The year 2016 in Kollywood was a year of "The Superstars." It was a period defined by massive global openings, the rising dominance of the "overseas market," and a shift toward high-concept blockbusters. From Rajinikanth’s unparalleled stardom to the rise of Sivakarthikeyan as a bankable Tier-1 star, the year delivered several historic hits.
Here is a descriptive look at the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2016.
1. Kabali: The Global Phenomenon
Estimated Gross: ₹280–300 Crore (Reporting varies up to ₹600 Cr+ including all rights)
Directed by Pa. Ranjith, Kabali was more than just a movie; it was a marketing masterclass. For the first time, an Indian film had an airline (AirAsia) as a partner, featuring the film's poster on its planes. Rajinikanth returned to his "gangster" roots, playing an aging don in Malaysia fighting for the rights of oppressed Tamils.
* Box Office Performance: It shattered almost every existing record for a Tamil film. It became the highest-grossing South Indian film in the overseas market at that time, particularly dominating in Malaysia, the USA, and Singapore.
* The Impact: While the slow-paced, emotional narrative polarized some fans expecting a typical "masala" film, the "Neruppu Da" anthem and Rajini's stylish screen presence ensured it became a historic commercial success.
2. Theri: The Rise of Atlee
Estimated Gross: ₹150–160 Crore
Vijay’s collaboration with director Atlee resulted in Theri, a high-octane action thriller that revitalized the "righteous cop" trope. Vijay played triple roles (or rather, three distinct phases of one man), showcasing his emotional range alongside child actor Nainika.
* Box Office Performance: Theri was a massive "blockbuster" in the truest sense. It performed exceptionally well in the domestic market despite distribution hurdles in some territories. It was the second-highest grosser of the year and cemented Atlee’s reputation as a hit-maker for the masses.
* Key Highlight: The film's music by G.V. Prakash and the "baby sentiment" made it a huge hit among family audiences and women, driving repeat viewings.
3. 24: The Science Fiction Marvel
Estimated Gross: ₹100–110 Crore
Suriya took a massive creative risk with 24, a time-travel thriller directed by Vikram Kumar. Suriya played three characters, including the terrifying antagonist "Athreya," whose performance remains one of the best in his career.
* Financial Success: Though the film had a heavy budget due to its high-quality VFX, it performed exceptionally well in the Telugu market (A.P./Telangana) and overseas. It crossed the ₹100 crore mark, proving that Tamil audiences were ready for complex, intelligent sci-fi scripts.
* Visuals: The film won two National Film Awards for Best Production Design and Best Cinematography, highlighting its technical superiority.
4. Iru Mugan: The Dual Face of Vikram
Estimated Gross: ₹90–95 Crore
Vikram continued his streak of experimental roles with Iru Mugan, a sci-fi action film where he played both a protagonist RAW agent and a feminine, eccentric antagonist named "Love."
* Success Story: Directed by Anand Shankar, the film’s "Halena" song and Vikram’s dual-role gimmick brought in huge crowds. It performed particularly well in the "A" centers (urban cities), making it one of the most profitable ventures of the year for its producers.
5. Remo: The Commercial Juggernaut
Estimated Gross: ₹75–80 Crore
Sivakarthikeyan solidified his position as a major star with Remo. The film relied on the "nurse avatar" gimmick, where the hero disguises himself as a woman to win over his love interest (played by Keerthy Suresh).
* Market Reach: Backed by aggressive marketing from 24AM Studios, the film became a "Blockbuster" at the domestic box office. It proved that Sivakarthikeyan had developed a massive "kids and families" fan base, similar to the early days of stars like M.G.R. or Rajinikanth.
Other Significant Hits of 2016
| Film | Estimated Gross | Genre | Why it Succeeded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajini Murugan | ₹65–68 Cr | Rural Comedy | Sivakarthikeyan's first hit of the year; massive in rural TN. |
| Kodi | ₹55–60 Cr | Political Thriller | Dhanush’s dual role and a powerful female antagonist (Trisha). |
| Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada | ₹50–55 Cr | Action-Romance | A.R. Rahman's music and STR’s stylish comeback. |
| Pichaikkaran | ₹40 Cr | Drama | The "sleeper hit" of the year; became a massive blockbuster in Telugu too. |
2016: A Summary of Trends
* The Telugu-Tamil Synergy: This was the year "bilingual" appeal became vital. Films like 24 and Pichaikkaran earned as much (if not more) in their Telugu-dubbed versions as they did in Tamil.
* The Horror-Comedy Fatigue: While 2015 was dominated by horror-comedies, 2016 saw a shift toward stylish thrillers and science fiction, indicating a maturing audience.
* Sivakarthikeyan's Ascension: With two major hits (Rajini Murugan and Remo), 2016 was the year Sivakarthikeyan officially entered the elite league of Kollywood stars.
The box office of 2016 proved that while "Star Power" gets the audience into the theater (as seen with Kabali and Theri), "Technical Innovation" and "Novelty" (as seen with 24 and Iru Mugan) are what define the industry's growth.
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