Theri (film): Difference between revisions

| writer        =  

| story          = Atlee

| screenplay    = Atlee

{{Infobox | decat = yes | child = yes

    | data1 = Atlee<br />S. Ramana Girivasan

| starring      = [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]]<br />[[Samantha Ruth Prabhu]]<br />[[Amy Jackson]]

| studio        = [[Kalaipuli S. Thanu|V Creations]]

| distributor    = [[SPI Cinemas]] ([[Tamil Nadu]])<br>[[ Sri Venkateswara Creations]]<br>([[Andhra Pradesh]] and [[Telangana]])<ref>{{Citation |title='Theri:' Here's the area-wise distributors' list of Vijay-starrer |date=6 April 2016 |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/theri-heres-area-wise-distributors-list-vijay-starrer-673539}}</ref>{{ubl|[[Friday Film House]] and [[Carnival Cinemas|Carnival Motion Pictures]] ([[Kerala]])<ref name="on">{{Cite web |title=Theri will be distributed in Kerala by Friday Film House in association with Carnival Motion Pictures |url=http://www.onlookersmedia.in/latestnews/theri-will-distributed-kerala-friday-film-house-association-carnival-motion-pictures |access-date=7 May 2016 |website=onlookersmedia|date=30 March 2016 }}</ref><br>SouthSide Studios <br>([[Karnataka]])}}

| released      = {{Film date|df=yes|2016|04|14|ref1=<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 November 2015 |title=Theri Release Date (Vijay's Theri) is On Early January |url=http://www.galatawoods.in/2015/11/theri-release-date-vijay-theri-is-on.html |website=galatawoods.in}}</ref>}}

| runtime        = 150 minutes

| budget        = {{INR|75}} crore<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bigil's budget crosses the 140-crore-mark; making it the most expensive Vijay film till date! |url=https://www.in.com/entertainment/regional/bigils-budget-crosses-the-140-crore-mark-making-it-the-most-expensive-vijay-film-till-date-472381.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708084432/https://www.in.com/entertainment/regional/bigils-budget-crosses-the-140-crore-mark-making-it-the-most-expensive-vijay-film-till-date-472381.htm |archive-date=2019-07-08 |access-date=2019-08-08 |website=in.com }}</ref>

| gross          = {{INR|150}} crore<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iyengar |first=Anusha |date=2018-11-10 |title=Vijay's Sarkar beats lifetime collections of Theri crosses Rs. 150 crores worldwide in 4 days |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/box-office/article/thalapathy-vijays-sarkar-beats-lifetime-collections-of-theri-crosses-rs-150-crores-worldwide-in-4-days-south-news/311759 |access-date=2019-09-25 |website=timesnownews.com }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=2016-06-27 |title='Theri' box office collection: Vijay-starrer collects over Rs. 150 crore worldwide |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-vijay-back-form-theri-collects-over-rs-150-crore-worldwide-684496 |access-date=2019-08-19 |website=International Business Times, India Edition }}</ref>

'''''Theri''''' ({{Translation}} ''Spark'')<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tamil Star Vijay's 'Theri' Confirmed for Tamil New Year Release |url=http://www.thequint.com/entertainment/2016/01/19/tamil-star-vijays-theri-confirmed-for-tamil-new-year-release |access-date=7 May 2016 |website=The Quint|date=19 January 2016 }}</ref> is a 2016 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[action thriller film]] written and directed by [[Atlee (director)|Atlee Kumar]] and produced by [[Kalaipuli S. Thanu]] under the banner [[V. Creations|V Creations]]. It is inspired from [[Mani Ratnam]]'s film ''[[Chatriyan]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/before-thalapathy-63-the-films-atlee-has-been-accused-of-plagiarising-1504018-2019-04-17|title=Before Thalapathy 63: The films Atlee has been accused of plagiarising|website=India Today|quote=Theri and Chatriyan's storylines bear an uncanny resemblance.}}</ref> The film stars [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], [[Samantha Ruth Prabhu]] and [[Amy Jackson]]. The film's music is composed by [[G. V. Prakash Kumar]], with cinematography handled by [[George C. Williams (cinematographer)|George C. Williams]] and editing done by [[Ruben (film editor)|Ruben]]. In the film, a former police officer is on a mission to protect his daughter from his past enemies.

 

The film marked Kumar's second directorial after ''[[Raja Rani (2013 film)|Raja Rani]]'' (2013), whose success impressed Vijay to work with the director. Atlee came up with the script, which was an "emotional action thriller film" and a formal announcement was made during September 2014. After post-production works and a formal launch ceremony in June 2015, the film began production in [[Chennai]] during early July. The film was halted twice due to the [[Film Employees Federation of South India]]'s strike and the [[2015 South Indian floods|heavy flooding in Chennai]]. In addition, poor climatic conditions in China meant that the team had to abandon their idea of filming sequences there and instead opted to shoot in [[Bangkok]]. Despite the difficulties, the film was completed within January 2016.

 

''Theri'' was released on 14 April 2016 and received positive reviews from critics and audience. The film grossed {{INRConvert|150|c}} against a budget of {{INRConvert|75|c}} and emerged as the [[List of Tamil films of 2016|second highest grossing Tamil and South Indian film of 2016]]. It further won three [[SIIMA Awards]],<ref>{{Cite news |title=SIIMA Awards 2017 Day 2: Mohanlal wins Best Actor, Vijay bags Best Entertainer  |work=India Today |agency=Ist |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/siima-awards-2017-mohanlal-wins-best-actor-vijay-entertainer-1021933-2017-07-02 |access-date=2019-05-15}}</ref> three [[IIFA Utsavam]] awards, two [[Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards]] and nine nominations at the 64th [[Filmfare Awards South]]. The film was adapted into Assamese as ''[[Ratnakar (film)|Ratnakar]]'' (2019).<ref name=":52">{{Cite news|last=Joshi|first=Namrata|date=14 November 2019|title=Vijay's 'Theri' inspires Assamese cinema's biggest-ever blockbuster|website=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vijays-theri-inspires-assamese-cinemas-biggest-ever-blockbuster/article29971725.ece}}</ref> It is currently considered as one among the most-popular films in Vijay's career, due to the commercial elements in the film and its multiple re-runs in television channels had attributed to more popularity.<ref name=":62">{{Cite web|title=5 Years of 'Theri': Atlee floods Twitter with thanks messages|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/5-years-of-theri-atlee-floods-twitter-with-thanks-messages/articleshow/82079287.cms|access-date=2021-10-02|website=The Times of India}}</ref>

<!--Plot summaries should be between 400 and 700 words per WP:FILMPLOT. The word count when this note was placed is 545. DO NOT ADD MORE DETAILS.-->

Joseph Kuruvilla is a non-violent person, who runs a [[bakery]] and lives with his five-year old daughter Niveditha "Nivi" and they lead a peaceful life. Joseph soon befriends Nivi's teacher Annie, who starts developing a crush on him. However, Annie learns that Joseph is actually [[Deputy Commissioner of Police|DCP]] Vijay Kumar, an honest cop in [[Chennai]]. When confronted with the truth, Joseph reveals his past.

