As we move into the latter half of 2024, the box office is gearing up for a massive showdown on Dussehra, with four major films set to release around the same time. This year has already seen its fair share of cinematic clashes, and the trend seems to be continuing. The upcoming Dussehra season will witness an intense competition as four big films from both Bollywood and South Indian cinema are slated to hit the screens.
The Films in the List
- Kanguva: The highly anticipated mass action period drama, Kanguva, starring South superstar Suriya, along with Bollywood actors Bobby Deol and Disha Patani, is one of the key contenders. Directed by Siva, this film has generated significant buzz, especially after the release of its trailer. The makers have chosen October 10, 2024, as the release date, aiming to capture the festive audience.
- Jigra: Alia Bhatt’s Jigra, co-starring Vedang Rana, is another big release slated for Dussehra. Directed by Vasan Bala, this film explores the bond between a brother and sister. Alia, who is also co-producing the film, has pushed the release to October 11, 2024, to avoid clashing with Junior NTR’s Devara, which releases in September. However, this new date places Jigra in direct competition with other big releases during the Dussehra period.
- Vettaiyan: Adding to the competition, South Indian megastar Rajinikanth’s action drama Vettaiyan is also set to release on October 10, 2024. This film is particularly special as it marks the reunion of Rajinikanth with Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan after nearly four decades. The excitement surrounding this film is palpable, making it a formidable competitor in the Dussehra box office race.
- Martin: South India’s “Action Prince” Dhruv Sarja will also be part of this box office clash with his upcoming action-packed film Martin. Set to release on October 11, 2024, Martin promises high-octane action sequences, with a hefty budget of ₹100 crore invested in its production. Dhruv Sarja’s popularity and the film’s grand scale make it another strong contender during the Dussehra season.
The South Dominance
Interestingly, out of the four films releasing during Dussehra, three hail from South Indian cinema, highlighting the growing influence of South films on the pan-India audience. Kanguva, Vettaiyan, and Martin are all set to release nationwide, ensuring that the competition isn’t just limited to regional markets but extends across India.
This clash underscores the shift in Indian cinema, where South Indian films are increasingly commanding the attention of audiences across the country, often giving tough competition to Bollywood films. However, with Alia Bhatt’s star power and the emotional appeal of Jigra, Bollywood isn’t backing down without a fight.
What to Expect
The Dussehra box office clash promises to be one of the most exciting cinematic showdowns of 2024. Each film has its unique appeal—Kanguva with its star-studded cast and epic scale, Jigra with its emotional narrative and strong performances, Vettaiyan with the legendary pairing of Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan, and Martin with its adrenaline-pumping action.
For cinephiles, this clash is a treat, offering a variety of genres and performances to choose from. The question now is, who will emerge victorious in this battle of the big screens? With so much at stake and such high expectations, the Dussehra box office results will be closely watched, as the industry gears up for one of the most competitive weekends of the year.