2022 was a landmark year for the Tamil film industry (Kollywood), marking a definitive resurgence after the disruptions of the pandemic. It was a year where grand historical epics met high-octane action thrillers, and mid-budget experimental films proved that content is king. From Kamal Haasan’s explosive comeback to Mani Ratnam’s dream project finally hitting the screen, the box office witnessed record-breaking numbers.
Below is a detailed look at the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2022, their impact on the industry, and the stories behind their success.
1. Ponniyin Selvan: I (PS-I)
* Director: Mani Ratnam
* Worldwide Gross: ₹450 crore – ₹500 crore
* Key Cast: Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha
For decades, the adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s legendary novel Ponniyin Selvan was considered the "unfilmable" dream of Tamil cinema. Mani Ratnam finally achieved this feat in 2022. The film didn't just perform well; it became a cultural phenomenon.
Why it Succeeded:
The film resonated deeply with the Tamil diaspora globally, who had grown up with the Chola history. With AR Rahman’s haunting score and a stellar ensemble cast, the movie brought the 10th-century Chola Empire to life. It shattered records in Tamil Nadu, becoming the highest-grossing film in the state at the time, surpassing even the long-standing records of Baahubali 2.
2. Vikram
* Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
* Worldwide Gross: ₹435 crore – ₹500 crore
* Key Cast: Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, Fahadh Faasil
If PS-I was a historical triumph, Vikram was a modern-day action masterclass. Returning to the big screen after a four-year hiatus, "Ulaganayagan" Kamal Haasan proved why he is a powerhouse. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj integrated characters from his previous film Kaithi, officially birthing the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).
Why it Succeeded:
The film’s gritty atmosphere, combined with the "mega-crossover" feel of having three of South India’s best actors in one frame, created massive hype. The climax, featuring a high-octane cameo by Suriya as 'Rolex,' became one of the most talked-about moments in Indian cinema that year.
3. Beast
* Director: Nelson Dilipkumar
* Worldwide Gross: ₹217 crore – ₹300 crore
* Key Cast: Vijay, Pooja Hegde
Thalapathy Vijay’s Beast arrived with sky-high expectations, bolstered by the viral success of the song "Arabic Kuthu." Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics due to its pacing and logic, the film’s box office performance remained formidable, particularly in its opening weekend.
Why it Succeeded:
Vijay’s immense stardom ensured a massive opening across the globe. Even with the formidable competition of KGF: Chapter 2 releasing just a day later, Beast managed to cross the ₹200 crore mark, proving that Vijay's "star power" is largely critic-proof in the Tamil market.
4. Valimai
* Director: H. Vinoth
* Worldwide Gross: ₹163 crore – ₹230 crore
* Key Cast: Ajith Kumar, Karthikeya, Huma Qureshi
After years of fans trending "#ValimaiUpdate" on social media, Ajith Kumar’s action-thriller finally hit screens in February 2022. The film focused on the "Satan’s Slaves" biker gang and featured some of the most ambitious stunt sequences ever filmed in Indian cinema.
Why it Succeeded:
Ajith’s loyal fan base ensured a record-breaking opening in Tamil Nadu. While the family-drama elements received mixed feedback, the high-speed bike chases and Ajith’s screen presence made it a commercial winner.
5. Etharkkum Thunindhavan (ET)
* Director: Pandiraj
* Worldwide Gross: ₹175 crore – ₹200 crore
* Key Cast: Suriya, Priyanka Arul Mohan
Suriya followed up his direct-to-OTT hits (Soorarai Pottru and Jai Bhim) with this theatrical rural action-drama. The film addressed sensitive social issues regarding the safety of women while maintaining the trappings of a commercial "mass" entertainer.
Why it Succeeded:
The film’s strong social message resonated with family audiences. Suriya’s return to the big screen after three years was a major draw, allowing the film to perform steadily in both urban and rural centers.