'''Past''': One night, Vijay meets an old man who comes up with a complaint to find his missing daughter Raji, an [[Information Technology|IT worker]], where he investigates the case and within ten hours, only to find that she was [[rape|raped]] to death. Vijay's further investigation led him to Ashwin, who is the son of [[Ministry of Labour and Employment (India)|Labour minister]] Vanamaamalai. After three days of Raji's death, Vijay heads to Vanamaamalai's house to arrest Ashwin, but Vanamaamalai and [[police commissioner|commissioner]] Sibi Chakravarthy informs him that Ashwin was missing since three days and Vijay was tasked of finding Ashwin.  

Vanamaamalai learns that Ashwin was murdered by Vijay himself, where he swears to seek vengeance on him for killing his son. Vijay then meets Mithra, a doctor and asks to marry him, where she accepts after both of them fall in love. They both then have Nivi. Unfortunately, on the night of Deepavali, Vanamaamalai and his brother Ratnam, along with their henchmen barged into Vijay's house, where they killed Vijay's mother and his wife Mithra, and also attempted to drown Vijay's infant daughter Nivi. However, an injured Mithra saves Nivi and makes Vijay to take a vow that he will raise their daughter Nivi as a non-violent person and would quit the police force. Vijay accepts Mithra's vow and fakes his death in order to protect Nivi, before the explosion.

'''Present''': Vijay tells Annie to keep it as a secret from Nivi. During Nivi's [[excursion]], Vanamaamalai knows he is alive, then Joseph sees the school bus swerve, because the brakes of her school bus is damaged and the bus falls from the bridge into a river. With the help of Annie and the local people, Vijay manages to rescue Nivi and other children, where he learns that Vanamaamalai (who has now learnt that Vijay is alive) is behind the accident and returns to his old self to seek vengeance against Vanamaamalai.  

Vijay returns to Chennai and kills [[Inspector of Police|Inspector]] Karikalan, who is Vanamaamalai's henchmen and was also present at the night when Mithra was killed. At this point of time, Vanamaamalai and Ratnam have a fallout, where Vijay also kills him at night, by pushing him from the thirtieth floor of a building. Finally, Vijay gets captured by Vanamaamalai's henchmen, only for them to realize that it was Vijay's plan to get captured. He later kills Vanamaamalai's henchmen and Vanamaamalai. The killings continue to be a mystery from the public, but Sibi Chakravarthy is aware that Vijay is alive and secretly re-employs him into the police force.  

A few years later, Vijay, an older Nivi and Annie are in [[Ladakh]]. Vijay, who has changed his identity to Dharmeshwar, continues to work for the [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]] and also fulfilling Mithra's wishes.

== Cast ==

{{cast listing|

* [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] as [[Deputy commissioner of police (India)|D. C. P.]] A. Vijay Kumar [[Indian Police Service|IPS]] and Mithra’s husband / Joseph Kuruvilla, Nivi's father/ Dharmeshwar<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 February 2018 |title=From Naayagan to Mankatha: The sequels we deserve |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/feb/22/from-naayagan-to-mankatha-the-sequels-we-deserve-1776935.html |access-date=26 April 2018}}</ref>

* [[Samantha Ruth Prabhu]] as Mithra, Vijay's wife and Nivi's mother

* [[Amy Jackson]] as Annie, Nivi's teacher (Voice dubbed by [[Raveena Ravi]])

* [[Meena (actress)|Nainika Vidyasagar]] as Niveditha (Nivi), Vijay and Mithra's daughter

** [[Vijay (actor)|Divya Vijay]] as teenage Niveditha ([[cameo appearance]])

* [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu Ganesan]] as [[Police commissioner|Commissioner]] G. Cibi Chakravarthi

* [[Rajendran]] as P. Rajender

* [[Shreekumar]] as [[Assistant Commissioner|ACP]]

* [[Stun Siva]] as [[Assistant Commissioner|ACP]] Karikalan

* Kumar Natarajan as Mithra's father

* Ayra as Pallavi Ramakrishnan, Mithra's sister

* Niharika as Mithra's and Pallavi's aunt

* [[Sai Dheena]] as Pulippu, a child trafficker

* Bineesh Bastin as Chetan's henchman

* Aathma Patrick as Vanamaamalai's henchman

* [[R. S. G. Chelladurai]] as Raji's father

* [[T. Muthuraj]] as Chetan

 

 

In January 2014, [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] expressed his interest to work with a project directed by [[Atlee (director)|Atlee]], after being impressed by his debut directorial film ''[[Raja Rani (2013 film)|Raja Rani]]'' (2013); the latter also expected to work in the film, since he had been a fan of the actor, and also admired his recent projects.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vijay in Atlee's film? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-in-atlees-film/articleshow/29051182.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> [[Kalaipuli S. Thanu]] was reported to finance the project and was officially announced in September 2014.<ref name="n18">{{Cite news |date=9 September 2014 |title='Raja Rani' director Atlee Kumar to work with Vijay in his next Tamil film |work=[[News18.com]] |url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/raja-rani-director-atlee-kumar-to-work-with-vijay-in-his-next-tamil-film-712534.html |access-date=18 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Seshagiri |first=Sangeetha |date=2014-09-09 |title=Director Atlee to Team up with Ilayathalapathy Vijay |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/director-atlee-team-ilayathalapathy-vijay-608677 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref> The producers further announced that the team may start filming, only after the completion of Vijay's other film ''[[Puli (2015 film)|Puli]]'' (2015), while Atlee continued to script the film through late-2014.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 September 2014 |title=Atlee to direct Vijay in his next film |website=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/atlee-to-direct-vijay-in-his-next-film/article6394069.ece |access-date=25 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 September 2014 |title=Vijay & Atlee together for 'Thuppaki' producer Thanu |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vijay-atlee-together-for-thuppaki-producer-thanu-news-tamil-ojjkScaegacfe.html |access-date=25 November 2015 |website=Sify}}</ref> In November 2014, [[G. V. Prakash Kumar]] was announced as the music composer collaborating with Vijay and Atlee, after ''[[Thalaivaa]]'' and ''Raja Rani''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-11-17 |title=Music director GV Prakash roped in with Ilayathalapathy Vijay for Atlee's next film |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/141116/entertainment-kollywood/article/music-director-gv-prakash-roped-ilayathalapathy-vijay-atlees |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Deccan Chronicle }}</ref> Several of the technical crew involved in Atlee's previous film, ''Raja Rani'', were also added to the team including cinematographer [[George C. Williams (cinematographer)|George C. Williams]], editor [[Ruben (film editor)|Ruben]] and art director [[T. Muthuraj]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 March 2015 |title=Raadhika Sarathkumar in Atlee's Vijay59 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/raadhika-sarathkumar-in-atlee-s-vijay59-news-tamil-pd2qizgbhhhjd.html |access-date=25 November 2015 |website=Sify}}</ref> The film is touted to be an emotional-action thriller where Vijay would essay the role of a police officer and a father in the film,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vijay to play a father in Atlee's film? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-to-play-a-father-in-atlees-film/articleshow/47497644.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> and was reported to be inspired from ''[[Chatriyan]]'' (1990).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Is Vijay-Atlee film inspired by Sathriyan? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/is-vijay-atlee-film-inspired-by-sathriyan/articleshow/48870604.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> Several titles for the film including ''Moondru Mugam'', ''Vetri'', ''Thuppaki 2'', ''Khakee'' and ''Thaarumaaru'' were considered, before the makers finalised ''Theri'' in late November 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Theri' is the title for Vijay 59? |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/theri-is-the-title-for-vijay-59-news-tamil-plyq0bcbhfdhd.html |access-date=25 November 2015 |website=Sify}}</ref> The first look of the film was also released on that date.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vijay-Atlee film titled Theri |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-atlee-film-titled-theri/articleshow/49921507.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref>

