Preview - Will Thuppakki hit the Bulls-eye?

SWOT Analysis by Raven

A.R.Murugadoss' and Vijay's Thuppakki will be finally gracing the screens on 13^th November on the day of Diwali. Kajal Agarwal is paired opposite Vijay. The music is scored by A.R. Murugadoss’ regular Harris Jayaraj and Cinematography by Santhosh Sivan is expected to be the highlight. One notable change to A.R. Murugadoss' usual team is inclusion of editor Sreekar Prasad. 

Strengths

• Vijay has a huge loyal fan base and they will ensure an earth-shattering opening. Thuppakki title issue had kept the movie under the radar for a few months until out-of-court settlement was reached with Kallathuppakki team. Vijay's fans never let that controversy impact the movie. They have taken care of keeping the hype up even during the down periods. 

• A.R.Murugadoss’ films have been big hits in the past even though his last outing 7aum Arivu received mixed reviews. Director AR Murugadoss had been working on Thuppakki's script after the completion of Ghajini (Tamil). He was ready to begin shooting with Akshay Kumar even prior to 7aum Arivu.  We can look forward to a complete entertainer from him.

• AR Murugadoss' movies have always boasted of slick technical values; Thuppakki will not be an exception. Four times National Award winning Cinematographer and Director Santhosh Sivan will be a major asset to the film. 

• Harris Jayaraj's 'Google Google' sung and danced by Vijay along with cutesy Kajal have created the right level of buzz ahead of release.
  

Opportunities

• As of now, only Thuppakki is confirmed to be Diwali release with no word from Podaa Podi. The advance bookings have started in full swing. Thuppakki releasing in record number of screens will have a great extended opening(6-day opening) at the box office, if the reviews and word of mouth are positive.

Threats

• Running length of the film is expected to be around 2 hour 50 minutes. Our audience recently have been highly critical about any lags or slackening pace. Audience have been insisting on engaging script throughout and appears to be preferring shorter duration, of late.

• A number of Diwali movies will be releasing in Tamil and Hindi. We can expect two out of three Tamil films (Podaa Podi, Ammavin Kaipesi, Neerparavai) to join Thuppakki for Diwali. But, there is no official confirmation yet from Podaa Podi. In Tamil Nadu, Shah Rukh Khan's Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Devgn's Son of Sardar should not have much impact. However in overseas and centers outside of Tamil Nadu, the intense Diwali competition could impact the neutral audience who typically cherry pick the most acclaimed Diwali movie to watch.  

Final Words

With brilliant crew members and Vijay on board, it is no doubt Thuppakki will be a technically sound action entertainer. If the opening word of mouth is good, Thuppakki might be the perfect film to uplift the festive mood this Diwali and break a few box-office opening records. 

Watch the FDFS and let us know whether the movie is a "Saravedi".