The magic of Mankatha refuses to fade, even after nearly a decade and a half. Ajith Kumar’s iconic 2011 blockbuster has returned to the big screens, and the response has been nothing short of phenomenal. Re-released on January 24, 2026, perfectly timed for the long Republic Day weekend, Mankatha is rewriting re-release history in Tamil Nadu with record-breaking numbers and unprecedented audience turnout. The film also happens to be Ajith Kumar’s 50th film.
From the early morning shows itself, theatres across the state have witnessed packed houses, loud whistles, and celebratory scenes reminiscent of a brand-new Ajith release. Trade circles are abuzz with reports of the film heading towards a record opening weekend for a re-release, proving once again that Mankatha is not just a film, but a cult phenomenon.
Directed by Venkat Prabhu, Mankatha marked a turning point in Ajith Kumar’s career. His portrayal of the ruthless, stylish, and morally grey Vinayak Mahadev became an instant sensation, earning him massive appreciation from fans and critics alike. Even today, the character remains one of the most celebrated anti-heroes in Tamil cinema, and its impact is clearly visible in the massive re-release response.
A major strength of Mankatha is its ensemble cast. Trisha, in the female lead role, brought glamour and emotional depth to the narrative, while Arjun Sarja, in a powerful key role, added intensity and gravitas to the film. The clash of strong personalities on screen remains a major highlight and continues to engage audiences even years later.
Another timeless aspect of Mankatha is its music, composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. Songs like “Mankatha Theme” and “Vilayadu Mankatha” still enjoy cult status, and hearing them reverberate through theatres once again has elevated the nostalgic experience for fans.
The massive success of Mankatha’s re-release underlines the enduring star power of Ajith Kumar and the film’s everlasting appeal. With the Republic Day weekend still in progress, all eyes are now on the final numbers, as Mankatha looks set to create yet another milestone this time in the history of re-released films in Tamil Nadu.
