Master is keeping the cash registers ringing across the world. (Photo: Seven Screen Studios)Actor Vijay’s Master has finally hit cinema halls across India. The film has opened to a good response from the audience and the film critics alike. In the film, Vijay plays the character of JD, a heavy-drinker and a teacher at a college. Vijay Sethupathi, on the other hand, is seen in an “unapologetically” evil avatar.
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film, also starring Malavika Mohanan, Arjun Das, Andrea Jeremiah and Shanthanu Bhagyaraj, is produced by XB Film Creators and Seven Screen Studios.
In his review of Master, indianexpress.com’s Manoj Kumar R wrote, “Lokesh had promised a Vijay film which would be very different from movies that Vijay usually does. Did he deliver on his promise? Yes. Master is the most fun, sensible, enjoyable and good looking movie that Vijay has done in a long time.”
He added, “After a long gap, Vijay has played, if you will, a nuanced character with qualities that don’t comply with the definition of a “complete man”. JD, which is short for John Durairaj (Vijay), is an unruly professor at a popular college in Chennai. He is adored by students, and that makes him enemy no 1 of the old guard in the management. He is a professor of psychology, who teaches focus as a subject. A quality that he lacks in his life. His greatest flaw is he has no focus, and he doesn’t pay heed to what people tell him. He hears but never listens. He doesn’t do what he preaches. Say, he is a hypocrite. He’s deeply flawed. And that is what makes Master stand out from recent Vijay movies.”
Master was previously scheduled to release worldwide in April 2020, but got postponed due to the spread of coronavirus and the resultant lockdown. Even though there were lucrative offers from leading OTT platforms, the producers were keen on a theatrical release. Now, Master’s theatrical release is removing the gloom that has gripped the box office.
(With inputs from Janardhan Koushik, Komal RJ Panchal, Gabbeta Ranjithkumar, Manoj Kumar R)
(Photo: Malavika Mohanan/Instagram)
On the first day of its release, Master has earned over Rs 25 crore in Tamil Nadu. The producers of the film shared the figure on Twitter and it looks like the film is going to have a glorious week ahead.
Read More | Master box office collection Day 1: Vijay-starrer earns over Rs 25 crore in Tamil Nadu
"Today, I watched 'MASTER' with my Assistants. I enjoyed the roars and whistles of the Fans. Vijay: Handsome, Graceful and Stylish.
@VijaySethuOffl Raw, Explosive and Lethal. Best Wishes. - Mysskin. #Master," filmmaker Mysskin shared on Twitter.
Filmmaker Mohan Raja watched Master last evening and tweeted, "Interval at AMB Cinemas, Hyderabad Enjoying the #Master stroke by my dear ones, eSpecially @actorvijay Nanba, what a charismatic show, the terrific @VijaySethuOffl, brother @Dir_Lokesh electrifying
@anirudhofficial @imKBRshanthnu."
Film trade analyst Sumit Kadel shared the box office collection of top 10 Tamil movies on Twitter. He wrote, "TOP 10 opening day Biz in TN ( Gross)
1 #Sarkar - ?32 cr
2 #Master - ?26 cr ( #MasterFilm)
3 #Bigil - ?24.75 cr
4 #Mersal - ?23.50 cr
5 #Kabali - ?19.50 cr
6 #Darbar - ?16.90 cr
7 #Viswasam - ?16.5 cr
8 #Vivegam - ?16 cr
9 #Vedalam - ?14.70 cr
10 #Theri - ?14 cr"
Film trade analyst Sumit Kadel shared on Twitter, "#Master creates HISTORY! Grossed ? 26 cr on Wednesday in Tamil Nadu with just 50% occupancy, becomes the biggest Non Holiday opener ever out there."
Actor Iniya took to Twitter after watching Master and wrote, "Last night Fullfilled with #Master Fire oh god what a damn stylish he is.... Thalapathy @actorvijay. Treat to watch both VJ's Performance in Screen, congratulations to @Dir_Lokesh & Team. #MasterPongal."
The Hindi version of Master titled Vijay The Master has hit cinema halls in North India today.
Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the international box office collection of Master. He tweeted, "#Master hits it out of the park... Flying start at key international markets. *Day 1* biz...?? #Australia: A$ 283,517 [? 1.61 cr] ?? #NewZealand: NZ$ 56,615 [? 29.84 lakhs] ?? #USA: Biz getting updated. Strong start, despite limited screens.@comScore #MasterFilm #MasterPongal"
After people thronged cinemas for Vijay starrer Master, police on Wednesday booked a case against a theatre in Chennai for allegedly violating the state government order on permitting only 50 per cent occupancy during the screening of films due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The incident came to light when videos of the crowds went viral on social media. The MGR Nagar police, who registered a case against the theatre management, said a penalty of Rs 5,000 was levied.
