Mankatha Returns To Box Office: Ajith Kumar’s Film Scripts History, Beats Vijay’s Ghilli In Pre-Sales

Ajith Kumar’s 2011 blockbuster Mankatha is all set for a grand return to the big screen. The actor’s landmark 50th film will re-release in theatres on January 23, and even before hitting screens again,

the cult classic has already set the box office buzzing. The film has recorded the highest-ever pre-sales for a re-release in Tamil Nadu, proving its enduring popularity among fans.

Directed by Venkat Prabhu, the much-loved action thriller has surpassed the previous re-release record held by Ghilli, which had registered impressive opening-day advances of Rs 2.15 crore in the state.

Ajith Kumar’s Mankatha break the records of Vijay’s Ghilli in re-release pre-sales

As per early estimates, Mankatha has clocked over Rs 2.20 crore in advance bookings for Day 1 in Tamil Nadu, making it the biggest pre-sale ever for a re-released film. The Thalapathy Vijay starrer was a huge box office success and continues to hold the record for the highest-grossing re-release in Tamil Nadu, with earnings of over Rs 26.50 crore.

Given the strong advance bookings for Mankatha, the film is clearly headed for an impressive opening. It now remains to be seen whether Ajith Kumar’s cult classic can surpass Ghilli’s Day 1 re-release box office record.

On Friday, the filmmaker Venkat Prabhu, shared a throwback picture with Ajith and Vijay, taken on the sets of Mankatha. Sharing the picture, he wrote, “It’s time to relive Mankatha from today!! Please don’t reveal the climax.. and spoil the experience!! This picture is an unforgettable moment during #mankatha shoot!!! Which can never ever happen in the near future!! Hope and wish I am wrong!!! LETS ENJOY MANKATHA.”

It’s time to re live Mankatha from today!! Please don’t reveal the climax.. and spoil the experience😁😁😁!! This picture is the மறக்க முடியாத moment during #mankatha shoot!!! Which can never ever happen in the near future!! Hope and wish I am wrong!!! LETS ENJOY MANKATHA pic.twitter.com/zy4eKGF5QU

— venkat prabhu (@vp_offl) January 22, 2026

Cast and Plot Of Mankatha

Mankatha revolves around Vinayak Mahadevan, a suspended cop who gets involved with a gang plotting a high-stakes heist centred on illegal betting money. His cunning mind games and constantly shifting alliances form the crux of the narrative, eventually leading to his iconic self-proclamation as the “Kingmaker.”

Alongside Ajith, the film stars Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Raai Laxmi, Anjali, Andrea Jeremiah, Vaibhav, Ashwin Kakumanu and Premji Amaren in pivotal roles.

Mankatha released worldwide on 31 August 2011 in theatres to critical acclaim from critics and became the second biggest opening Tamil film after Enthiran at the time of release.