 

Soon after the announcement, many reports been surfaced that [[Nayanthara]] will play the female lead.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-09-10 |title=Nayanthara to feature in 'Vijay 59'? - Tamil News |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/nayanthara-to-feature-in-vijay-59-tamil-news-113750 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Seshagiri |first=Sangeetha |date=2014-09-10 |title=Vijay-Atlee's Film: Nayanthara to Play Ilayathalapathy's Heroine in Vijay 59? |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-atlees-film-nayanthara-play-ilayathalapathys-heroine-vijay-59-608739 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref> However, in January 2015, the actress refuted her claims of being part in the film.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nayanthara is not a part of Vijay59 |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/nayanthara-is-not-a-part-of-vijay59-news-tamil-pbwjJlhdjjgjd.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122123502/http://www.sify.com/movies/nayanthara-is-not-a-part-of-vijay59-news-tamil-pbwjJlhdjjgjd.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 January 2015 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Sify }}</ref> Later, [[Samantha Akkineni|Samantha Ruth Prabhu]] was announced as the female lead.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samantha bags a role opposite Vijay |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/samantha-bags-a-role-opposite-vijay/articleshow/46199486.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> Amy Jackson also joined the film as the second female lead;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=2015-07-10 |title='Vijay 59': After Samantha and Amy Jackson, Another Actress Signs the Project |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-59-after-samantha-amy-jackson-another-actress-signs-project-638785 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref> she was reportedly essayed the role of a Malayalam-speaking school teacher in the film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-11-10 |title=Amy Jackson to play a Malayali in Vijay 59? |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151110/entertainment-kollywood/article/amy-jackson-play-malayali-vijay-59 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Deccan Chronicle }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Amy Jackson plays a Malayalee in Vijay 59? |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/amy-jackson-plays-a-malayalee-in-vijay-59-news-tamil-plho3mjddhehh.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118031741/http://www.sify.com/movies/amy-jackson-plays-a-malayalee-in-vijay-59-news-tamil-plho3mjddhehh.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 November 2015 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Sify }}</ref> Initially, the team approached few Hindi actresses for Jackson's role, whom had turned down the offer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 January 2015 |title=Samantha and Amy for Vijay's Atlee film? |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/samantha-and-amy-for-vijay-s-atlee-film-news-tamil-pb0wqqeafcjij.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127085532/http://www.sify.com/movies/samantha-and-amy-for-vijay-s-atlee-film-news-tamil-pb0wqqeafcjij.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 January 2015 |access-date=25 November 2015 |website=Sify}}</ref> In March 2015, veteran actress and film producer [[Raadhika Sarathkumar]] was essayed the role of Vijay's mother in the film, collaborating with Vijay for the second time after 27 years.{{NoteTag|[[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] and [[Raadhika Sarathkumar]] worked for the first time in ''[[Ithu Engal Neethi]]'' directed by his father [[S. A. Chandrashekhar]]. He also played a child artist in the film.}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raadhika in Vijay 59 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/raadhika-in-vijay-59/articleshow/46734547.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> [[Bharathiraja]] was approached by the team, for playing the antagonist role in the film,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Will Bharathiraja do it for Vijay, post Puli? |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/will-bharathiraja-do-it-for-vijay-post-puli.html |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref> but his refusal on being a part of the film, led Atlee choose veteran director [[Mahendran (filmmaker)|Mahendran]] as the antagonist.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-07-11 |title=Filmmaker J. Mahendran turns baddie for 'Vijay 59' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/filmmaker-j-mahendran-turns-baddie-for-vijay-59/ |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Indian Express }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=V.P |first=Nicy |date=2015-07-11 |title='Vijay 59': Filmmaker J Mahendran Turns Villain for Upcoming Atlee Movie |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-59-filmmaker-j-mahendran-turns-villain-upcoming-atlee-movie-638918 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref> Similarly, Sathyaraj too approached for another pivotal role,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=2015-07-04 |title='Vijay 59' Update: Sathyaraj Approached for Key Role? |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-59-update-sathyaraj-approached-key-role-638089 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref> which he denied due to his priorities in ''[[Baahubali 2: The Conclusion]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-08-11 |title=Real Reason Why Sathyaraj refused to play 'Vijay 59' Villain&nbsp;– Tamil News |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/sathyaraj-allots-100-days-for-baahubali-2-and-could-not-act-in-vijay-59-tamil-news-139631 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref> led [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu]] to play the role.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 June 2015 |title='Vijay 59' will be a complete family entertainer:Atlee |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vijay-59-will-be-a-complete-family-entertainer-atlee-news-tamil-pg0t43ebaebei.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126100109/http://www.sify.com/movies/vijay-59-will-be-a-complete-family-entertainer-atlee-news-tamil-pg0t43ebaebei.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 November 2015 |access-date=25 November 2015 |website=Sify}}</ref> During the start of the project, actress [[Meena (actress)|Meena]]'s daughter Nainika officially confirmed to be a part of the film, thereby making her acting debut.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-06-22 |title=Actress Meena's daughter might act as Vijay's daughter in Vijay 59 |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/actress-meenas-daughter-might-act-as-vijays-daughter-in-vijay59.html |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref> She would play Vijay's reel-life daughter in the film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-06-23 |title=Vijay to play Dad to his Favorite Heroine's Daughter? - Tamil News |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/vijay-to-play-father-of-meena-daughter-in-vijay-59-tamil-news-136004 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref> [[Sunaina]]a was also roped in to play an extended cameo in the film.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sunainaa to play a cameo in Vijay's next |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/sunainaa-to-play-a-cameo-in-vijays-next/articleshow/48003140.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> Actress [[Amritha Aiyer]], appeared in an uncredited role playing Samantha's cousin.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-31 |title=Amritha Aiyer: Lesser known facts about 'Bigil' actress who is all set to make her Tollywood debut |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/amritha-aiyer-lesser-known-facts-about-bigil-actress-who-is-all-set-to-make-her-tollywood-debut/photostory/73804452.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref>{{NoteTag|[[Amritha Aiyer]], played a crucial role in ''[[Bigil]]'', which also starred Vijay, and was directed by [[Atlee (director)|Atlee]]}}