Also read | Master screening: Police book case against theatre for violating COVID-19 norms
Be it dancing, cheering, waiting to enter the theatre or exiting after watching the film, many fans were seen without masks in Chennai theatres. Similar scenes played out in Mumbai’s Carnival Cinemas. A long queue of people eagerly waited for their chance to enter the theatre, but without their masks in place.
Fans lined up in front of theatres as early as 5 am to catch Master. And looking at Chennai cinema-goers, one might think the pandemic is behind us. Many film buffs were seen openly flouting covid protocols. This, despite the many hoardings and billboards outside cinema halls asking fans to sanitise, wear masks and observe social distancing.
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George wrote, 'In #Master, I liked how all songs are part of the story. When the album was out, some people were worried that these many songs would dent the pace. But this is not the case in Master. Also, the songs' placement is brilliant. @Dir_Lokesh #MasterFilm.'
Hema Rukmani tweeted, "#Master is pakka masss. A treat to watch #Thalapathy in every frame. Vere level ! Memorable performances by @VijaySethuOffl @iam_arjundas @Actor_Mahendran Congratulations @Dir_Lokesh @anirudhofficial.@XBFilmCreators Best wishes from @MuraliRamasamy4 @ThenandalFilms."
Nikki Galrani tweeted, "Finally in the theatre after a year to watch the Masterpice #Master @VijaySethuOffl @Jagadishbliss @Dir_Lokesh @MalavikaM_ @anirudhofficial#MasterPongal."
Sundeep Kishan wrote, "Ayyyyy....You know they name..now register the face.. @Dir_Lokesh. So bloody proud .. #Master Ok handSign of the horns
#Vijay sir @VijaySethuOffl."
Mahesh Koneru wrote, "#Master takes a sensational start at the Box Office in Telugu states. The opening numbers are nothing short of phenomenal. Big thanks to everyone who made this possible. Grateful to all my distributors, exhibitors and team for standing by me and making this possible."
Gautham Karthik tweeted, "This is what we've all been waiting for! Wishing @actorvijay sir, @VijaySethuOffl anna, @Dir_Lokesh and the entire team of #Master GREAT success! Can't wait to watch it in theaters, the way its meant to be watched."
Actor Sunainaa tweeted, "Congratulations #vijay sir @VijaySethuOffl @Dir_Lokesh @anirudhofficial and rest of the #Master team! What great energy."
Kaushik LM tweeted, "PR: #Master opens to a massive response all over India. 85% of total PVR Screens booked to capacity, with 50% occupancy cap. Mr. Gautam Dutta, CEO, PVR Cinemas on the release of #MasterFilm @_PVRCinemas."
Siddarth Srinivas wrote, "#Master: Mighty. Easily the most unique Thalapathy Vijay film in the past few years, having its mass moments shining more than anything else. Lokesh proves how big an action veriyan he is, VJ and VJS battle it out in a fight fest where every stunt sequence is a treat to watch!"
Sreedhar Pillai tweeted, '#Master Adrenaline pumping & Enjoyable. Fantastic Combo - #ThalapathyVijay the stylish protagonist & @VijaySethuOffl as deadly antagonist makes it awesome & crackling, especially knockout climax scene! When @Dir_Lokesh directs #Thalapathy it is going 2 b different and it shows.'
Rajasekar tweeted, "#Master - I'm in love with this new #Vijay who gives importance to the villain (Vijay Sethupathi) and takes a backseat ( allows Andrea to take the lead in an action episode)in a few scenes (@iam_arjundas, #Poovaiyar, and even Gauri gets the opportunity to score)!"
Indianexpress.com's Manoj Kumar R gave the film 2.5 stars. He wrote in his review, "Master is neither completely a Vijay film nor entirely a Lokesh Kanagaraj film. Lokesh’s self-imposed limitations and obligation to be in fan-service undermine the film’s impact. He has used so many good talents as just fillers and wasted resources on ideas that don’t take the story forward. And, those are not the qualities of Lokesh who made Maanagaram and Kaithi."
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Karthik Subbaraj tweeted, "So heartwarming to be back to Theatres..... Thanks to @actorvijay sir & team #Master for bring back the charm to Cinemas... . Don't miss this Mass entertainer in theatres..Congratulations @Dir_Lokesh @anirudhofficial @Lalit_SevenScr sir & whole team for big success."
Jayam Ravi tweeted, "Very happy for my brothers @imKBRshanthnu and @Actor_Mahendran for their big release #master today wishing you only the best. God bless."
'Thalapathy' Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi-starrer Master had a grand opening in Australia. A statement from the makers read, "Master has opened super strong as of 4 pm in Australia at 248k [2,48,000]."
Arya tweeted, "Wishing @actorvijay sir @VijaySethuOffl brother @imKBRshanthnu darling @Actor_Mahendran and rest of the #Master team a huge success @anirudhofficial @XBFilmCreators @7screenstudio #master in theatres for all of us let’s celebrate #masterpongal."
