Maattrraan is Scorching Hot!

If there is one thing that everybody in Kodambakkam is talking about these days, it is none other than Maattrraan's record setting distribution rights. Industry Sources revealed that the family close to TN ruling government is now in talks with AGS to buy Maattrraan domestic rights for up to 70 Crores. The same distribution house had also signed on the dotted line for buying the rights for Gautham Menon/Jiiva movie and Mupphozhodum Un Karpanaigal. AGS had already sold Maattrraan's overseas rights for 12 Crores and Telugu rights for 17 Crores, a week before 7th Sense Telugu release. 

Maattrraan's business to zoom past 100 Crores

Maattrraan is expected to become the 2nd movie in South India to do an overall business of more than Rs. 100 Crores, next only to Enthiran. While verifying this with an experienced person in the trade, he was not surprised at all that Maattraan is scorching hot in the trade. He quoted that "the ceiling established by the BO collection of a hero's current movie automatically becomes the floor for his next". Following that logic, despite Suriya's 7am Arivu receiving mixed reviews from audience and trashed by popular critics, the movie is still expected to collect more than 70 Crores.

Following the career trajectory of Suriya over the last few years, one will notice the meteoric rise of Suriya. For example, the worldwide distribution rights for both Vaaranam Aayiramand Ayan were sold under 20 Crores. After riding high on Ayan's success, Aadhavan and Singam worldwide distribution rights shot up to 35 Crores. Despite the slip in Raththa Charithram, recently released 7am Arivu was sold for roughly around 60 Crores (incl. Telugu rights) based on the merits of Ghajini team (AR Murugadoss + Suriya + Harris). Another key reason for the expectations for Maattrraan is because of Director KV Anand, who is aiming for a hat-trick of blockbuster hits after Ayan and Ko. Both his movies went on to collect more than 70 Crores -- no small achievement for a movie shot on a modest production budget of less than 15 Crores. 

Will Maattraan meet the sky high expectations?

Our source wrapped up by saying Rs.70 Crores may sound shockingly high for outsiders and record keepers. However, the positive buzz surrounding the movie and strong box office performance exhibited by this winning team suggest that it is safe to bet 100 Crores on this horse.

Sounds a bit speculative... we will have to wait until Summer of 2012 to see whether Maattrraan will be able to meet such astronomic expectations.