 

An official launch event was held at the Kerala Club House on the [[East Coast Road]] in [[Chennai]], with several members of the cast and crew in attendance on 26 June 2015. The film began production in Chennai during early-July 2015 and an introductory song for Vijay was shot in the city,<ref>{{Cite web |last=V.P |first=Nicy |date=2015-07-14 |title='Vijay 59': Ilayathalapathy to Appear in New Look |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-59-ilayathalapathy-appear-new-look-639189 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref> followed by scenes featuring Vijay and Samantha on the East Coast Road.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 July 2015 |title=Ilayathalapathy Vijay's new get-up for Atlee film |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ilayathalapathy-vijay-s-new-get-up-for-atlee-film-news-tamil-phokJJeacabjd.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126093102/http://www.sify.com/movies/ilayathalapathy-vijay-s-new-get-up-for-atlee-film-news-tamil-phokJJeacabjd.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 November 2015 |access-date=25 November 2015 |website=Sify}}</ref> Further scenes in Chennai were shot at Adityaram Studios and at [[Binny Mills]], where art director T. Muthuraj had erected a huge set.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 June 2015 |title=Atlee's Vijay film Vijay59 to start rolling in July! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/atlee-s-vijay-film-vijay59-to-start-rolling-in-july-news-tamil-pgllkxeiacbjf.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126094605/http://www.sify.com/movies/atlee-s-vijay-film-vijay59-to-start-rolling-in-july-news-tamil-pgllkxeiacbjf.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 November 2015 |access-date=25 November 2015 |website=Sify}}</ref> Raadhika was also a part of the shoot, while actress [[Sunaina]] shot for one day in the schedule which ended in mid-July.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 July 2015 |title=Raadhika wraps up first schedule of Vijay 59 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/raadhika-wraps-up-first-schedule-of-vijay-59-news-tamil-phvjdEiabjegi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126113135/http://www.sify.com/movies/raadhika-wraps-up-first-schedule-of-vijay-59-news-tamil-phvjdEiabjegi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 November 2015 |access-date=25 November 2015 |website=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 July 2015 |title=Sunainaa does a cameo role in Vijay 59 directed by Atlee |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/sunainaa-does-a-cameo-role-in-vijay-59-directed-by-atlee.html |access-date=25 November 2015 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref> The second schedule was reported to begin during the end of the month, was briefly delayed owing to a strike held by the [[Tamil Film Producers Council]] against [[Film Employees Federation of South India]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kollywood comes to a halt, no shooting from today |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/kollywood-comes-to-a-halt-no-shooting-from-today-news-tamil-ph1jpujhhicbe.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729222327/http://www.sify.com/movies/kollywood-comes-to-a-halt-no-shooting-from-today-news-tamil-ph1jpujhhicbe.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 July 2015 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Sify }}</ref>

 

 

 

 

The film's soundtrack and score is composed by [[G. V. Prakash Kumar]]. In addition to being his second collaboration with Vijay and Atlee, the film also marked Prakash's 50th project as a composer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GV Prakash's 50th project will be with Ilayathalapathy Vijay and Atlee |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/gv-prakashs-50th-project-will-be-with-ilayathalapathy-vijay-and-atlee.html |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref> Soon after his inclusion in the project, Prakash started composing the songs during November 2014 and completed work within January 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ilayathalapathy's Theri songs completed |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/ilayathalapathys-theri-songs-completed/articleshow/50496476.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> In his micro-blogging page, the composer said that all the tracks in the film are "trend-setting",<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vijay59 album to be a trend-setter |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/vijay59-album-to-be-a-trend-setter/articleshow/47220707.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> and featured songs recorded by veteran composer [[Deva (composer)|Deva]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Deva croons for Vijay-Atlee film |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/deva-croons-for-vijay-atlee-film/articleshow/47702775.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> actor-director [[T. Rajendar]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=TR sings a kuthu song for Theri |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/tr-sings-a-kuthu-song-for-theri/articleshow/51254444.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> [[Uthara Unnikrishnan]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Uthara sings for Vijay-Atlee's next |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/uthara-sings-for-vijay-atlees-next/articleshow/46837732.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> and the actor Vijay himself.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vijay sings for his 59th film by Atlee |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/vijay-sings-for-his-59th-film-by-atlee/articleshow/49577567.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> The album featured seven tracks, with lyrics written by [[Pulamaipithan]], [[Na. Muthukumar]], [[Pa. Vijay]], [[Kabilan (lyricist)|Kabilan]], [[Rokesh]], [[R. Thiyagarajan]] and [[Arunraja Kamaraj]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-18 |title=Vijay's Theri tracklist |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/vijays-theri-tracklist.html |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-17 |title=Vijay Theri Track List&nbsp;– Tamil News |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/vijay-theri-track-list-gv-prakash-atlee-tamil-news-154921 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref> It was released on 20 March 2016 by [[Think Music]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Think Music grabs the audio rights of Theri |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/think-music-grabs-the-audio-rights-of-theri/articleshow/51373785.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-03 |title=Theri audio to release on March 20th |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/theri-audio-to-release-on-march-20th.html |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref> The release coincided with a promotional event held at [[Sathyam cinemas|Sathyam Cinemas]] in [[Chennai]], with the presence of the cast and crew.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theri audio launched amid fanfare |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/theri-audio-launched-amid-fanfare/articleshow/51490429.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> Irrespective of the full songs, a bonus track titled "Hey Aasmaan" was released on 10 April 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theri bonus track today |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/theri-bonus-track-today/articleshow/51763286.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref>

 

