Prasanth's Andhagan vs Vikram's Thangalaan: Box office battle of two cousins and transient nature of stardom

    Prasanth's long-delayed film, Andhagan directly with Tamil superstar Vikram's much-awaited Thangalaan.

    Andhagan and Thangalaan

    Andhagan and Thangalaan

    Actor Prasanth's long-delayed movie, Andhagan, has finally zeroed in on a release date. The film will arrive in cinemas on August 15, coinciding with the Independence Day holiday. However, it will be released on the same day as Tamil superstar Vikram's much-awaited Thangalaan .

    It's noteworthy that Thangalaan will likely be the most preferred movie among stakeholders, considering the film's theme, visual grandeur, and ensemble cast. On the other hand, Andhagan is the Tamil remake of the 2018 Hindi movie Andhadhun.

    When Andhagan was picked by Prasanth to revive his acting career in Tamil cinema, the world looked very different. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed significant parts of our lives, including our tastes in movies.

    In 2019, remaking movies were still considered a viable option. But in the post-pandemic market, it's no longer a safe bet. We have seen remake movies featuring some of the biggest stars bite the dust at the box office. With the advent of streaming platforms and their easy access, audiences can now watch movies of all languages from the comfort of their homes, in the language of their choice. This shift has forced filmmakers to distance themselves from remakes.

    In light of current trends and practices, the odds are stacked against Andhagan. Written and directed by Thiagarajan, Andhagan needs a miracle of sorts to capture the imagination of audiences if it desires to make profits at the box office.

    Meanwhile, writer-director Pa Ranjith has mounted Thangalaan on a huge scale. Vikram's tribal look, spectacular visual elements, and strong supporting cast make Thangalaan an irresistible choice for audiences, who now seem to possess an evolved idea of big-screen entertainment.

    The revolving cycle of stardom

    Additionally, Vikram and Prasanth are first cousins, adding an extra dimension to this box-office clash. Their current popularity status also exemplifies the transient nature of stardom. In the 90s, Prasanth was one of the top stars in Tamil cinema, while Vikram was a struggling actor and stayed employed as a dubbing artist.

    Today, Vikram is one of the most sought-after stars in Indian cinema. He has shown a great appetite for reinventing himself and pushing the limits of physical performance in each film with unmatched vigour and passion.

    While Prasanth enjoyed early success and a swift rise to fame, Vikram's career is a testament to the resilience and the power of continual self-improvement. Vikram is celebrated for his passion and commitment, attributes that have kept him at the forefront of the industry, whereas Prasanth is still in the process of re-establishing his place in the cinematic world.