6. Don
* Director: Cibi Chakaravarthi
* Worldwide Gross: ₹120 crore
* Key Cast: Sivakarthikeyan, S. J. Suryah, Priyanka Arul Mohan
Sivakarthikeyan cemented his position as a "minimum guarantee" star with Don. A campus comedy that takes a sudden emotional turn toward the father-son relationship, the film struck a chord with the youth and families alike.
Why it Succeeded:
The relatable college humor and the tear-jerking climax helped it sail past the ₹100 crore mark. It proved that Sivakarthikeyan could draw audiences to theaters even without a high-budget action premise.
7. Sardar
* Director: P. S. Mithran
* Worldwide Gross: ₹103 crore – ₹110 crore
* Key Cast: Karthi, Raashii Khanna
Released during the 2022 Diwali season, Sardar featured Karthi in a dual role, including a retired spy. The film tackled the relevant issue of water privatization and the corporate-political nexus.
Why it Succeeded:
Karthi’s versatility and the director’s "information-heavy" thriller style worked well. It faced stiff competition from Prince but emerged as the clear winner of the Diwali box office through strong word-of-mouth.
8. Thiruchitrambalam
* Director: Mithran R. Jawahar
* Worldwide Gross: ₹101 crore
* Key Cast: Dhanush, Nithya Menen, Bharathiraja, Prakash Raj
In a year of "Pan-Indian" epics, Thiruchitrambalam was a breath of fresh air. It was a simple, wholesome story about a delivery driver and his best friend.
Why it Succeeded:
The "Dhanush-Anirudh" (DnA) musical combo returned after years, and Nithya Menen’s performance as 'Shobana' became iconic. Its success proved that audiences were still hungry for well-written, grounded stories amidst the sea of action spectacles.
9. Love Today
* Director: Pradeep Ranganathan
* Worldwide Gross: ₹90 crore – ₹105 crore
* Key Cast: Pradeep Ranganathan, Ivana
Love Today was the "dark horse" of 2022. Directed by and starring newcomer Pradeep Ranganathan, the film explored the chaos that ensues when a couple swaps phones for 24 hours.
Why it Succeeded:
Made on a modest budget of around ₹5 crore, the film's ROI (Return on Investment) was staggering. It became a sensation among Gen Z and millennials, proving that a fresh concept and relatable humor can beat star-driven vehicles.
10. Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu (VTK)
* Director: Gautham Vasudev Menon
* Worldwide Gross: ₹100 crore
* Key Cast: Silambarasan (Simbu), Siddhi Idnani
The collaboration of GVM, Simbu, and AR Rahman resulted in a gritty "coming-of-age" gangster drama. Unlike Simbu's previous stylish roles, VTK showed him as a vulnerable migrant worker in Mumbai.
Why it Succeeded:
The realistic treatment and Simbu's physical transformation were highly praised. The film’s success signaled a strong comeback for director Gautham Menon and further established Simbu's renewed box-office appeal.
Summary Table: 2022 Tamil Box Office Top 10
| Rank | Movie Title | Lead Actor | Estimated Gross (Worldwide) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Vikram / Karthi | ₹450 - 500 Crore |
| 2 | Vikram | Kamal Haasan | ₹435 - 500 Crore |
| 3 | Beast | Vijay | ₹220 - 300 Crore |
| 4 | Valimai | Ajith Kumar | ₹165 - 230 Crore |
| 5 | Etharkkum Thunindhavan | Suriya | ₹175 - 200 Crore |
| 6 | Don | Sivakarthikeyan | ₹120 Crore |
| 7 | Sardar | Karthi | ₹105 - 110 Crore |
| 8 | Love Today | Pradeep Ranganathan | ₹100 Crore |
| 9 | Thiruchitrambalam | Dhanush | ₹101 Crore |
| 10 | Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu | Silambarasan | ₹100 Crore |
Conclusion
The year 2022 was a testament to the diversity of Tamil cinema. While the heavyweights like Ponniyin Selvan and Vikram brought in the big numbers, the success of Love Today and Thiruchitrambalam showed that the audience's taste is evolving. It was a year where Kollywood truly went global, with its top films finding massive success in markets like the USA, UK, and Malaysia.
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