Promotional stills from the film released on 15 January 2016, coinciding with [[Pongal (festival)|Pongal]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=IBTimes |date=2016-01-14 |title=Here is Theri star Vijay's Pongal treat for his legion of fans [PHOTOS] |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/here-theri-star-vijays-pongal-treat-his-legion-fans-photos-663230 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=DNA Web |date=2016-01-15 |title=In Pictures: Ilayathalapathy Vijay gives his fans a 'Theri' Pongal |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-see-pics-ilathalapathy-vijay-gives-his-fans-a-theri-pongal-2165981 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=DNA India }}</ref> The official teaser was unveiled on 5 February 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-01-26 |title=Theri teaser to be released on February 5 2016&nbsp;– Tamil News |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/theri-teaser-to-be-released-on-february-5-2016-tamil-news-151388 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref> The teaser which was initially uploaded on the midnight of 5 February, was removed after copyright claims from an anonymous channel,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vijay's 'Theri' teaser removed and restored! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijays-theri-teaser-removed-and-restored/articleshow/50863284.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> but was later restored by the technical team. The teaser received praise from fans and celebrities,<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=February 5, 2016 |title=Theri: Siddharth to Hansika, celebs in awe of Vijay-starrer's teaser |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/theri-siddharth-to-hansika-celebs-in-awe-of-vijay-starrers-teaser-307264-2016-02-05 |access-date=2021-10-01 |magazine=India Today }}</ref> and garnered 1.5 million views within 24 hours of its release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-02-06 |title=Theri teaser sets a record! |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/060216/theri-teaser-sets-a-record.html |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Deccan Chronicle }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vijay's 'Theri' teaser creates a new record |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/vijays-theri-teaser-creates-a-new-record-news-tamil-qcgk1tijghcbj.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206234609/http://www.sify.com/movies/vijays-theri-teaser-creates-a-new-record-news-tamil-qcgk1tijghcbj.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 February 2016 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Sify }}</ref>

 

 

''Theri'' was earlier scheduled to be released on 14th April 2016, receiving U/A certificate. However after many cuts from the Central Board of Film Certification to reduce the scenes of severe violence and gore, the film received a 'U' certificate. Earlier in July 2015, the team had fixed two release dates tentatively&nbsp;– one being scheduled on the occasion of [[Pongal (festival)|Pongal]] (15 January 2016) and the other being fixed for the [[Republic Day (India)|Republic Day]] weekend (22 January 2016).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-07-07 |title=OMG: Vijay 59 Gets A Release Date Even Before Its Completion? |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2015/vijay-59-gets-a-release-date-even-before-its-completion-189696.html |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Filmibeat }}</ref> The team had planned the release date depending on the film's early completion. However, the production delays had forced the team to push the release date to [[Tamil New Year]] (14 April 2016).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-11-28 |title=Kabali and Theri to release on April 14th? |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/kabali-and-theri-to-release-on-april-14th.html |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref> Intentionally, [[Rajinikanth]]-starrer ''[[Kabali]]'', Thanu's another film he had produced, also scheduled for the release on the same day, and as no two Tamil films, produced by the same company or producer will clash on the same date, the team planned to postpone the release further to 1 May 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-12-21 |title=Vijay's Theri not to release in April 2016. |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/vijays-theri-not-to-release-in-april-2016.html |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref> Eventually, in December 2015, Thanu announced for an interchange of release dates between the two films, with ''Theri'' being scheduled to release on 14 April.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-12-26 |title=A reversal of release plans for 'Kabali' and 'Theri' |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/rajinikanth-kabali-to-release-on-may-1-2016-vijay-theri-to-release-on-april-14-2016-malayalam-news-149377 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref>

 

 

 

Karnataka theatrical rights were purchased by Goldie Films, with Kerala rights were purchased by [[Friday Film House]] and [[Carnival Motion Pictures Private Limited|Carnival Motion Pictures]] at ₹5.6 crore, highest for a non-Malayalam film.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Theri' Kerala rights sold for a record price |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/theri-kerala-rights-sold-for-a-record-price-news-tamil-qd5jN1beihdeh.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002065928/https://www.sify.com/movies/theri-kerala-rights-sold-for-a-record-price-news-tamil-qd5jN1beihdeh.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 October 2021 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Sify }}</ref> [[Dil Raju]]'s [[Sri Venkateswara Creations]] procured the theatrical rights in the Andhra and Telangana regions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hooli |first=Shekhar H. |date=2016-03-27 |title=Vijay's 'Theri': Dil Raju's SVC bags rights of Telugu version |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijays-theri-dil-rajus-svc-bags-rights-telugu-version-672279 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dil Raju procure Telugu theatrical rights of 'Theri' |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/dil-raju-procure-telugu-theatrical-rights-of-theri-news-tamil-qdyq9Dbjfdbbb.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324195442/http://www.sify.com/movies/dil-raju-procure-telugu-theatrical-rights-of-theri-news-tamil-qdyq9Dbjfdbbb.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 March 2016 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Sify }}</ref> CineGalaxy Inc, a Texas-based distribution company acquired the theatrical rights in the United States for ₹3 crore.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-22 |title=US rights of 'Theri' procured for Rs 3 crore |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/us-rights-of-theri-procured-for-rs-3-crore-1219749.html |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=News18 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-22 |title=Cine Galaxy has bought the US distribution rights of Theri |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/cine-galaxy-has-bought-the-us-distribution-rights-of-theri.html |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref> The respective overseas distributors are: [[Ayngaran International]] (Europe and Sri Lanka), AP International (Singapore and UAE), Malik Stream Corporation (Malaysia), Celluloid Studios (Japan) and MKS Retails (Australia and New Zealand).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=2016-04-06 |title='Theri:' Here's the area-wise distributors' list of Vijay-starrer |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/theri-heres-area-wise-distributors-list-vijay-starrer-673539 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref>

 

The film was not screened in many theatres across [[Chengalpattu|Chengalpet]], owing to the issues between the producers and distributors over profit-sharing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theri issue: The complete story |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/theri-issue-the-complete-story/articleshow/51841693.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> Eventually, the distributors were reluctant to buy the film under Minimum-guarantee (MG) basis, due to the losses of big-budget Tamil films in the recent years, with ''[[Lingaa]]'' (2014) in particular, where the film had incurred [[Lingaa loss issue|huge losses to the film's distributors]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=2016-04-23 |title=The battle over Chengalpet |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/theri-not-releasing-in-the-theatres-of-chengalpet-has-spurred-a-war-or-words-that-threatens-to-divide-the-industry/article8513628.ece |access-date=2021-10-01 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Panneer Selvam, the sectretary of Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association (TNTOA) blamed Thanu saying that "he had asked unreasonable MG rates for the film, especially in a risky situation, where if that film fails, it may incur huge losses to the producers and distributors".<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-04-19 |title=Vettri Theares explains Theri release issue that took place in Chengalpattu area |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/vettri-theares-explains-theri-release-issue-that-took-place-in-chengalpattu-area.html |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref>

