or a flop?
Box Office Collection Day 2 worldwide
«Kadhalikka Neramillai» began its journey with a decent opening. On its first day, the movie earned ₹2.35 crore nett in India. However, the second day saw a noticeable dip, with collections amounting to ₹1.00 crore nett. By the end of Day 2, the total India nett stood at ₹3.40 crore.
The worldwide gross collections have crossed ₹5.00 crore by Day 4, which includes revenues from international markets and additional contributions from its domestic screenings. Although the numbers are promising for a mid-budget film, they are still far from the break-even mark, which is typically double the production cost.
| Day | India Nett Collection | Worldwide Gross Collection | Change (+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹2.35 Cr | ₹2.50 Cr | – |
| Day 2 | ₹1.00 Cr | ₹1.20 Cr | -₹1.35 Cr |
| Day 3 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | – |
| Day 4 | Data Not Available | ₹5.00 Cr (cumulative) | – |
Critical Reception
«Kadhalikka Neramillai» has garnered mixed to positive reviews from critics. Many have appreciated its modern take on relationships, clever humor, and strong performances by the lead cast. Nithya Menen, in particular, has received widespread praise for her portrayal of Shriya, an ambitious architect who finds herself navigating love and career. Jayam Ravi’s performance as Siddharth, a structural engineer with a complex past, has also been well-received for its sincerity and depth.
Critics have also highlighted the film’s technical strengths, including A.R. Rahman’s music, which has added emotional depth and vibrancy to the narrative. Tracks like «Yennai Izhukkuthadi» and «Lavender Neramae» have already become audience favorites. The cinematography by Gavemic U. Ary and editing by Lawrence Kishore have enhanced the film’s aesthetic appeal, ensuring a visually engaging experience.
Kadhalikka Neramillai: Hit or Flop?
With a production budget of ₹15 crore, the film’s current collections indicate a slow start at the box office. To achieve hit status, «Kadhalikka Neramillai» must generate significant momentum in the coming weeks. It will need to gross at least ₹30 crore worldwide to recover its costs and ensure profitability for its producers and distributors.
Several factors could influence the film’s commercial trajectory:
Word of Mouth: Audience feedback plays a pivotal role in sustaining footfalls after the initial weekend. While early reactions have been mixed, the film’s emotional narrative could resonate with a broader audience over time.
Festival Advantage: The Pongal release has given the film a festive boost, but with competing releases like «Veera Thalapathy» and «Janakiya Raja,» retaining screens and audience attention will be a challenge.
Marketing Efforts: Continued promotional efforts and positive buzz on social media could help the movie sustain its momentum.
Audience Response
Viewers have given a mixed reception to «Kadhalikka Neramillai.» While the performances, music, and visual elements have been widely appreciated, some critics have pointed out that the screenplay could have been more engaging. The romantic comedy genre is a competitive space in Tamil cinema, and comparisons to recent hits may affect its performance.
Audience polls indicate that the chemistry between the lead actors, Jayam Ravi and Nithya Menen, is one of the film’s highlights. However, there is also feedback suggesting that the pacing in the second half slows down the narrative.
Challenges Ahead
«Kadhalikka Neramillai» faces stiff competition at the box office from other big-budget films released during Pongal. Additionally, the film’s second-day dip in collections raises questions about its sustainability. While its international performance has been relatively steady, the domestic market will be crucial in determining its success.
Conclusion
«Kadhalikka Neramillai» is a romantic comedy with a modern twist, strong performances, and mesmerizing music, making it a worthwhile watch for audiences who enjoy light-hearted entertainers. However, its box office performance so far suggests that it has a long way to go before it can be declared a hit.
As the film progresses through its theatrical run, it remains to be seen whether it can capitalize on its festive release and word-of-mouth to achieve financial success. Fans of the genre and the star cast will undoubtedly hope for a stronger performance in the coming days. Only time will tell if «Kadhalikka Neramillai» becomes a memorable addition to Tamil cinema’s 2025 lineup.
