Tamil Thriller Maharaja Becomes the Most-Watched Non-English Film on Netflix
Vijay Sethupathi’s action-packed thriller Maharaja has been creating waves ever since its release. The film’s gripping climax and Sethupathi’s stellar performance have made it a massive hit among audiences. Now, Maharaja has achieved a new milestone, becoming one of the most-watched non-English films on Netflix, surpassing even some of the biggest Bollywood releases.
Maharaja Climbs to the Top on Netflix
Maharaja, a Tamil-language film starring Vijay Sethupathi in the lead role, has become a runaway success on Netflix. The film has registered a significant record, becoming the most-watched Indian film on the platform this year. Directed by Nithilan Swaminathan, Maharaja has left behind Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kriti Sanon, and Tabu’s Crew, which previously held the top spot.
According to reports, Maharaja has garnered 18.6 million views on Netflix, while Crew has managed 17.9 million views. Following these two films are Lapata Ladies with 17.1 million views, Shaitan with 14.8 million views, and Fighter at 14 million views.
A Major Milestone for Vijay Sethupathi
Maharaja marks the 50th film of Vijay Sethupathi’s illustrious career, and it’s a milestone that has been celebrated by fans and critics alike. The film also features a talented cast, including Mamta Mohandas, Natarajan Subramaniam, Abhirami Gopikumar, Singampuli, Aruldoss, Munishkanth, Sachana Namidas, Manikandan, and Bharathiraja.
Despite its moderate success at the box office, where it earned over ₹100 crores, Maharaja found a new lease on life after its release on Netflix on July 12, 2024. In Tamil Nadu alone, the film collected ₹60 crores within the first five days of its theatrical run. The combination of Vijay Sethupathi’s compelling performance and the film’s engaging story has resonated with audiences across multiple countries, including India, Thailand, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Oman, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
What Makes Maharaja Stand Out?
The success of Maharaja on Netflix can be attributed to its unique storyline and the exceptional performances of the cast. The film revolves around a father-daughter duo, with Vijay Sethupathi playing the role of a barber. A seemingly insignificant steel garbage can, named Lakshmi, holds a deep significance in the life of Sethupathi’s character. When this can is stolen, it sets off a chain of events that leads the protagonist on a desperate search, involving the police and unfolding a series of suspenseful and dramatic twists.
The story of Maharaja is not just about the search for a lost object but is also a deeper exploration of the emotions and struggles of a man trying to hold onto something meaningful in his life. The suspense, drama, and action are carefully balanced, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.
A New Era for Tamil Cinema on Global Platforms
The success of Maharaja on Netflix is a testament to the growing popularity of Tamil cinema on global streaming platforms. With its high viewership numbers and widespread acclaim, the film has set a new benchmark for non-English films, especially those from India. It also highlights the shift in audience preferences, where streaming platforms are becoming the go-to medium for consuming content.
While Maharaja may not have had a record-breaking run at the box office, its performance on Netflix has more than made up for it. This success story is a clear indication of the changing dynamics of the film industry, where digital platforms play a crucial role in determining the reach and impact of a film.