 

Another sources claimed that there held a raid in Chengalpet theatres, following complaints of overpricing of ticket rates.<ref name=":4" /> It has been stated that the film's release had coincided with the period of [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]], where the moral code of conduct was in force and huge complaints from audiences, a huge crackdown was imitated by the authorities against the theatre owners selling tickets above the government-stipulated rates. Many of them feared selling tickets at higher rates as it may lead to suspension of the theatre licence. As a result, the theatre owners were reluctant to pay high MG rates as it cannot be recovered on normal ticket rates.<ref name=":4" />

 

The issue became serious as Thanu had announced that [[Rajinikanth]]'s ''[[Kabali]]'', which he had produced, will not be screened in the said theatres across Chengalpet, which refused to screen the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=2016-04-15 |title=Rajinikanth's 'Kabali,' Suriya's '24,' 'Singam 3' not to be released in Chengalpet like Vijay's 'Theri' |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/rajinikanths-kabali-suriyas-24-singam-3-not-be-released-chengalpet-like-vijays-theri-674850 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref> Producer [[K. E. Gnanavel Raja]] also supported Thanu's decision, and said that the films he had distributed&nbsp;– [[Suriya]]'s ''[[24 (2016 film)|24]]'' and ''[[Singam 3]]''&nbsp;– will face boycott in the Chengalpet region, if the issue had not cleared.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Will 24 and Kabali release in 60+ Chengalpet Theatres? |url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/11985/will-24-and-kabali-release-in-60-chengalpet-theatres |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.moviecrow.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Theri' release issue to affect Rajinikanth and Suriya |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/theri-release-issue-to-affect-rajinikanth-and-suriya/articleshow/51837136.cms |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> Thanu also blamed the "theatre mafia" saying that "the middlemen and brokers is trying to take over the business with this issue".<ref name=":4" /> On 29 April 2016, the film was screened in Chengalpet, two weeks after the original release, as the talks with the producers and stakeholders became fruitful, leading to resolve the issue.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chengalpattu issue solved! |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/chengalpattu-issue-solved-news-tamil-qe3o2kehbjdch.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502125422/http://www.sify.com/movies/chengalpattu-issue-solved-news-tamil-qe3o2kehbjdch.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 May 2016 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Sify }}</ref>

=== Piracy ===

=== Home media ===

The satellite rights of this film, along with Thanu's other production ''[[Kabali]]'', were remained unsold. In March 2016, it has been reported that [[Star Vijay]] and [[Jaya TV]] were considered for acquiring the television rights of the film, which did not happen.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=2016-03-30 |title=Vijay TV in race to bag satellite rights of Ilayathalapathy's 'Theri' |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-tv-race-bag-satellite-rights-ilayathalapathys-theri-672633 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref> In November 2016, following its launch in India,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Poorvaja |first=S. |date=2016-12-16 |title=Tamil movie buffs welcome Amazon Prime Video |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Tamil-movie-buffs-welcome-Amazon-Prime-Video/article16842033.ece |access-date=2021-10-01 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> [[Amazon Prime Video]] had acquired the digital rights of the two films and streamed them exclusively through the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-11-07 |title=Amazon Prime Video will exclusively stream Superstar Rajinikanth's 'Kabali' and Vijay's 'Theri'- Technology News, Firstpost |url=https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/amazon-prime-video-will-exclusively-stream-superstar-rajinikanths-kabali-and-vijays-theri-3691711.html |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Tech2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Malvania |first=Urvi |date=2016-11-07 |title=Amazon Prime Video to exclusively stream Rajinikanth's 'Kabali' & Vijay's 'Theri' |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/amazon-prime-video-to-exclusively-stream-rajinikanth-s-kabali-vijay-s-theri-116110700614_1.html |access-date=2021-10-01}}</ref> After multiple deliberations, [[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]] acquired the television rights in September 2017,<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 September 2017|title=Sun TV acquires Vijay's Theri and VIP 2 satellite rights|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/sun-tv-acquires-vijays-theri-and-vip-2-satellite-rights.html|website=Behindwoods}}</ref> and premiered the film exclusively on 18 October 2017, coinciding with [[Diwali]].<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=920605394497503233|user=SunTV|title=Today at 6:30 PM, enjoy your favourite movie #Theri starring Vijay, Samantha Akkineni and Amy Jackson on #SunTV!|author=Sun TV}}</ref>

== Reception ==

=== Box office ===

In the opening day of its release, the film had collected ₹18.1 crore at the domestic box office and ₹39.96 crore worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=2016-04-16 |title='Theri' worldwide box office collection: Vijay's film shatters first day business records of 'Kaththi,' 'Vedalam' |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/theri-worldwide-box-office-collection-vijays-film-shatters-first-day-business-records-674925 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=April 16, 2016 |title=Theri box office collection: Atlee's film becomes the best opening for Ilaiyathalapathy Vijay |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/theri-box-office-collection-atlees-film-becomes-the-best-opening-for-ilaiyathalapathy-vijay-318255-2016-04-16 |access-date=2021-10-01 |magazine=India Today }}</ref> According to Behindwoods, the film took a "gargantuan opening" ₹3.07 crore within the first four days at the Chennai city box office.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-05-28 |title=Theri box office collection |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/theri/theri-box-office-may-29.html |access-date=2021-10-02 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref> At the second day, the film had collected ₹7.12 crore in Tamil Nadu, with a 50% drop compared to the first day collections.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=2016-04-17 |title='Theri' 2nd day box office collection: Vijay-starrer earns Rs. 27.97 crore in two days in South India |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/theri-2nd-day-box-office-collection-vijay-starrer-earns-rs-27-97-crore-two-days-south-india-675047 |access-date=2021-10-02 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref> The film grossed {{INRConvert|85.36|c}} worldwide in first weekend; By the end of its first 6 days in theaters, the film had grossed {{INRConvert|100|c}} worldwide, becoming Vijay's third film to do so, following ''[[Thuppakki]]'' (2012), ''[[Kaththi]]'' (2014) and ''[[Puli (2015 film)|Puli]]'' (2015).<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 April 2016 |title='Theri' box office collection: Vijay's film grosses Rs. 100 crore in first week |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/theri-first-week-box-office-collection-vijays-film-grosses-rs-100-crore-7-days-675600 |access-date=7 May 2016 |website=[[International Business Times]]}}</ref>

