The acclaimed Tamil-language movie, 'Maharaja', will be released on 40,000 screens in China this November 29th. The Mandarin-dubbed version of the movie has been ensured a vast release by Yi Shi Films and Alibaba Pictures.
Starring Vijay Sethupathi in the lead, the revenge thriller is directed by Nithilan Saminathan. It also features Anurag Kashyap, Mamta Mohandas, Natty (Natraj), Bharathiraja, Abhiram, Singampuli, Aruldoss, Munishkanth, Vinoth Sagar, Boys Manikandan, Kalki, and Sachana Nimidass.
The big question is, will the vast release in China change the game for Indian films? 'Dangal' and 'Secret Superstar', both Bollywood films, received wide acclaim in China. 'Dangal' was a massive hit in China. "The sports drama ran for over 60 days and grossed Rs 1,305 crore in the neighbouring nation, taking its overseas collection to Rs 1,535 crore," a recent report by DNA said. Aamir Khan became popular among the Chinese because of '3 Idiots' and 'PK'. That popularity helped 'Dangal'.
In the case of 'Maharaja', the makers must be counting on its screenplay. If the movie performs well in China despite the limitation of not featuring a Bollywood hero, it will be a big confidence booster for southern filmmakers like Sukumar and Lokesh Kanagaraj.
