The Tamil Nadu box office saw an intriguing battle unfold on its second day as two highly anticipated films, Santhanam’s horror-comedy “Devil’s Double Next Level” and Soori’s action-drama “Maaman,” vied for audience attention. Released on May 16th, both films opened to mixed but generally positive initial reviews, setting the stage for a compelling weekend clash.
On Day 2, Saturday, May 17th, “Devil’s Double Next Level” continued to hold a slight edge in the Tamil Nadu market. Directed by S. Prem Anand, the film, which also features Geethika Tiwary, Selvaraghavan, and Gautham Vasudev Menon, collected an estimated ₹2.59 crores (approximately $310,000 USD). This represents a marginal growth compared to its opening day.
Meanwhile, “Maaman,” helmed by Prasanth Pandiyaraj and starring Soori alongside Aishwarya Lekshmi and Rajkiran, showed significant momentum on its second day. The film witnessed a remarkable 33% increase in its earnings, pulling in an estimated ₹2.04 crores (approximately $245,000 USD) in Tamil Nadu. This surge suggests a growing positive word-of-mouth for the action-drama.
While “Devil’s Double Next Level” secured a higher collection on Day 2, the substantial jump in “Maaman”‘s numbers indicates a strong audience reception and a potential shift in the box office dynamics in the coming days. Initial reports for Day 3 (Sunday) already hint at “Maaman” taking the lead, showcasing the unpredictable nature of audience preferences.
Early Reviews and Audience Reception:
“Devil’s Double Next Level,” the fourth installment in the “Dhilluku Dhuddu” series, has been noted for its meta-commentary on film reviewing and a blend of horror and comedy. Reviews have been varied, with some praising Santhanam’s comedic timing and the film’s attempts at self-aware humor, while others have found the humor to be inconsistent and the plot convoluted.
“Maaman,” on the other hand, is a more traditional action-drama focusing on an emotional conflict between an uncle and his maternal nephew. Critics have generally lauded Soori’s performance in a more serious role, and the film’s exploration of family relationships has resonated with a segment of the audience. However, some reviews have pointed out that the narrative occasionally meanders and relies on outdated tropes.
The coming days will be crucial in determining which of these two films will ultimately emerge as the winner in this intriguing Tamil Nadu box office face-off. The strong Saturday performance of “Maaman” suggests it’s a strong contender for the long run, while “Devil’s Double Next Level” will need to maintain its hold to stay competitive.