‘Thalapathy’ Vijay starrer Master has released in south India today to a massive response. Fans of Vijay queued up outside theatres as early as 5 am to catch their favourite star on the big screen.
Film distributor-multiplex owner Raj Bansal shared how the early morning shows of Master were ‘jam-packed’. READ MORE
Master, starring Vijay, Vijay Sethupathi, Malavika Mohanan, Arjun Das, Andrea Jeremiah and Shanthanu Bhagyaraj, has finally hit screens across India.
Film exhibitor Vishek Chauhan tweeted, "I take this opportunity to thank #ThalapathyVijay @actorvijay.Your conviction in theatrical business gives us hope..thousands of cinemas will come back to life from tomm because of you..you r a true leader sir #Master will always be remembered for reviving cinemas post #Covid."
Editor Ruben tweeted, "Glory to God. Kollywood industry reopens today with #Thalapathy’s #Masterfilm All the very best Dear @actorvijay sir, @VijaySethuOffl sir,dear @Dir_Lokesh, darling @anirudhofficial sweety @Jagadishbliss ,@Lalit_SevenScr sir @XBFilmCreators & all the dear ones & the entire team."
@hishh wrote on Twitter, "The terrific terrific first half of #Master . Vijay is at his best with the beast VJS. Complete package for a mass film so far, and too good. If this momentum is kept, we have a MONSTER BLOCKBUSTER on cards. #MasterFilm #MasterFDFS"
Vamsi Kaka said via Twitter, "Entertaining first half with Vijay & Sethupathi's SWAG, Emotional Scenes & Kick-Ass Pre-Interval episode. Anirudh bgm Fire Fire #MasterFilm #MasterPongal #MasterTelugu."
Hansika tweeted, "Best wishes to @actorvijay sir and team for the release of #MasterFilm Watch it in theatres.!!"
@imPavithraOff posted on Twitter, "#Master BLOCKBUSTER @actorvijay Annaa Vera Marii Character Verithanam.. @Dir_Lokesh Sir Thank You @VijaySethuOffl Sir Best villain #MasterFilm Team #MasterFDFS."
Composer D.IMMAN tweeted, "Hearty Pongal wishes! Being a person from film fraternity wishing only the best to all the three films releasing this Festival eve! I’m sure this Pongal will be a treat to all tamil cinema lovers! #Master #Eeswaran #Bhoomi."
@SivaangiOff tweeted, "Can’t even describe how ecstatic it feels to be back at a theatre after waiting for a whole year, #Master @actorvijay - @VijaySethuOffl combination Meratal #MasterFilm. A pongal treat for everyone! #MasterFDFS."
Master's release has led to a festival-like atmosphere in theatres across India with fans gathering in large numbers to catch Vijay's latest movie. SEE IN PHOTOS HERE
Gaurav Narayanan tweeted, "#master celebration of cinema will continue for ever with the Master of box office @actorvijay Anna. He has given a big hope and life to theaters which was in ICU for the past 8 months. Happy to see audience happy faces. Long live cinema ... long live Vijay Anna."
Sibi Sathyaraj tweeted, "Wishing @actorvijay anna and the entire team of #Master all the best for a grand success.A very important film not only for the team and #Thalapathy fans but also for the entire Tamil Cinema industry.Really glad to see super positive reviews and Record breaking bookings."
Venkat Prabhu posted on Twitter, "#master let’s celebrate safely! @actorvijay @Dir_Lokesh @VijaySethuOffl @anirudhofficial."
Sharing a photo of himself, Sreedhar Pillai tweeted, "Back to a #movie #Theatre after 10 months ! My first movie in the theatres post-#COVID19 In #PVRECR for a private paid show with limited audiences & maintaining social distance for #Master."
Taran Adarsh took to Twitter to post, "It's a #Tsunami at the #BO... #MasterFilm has a FANTABULOUS START... Only goes to prove yet again: Give the audience what THEY want to watch and they will never disappoint you... Charm of watching a wellmade entertainer on big screen will never diminish. #Master #MasterPongal"
Karthi_Prasanna tweeted, "#Master Watta power packed movie from @Dir_Lokesh. #Vijay na (VS) #Vijaysethupathi na that combo is goosebumps FireFireFire Sooo happyyyy for my annan @imKBRshanthnu u lookin so young & charm sonu naRed. Kutty bhavani intro scene was lit. @Actor_Mahendran bro hugs."
Gautham Karthik shared via Twitter, "This is what we've all been waiting for!Wishing @actorvijay sir, @VijaySethuOffl anna, @Dir_Lokesh and the entire team of #Master GREAT success! Can't wait to watch it in theaters, the way its meant to be watched."
A fan in Bengaluru told indianexpress.com that he is not comfortable with the idea of 100 per cent occupancy in theatres.
After being shut for over ten months, theatres in Kerala opened with Tamil actor Vijay's latest movie Master.