At-the end of June 2016, the film crossed {{INRConvert|150|c}} at the box-office, becoming Vijay's first film in his career to enter the 150-crore club.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=2016-06-27 |title='Theri' box office collection: Vijay-starrer collects over Rs. 150 crore worldwide |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-vijay-back-form-theri-collects-over-rs-150-crore-worldwide-684496 |access-date=2021-10-02 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref> As of July 2016, the film had collected more than {{INRConvert|160|c}} at the box-office,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=2016-12-24 |title=Kollywood's 2016 report card |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/Kollywood%E2%80%99s-2016-report-card/article16937524.ece |access-date=2021-10-01 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> becoming the second highest-grossing Tamil film of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=2016-06-27 |title='Theri' box office collection: Vijay-starrer collects over Rs. 150 crore worldwide |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-vijay-back-form-theri-collects-over-rs-150-crore-worldwide-684496 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref> At the Chennai city, Theri was the highest grossing Tamil film with a revenue of ₹11.5 crore, which was later broken by ''[[Master (2021 film)|Master]]'' (2021), another Vijay-starrer film that had earned ₹11.56 crore.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=India com Entertainment |date=2021-02-15 |title=Master Box Office, Day 33: Thalapathy Vijay Beats Theri in Chennai After Beating Baahubali 2 |url=https://www.india.com/entertainment/master-box-office-day-33-thalapathy-vijay-beats-theri-in-chennai-after-beating-baahubali-2-4422977/ |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=India News, Breaking News {{!}} India.com }}</ref>

In the first four days of its release, the film collected {{US$|632,000|2016|link=yes}} in USA and combining the gross in Canada, the film collected over {{US$|900,000|2016}} as of 17 April.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 April 2016 |title='Theri' box office collection: Vijay-starrer grosses Rs. 85.36 crore worldwide in first weekend |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/theri-worldwide-box-office-collection-vijay-starrer-grosses-rs-85-36-crore-first-weekend-675264/ |access-date=19 April 2016 |website=[[International Business Times]]}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, the film broke ''[[Enthiran]]'''s box office collection for the first weekend, by collecting {{GB£|280,696|2016}}, while ''Enthiran'' had collected {{GB£ |277,918|2016| link=yes}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 April 2016 |title='Theri' Breaks Box Office Records Worldwide |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/vijay-samantha-theri-breaks-enthiran-collections-in-uk-tamil-news-157071.html/ |access-date=19 April 2016 |website=IndiaGlitz}}</ref> As of May 2016, the film had collected ₹44.37 crore from overseas centres; the film collected $728,317 in United States, $399,079 in Canada,  MYR 5,644,489 in Malaysia, where it contributed the major collections.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=2016-05-04 |title='Theri' overseas box office collection: Vijay's movie mints Rs. 44.37 crore at international centres |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/theri-overseas-box-office-collection-vijays-movie-mints-rs-44-37-crore-international-centres-677307 |access-date=2021-10-02 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref>

=== Critical response ===

M. Suganth of ''[[The Times of India]]'' rated 3 stars (out of 5) and said that "With the right material, Vijay can elevate even an ordinary scene with his amazing screen presence and he can effortlessly play to the gallery. This is a formulaic film and can be best described only with another cliche&nbsp;— Old wine in a fancy extra-large bottle".<ref>{{Cite web |last=M Sugganth |date=4 April 2016 |title=Theri Movie Review |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Theri/movie-review/51836561.cms |access-date=4 April 2016 |website=Times Of India}}</ref> Gautaman Bhaskaran of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' rated the film 2.5 stars (out of 5) saying, "Theri has all the essentials one expects in a Vijay starrer, but central to the film is the father-daughter relationship and that’s where the film scores big".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theri review: Vijay is delightfully human, not his usual cold-face self |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/theri-review-an-emotional-vijay-in-a-plot-seen-a-million-times/story-lZUy01dslIzyfMHrcopMwM.html |access-date=16 April 2016 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=15 April 2016 }}</ref> [[Baradwaj Rangan|Bardwaj Rangan]] of ''[[The Hindu]]'' stated that Atlee's screenplay checks all boxes and we're checking these boxes 10 minutes ahead of him. But we let all of this pass because what we look for are the mass moments, the moments that creep past the logic centres in the brain and affect us almost atavistically."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |date=2016-04-14 |title=Theri film review: This man is from Mass |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/Theri-film-review-This-man-is-from-Mass/article14238771.ece |access-date=2021-10-01 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Kirubhakar Purushothaman of ''[[India Today]]'' rated 3 (out of 5) saying "''Theri'' is a film you go to with battalions of friends or family on a weekend, and come back without giving it a second thought".<ref>{{Cite magazine |author=Kirubhakar Purushothaman |date=April 14, 2016 |title=Theri review: Vijay creates Rajinikanth's Baasha 5.0, and does it with pomp and show |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/theri-review-vijay-creates-rajinikanths-baasha-5-0-and-does-it-with-pomp-and-show-318072-2016-04-14 |access-date=2021-10-02 |magazine=India Today }}</ref>

''Sify'' also rated the film 3 out of 5 stars saying that "Vijay's scorching screen presence and his infectious energy is the highlight."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theri review: Paisa Vasool |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/theri-review-paisa-vasool-review-tamil-qeopnrbhjcjah.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414164053/http://www.sify.com/movies/theri-review-paisa-vasool-review-tamil-qeopnrbhjcjah.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 April 2016 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Sify }}</ref> ''Behindwoods'' also rated the film 2.75 stars out of 5, stating that "Theri is a little predictable emotional ride with some great performances, superlative technical work with a mix of commercial elements."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theri (aka) Therii review |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/theri/theri-review.html |access-date=24 June 2016 |website=Behindwoods.com|date=14 April 2016 }}</ref> Anupama Subramanian of ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' rated two-and-a-half out of five stars saying "The film highly relies on Vijay's strength and charisma to carry it through, thus living up to the expectations and the huge pre hype created to some extent."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Subramanian |first=Anupama |date=2016-04-15 |title=Movie review Theri: Story revealed in the beginning of the film |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/150416/movie-review-theri-story-revealed-in-the-beginning-of-the-film.html |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=Deccan Chronicle }}</ref> Latha Srinivasan of ''[[Daily News and Analysis]]'' gave 2.5 (out of 5) saying "Vijay fans will find the movie delightful, others may not".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Latha |date=2016-04-14 |title='Theri' review: Vijay fans might find this film 'Theri'-fic |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-theri-review-only-vijay-fans-might-find-this-film-theri-fic-2202064 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=DNA India }}</ref> Writing for ''[[The Indian Express]]'', Goutham VS gave two stars out of five and said that "The movie, possibly the millionth remake of Rajnikanth’s revenge film ''[[Baashha]]'', where the hero is a daredevil with a larger-than-life persona, is yawn-inducing".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goutham V S |date=4 April 2016 |title=Theri Movie Review |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/theri-movie-review-vijay-gimmicks-too-less-a-factor-to-be-excited-about-a-predictable-storyline/ |access-date=4 April 2016 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref> ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' rated the film 43 out of 100.<ref>{{Cite web |last=சார்லஸ் |first=தேவன் |date=22 June 2021 |title=பீஸ்ட் : 'நாளைய தீர்ப்பு' டு 'மாஸ்டர்'... விஜய்க்கு விகடனின் மார்க்கும், விமர்சனமும் என்ன? #Beast |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/how-vijay-movies-scored-in-vikatan-reviews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008100344/https://cinema.vikatan.com/amp/story/tamil-cinema/how-vijay-movies-scored-in-vikatan-reviews |archive-date=8 October 2021 |access-date=7 December 2021 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref> ''Indiaglitz'' rated the film 3 out of 5 and called it as "an entertaining revenge drama from Atlee and Vijay".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theri review |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/theri-tamil-movie-review-19904.html |access-date=14 April 2016 |website=IndiaGlitz}}</ref>

