Maharaja Movie Nears Rs 100 Crore in China at Box Office, Reigniting Indian Cinema’s Global Success

Vijay Sethupathi’s Tamil action thriller Maharaja has created a sensation in China, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film in the country in the last five years. Released in November 2024, the film is on the verge of entering the prestigious Rs 100 crore club, marking a remarkable achievement for Indian cinema on an international scale.

Directed by Nithilan Swaminathan, Maharaja stars Vijay Sethupathi in the lead role, alongside notable performances by Anurag Kashyap, Mamta Mohandas, and Natty Natraj. The plot revolves around Maharaja, a barber from Chennai, who unexpectedly finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue and suspense after visiting a police station to retrieve his stolen dustbin. The film has garnered widespread acclaim for its gripping storyline, compelling performances, and Swaminathan’s deft direction.

The movie’s performance in China has been nothing short of extraordinary. Within just over a month of its release in Chinese cinemas, it has grossed Rs 91.55 crore, as confirmed by Yu Jing, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India. Jing shared this update on her X (formerly Twitter) handle, along with a film poster, celebrating the movie’s success. “Maharaja, which made Rs 91.55 crore, is now the highest-grossing Indian film in China since 2018.” Well done,” she wrote.

This milestone also carries a diplomatic undertone, as Maharaja is the first Indian film to be released in China following the October 2024 accord that aimed to normalize strained ties between the two nations, particularly after the eastern Ladakh standoff.

Chinese audiences have embraced the film wholeheartedly, evident from its impressive opening day earnings of RMB 13.37 million (approximately Rs 15.6 crore) and an 8.7/10 rating on the popular Chinese movie review platform Douban. Many consider it among the highest-rated Indian films in recent years.

Previously, Indian films such as Aamir Khan’s Dangal and Secret Superstar, Ayushmann Khurrana’s Andhadhun, and Rani Mukerji’s Hichki have struck a chord with Chinese viewers. Now, Maharaja adds another shining chapter to India’s cinematic journey abroad.