Vijay Sethupathi’s ‘Maharaja’ to become first Tamil film to get Hollywood remake

In a historic milestone for Tamil cinema, Vijay Sethupathi’s 2024 action-thriller Maharaja is set to be remade in Hollywood, becoming the first Tamil film to be adapted by a major studio.

Producer Sudhan Sundaram confirmed the development to The Times of India, saying the makers were approached by a Hollywood agency for remake rights following the film’s strong performance in China.”Following the success of the film in China, where the film did very well both at the box office and on OTT, we were approached by a Hollywood agency for the remake rights. They are now trying to set up the project with an A-list star. The film is likely to go on floors by next year,” Sundaram said.

According to Sacnilk, Maharaja earned Rs 91.65 crore at the Chinese box office. The producers officially announced the remake on Wednesday, posting on social media: “A HISTORIC MILESTONE! #Maharaja becomes the first Tamil film to be made in Hollywood by a major studio.”Amid speculation that Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey is in talks to play the lead, Sundaram said casting is yet to be officially confirmed.”Maybe McConaughey is one of the stars they are talking to, but only the agency will be able to confirm,” he said.

Directed by Nithilan Swaminathan, Maharaja starred Vijay Sethupathi as a barber who approaches police to find a stolen dustbin named Lakshmi, before the case takes a darker turn. The film also starred Anurag Kashyap, Mamta Mohandas, Abhirami and Sachana Namidass, who won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role.

Released in June 2024 to rave reviews, the film has previously seen remake buzz with Aamir Khan reportedly acquiring Hindi rights.