=== Accolades ===

|{{Won}}

|Best Actor in a Negative Role&nbsp;– Tamil

|[[Atlee (director)|Atlee]]

|{{Nom}}

|}

== Impact ==

''Theri'' has been considered as one of the popular films of Vijay in the recent times. It also led to the repeated collaborations between Atlee and Vijay, where they went to work on ''[[Mersal (film)|Mersal]]'' (2017) and ''[[Bigil]]'' (2019). However, Atlee still stated it as "one of his favourite films in his career".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlee calls Theri his favourite film |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/atlee-calls-theri-his-favourite-film/articleshow/75143107.cms |access-date=2021-10-02 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> On 14 April 2021, during the film's fifth anniversary, Atlee tweeted a thread of stills from the films, praising the actor, actress, crew and producer for the film, while also referring it as "close to his heart".<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=5 Years of 'Theri': Atlee floods Twitter with thanks messages |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/5-years-of-theri-atlee-floods-twitter-with-thanks-messages/articleshow/82079287.cms |access-date=2021-10-02 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> The film emerged popularity over multiple re-runs on television channels and had garnered record impressions;<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-14 |title=Five years of 'Theri': Here are five favorite mass scenes from Vijay and Atlee's first film |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/five-years-of-theri-here-are-five-favorite-mass-scenes-from-vijay-and-atlees-first-film/photostory/82050619.cms |access-date=2021-10-02 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> apart from the original, the Hindi-dubbed version of the film gained popularity in televisions and the Bengali-dubbed version has received a great response on the [[Bongo BD|Bongo]] OTT platform.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vijay's Theri among most watched Hindi movies this August! |url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/26772/vijays-theri-among-most-watched-hindi-movies-this-august |access-date=2021-10-02 |website=www.moviecrow.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Theri's Hindi dubbed version to premiere on July 1 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/theris-hindi-dubbed-version-to-premiere-on-july-1/articleshow/59321641.cms |access-date=2021-10-02 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> It was re-released in Tamil Nadu theatres on 21 June 2019, ahead of the actor's 45th birthday.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-21 |title=Theri&nbsp;– 21st June {{!}} Throwback treat: Thalapathy blockbuster re-release list here |url=http://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/list-of-vijay-throwback-films-re-releasing-in-theatres/tamil-movies/slideshow/list-of-vijay-throwback-films-re-releasing-in-theatres/theri-will-be-releasing-across-theatres-on-21st-june.html |access-date=2021-10-02 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref> Indian cricketer [[Ravindra Jadeja]], stated ''Theri'' as his favourite film at an interview to his fans.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=April 10, 2020 |title=Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja names his favourite South Indian film. Hint: It's Vijay's movie |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/indian-cricketer-ravindra-jadeja-names-his-favourite-south-indian-film-hint-it-s-vijay-s-movie-1665428-2020-04-10 |access-date=2021-10-02 |magazine=India Today }}</ref> During the [[COVID-19 lockdown in India]], a group of [[Tamil Nadu Police]] members performed a parody version of the song "Jithu Jilladi" to create awareness to control the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cops use tweaked version of Jithu Jilladi for corona awareness |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/cops-use-tweaked-version-of-thalapathy-vijays-jithu-jilladi-song-for-corona-awareness/articleshow/75428529.cms |access-date=2021-10-02 |website=The Times of India }}</ref>

In June 2016, a Hindi remake of the film was planned by [[Rohit Shetty]], with [[Shah Rukh Khan]] and [[Akshay Kumar]] as the frontrunners to play the leads.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=June 27, 2016 |title=Shah Rukh Khan to reprise Ilayathalapathy Vijay's role in the Hindi remake of Theri? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/sharukh-khan-to-remake-vijays-theri-16367-2016-06-26 |access-date=2021-10-02 |magazine=India Today }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Prarthna |date=2016-06-15 |title=Shah Rukh Khan beats Akshay Kumar to star in Hindi remake of Vijay's 'Theri'? |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/shah-rukh-khan-beats-akshay-kumar-star-hindi-remake-vijays-theri-682752 |access-date=2021-10-02 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in }}</ref> However, Shetty denied the plans of remaking the film.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exclusive! Rohit Shetty confirms no 'Theri' remake with Shah Rukh Khan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/exclusive-rohit-shetty-confirms-no-theri-remake-with-shah-rukh-khan/articleshow/52758929.cms |access-date=2021-10-02 |website=The Times of India }}</ref> Later, in April 2020, Varun Dhawan was rumoured to play the lead in the adaptation.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=April 30, 2020 |title=Theri Hindi remake: Will Varun Dhawan step into Vijay's shoes? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/theri-hindi-remake-will-varun-dhawan-step-into-vijay-s-shoes-1672712-2020-04-30 |access-date=2021-10-02 |magazine=India Today }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Varun Dhawan to star in the Hindi remake of Thalapathy Vijay's Theri? |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/varun-dhawan-to-star-in-the-hindi-remake-of-thalapathy-vijays-theri-40494.html |access-date=2021-10-02 |website=filmfare.com }}</ref>The film was partially remade into Assamese as ''[[Ratnakar (film)|Ratnakar]]'' (2019) by [[Jatin Bora]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Joshi |first=Namrata |date=14 November 2019 |title=Vijay's 'Theri' inspires Assamese cinema's biggest-ever blockbuster |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vijays-theri-inspires-assamese-cinemas-biggest-ever-blockbuster/article29971725.ece |website=The Hindu}}</ref>

{{Notelist|30em}}

== References ==

== External links ==

* {{Rotten Tomatoes|the_spark|Theri}}

 

[[Category:2016 masala films]]