Chennai/IBNS-CMEDIA: Vijay Sethupathi-starrer Tamil crime thriller Maharaja, which received widespread acclaim, is set to be remade in Hollywood.
The development was confirmed by one of the film’s producers, Sudhan Sundaram, in an interview with The Times of India.
Sundaram told the daily, “Following the success of the film in China, where the film did very well both at the box office (₹91.65 crore, according to Sacnilk) 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.”
He added, “Maybe McConaughey is one of the stars they are talking to, but only the agency will be able to confirm.”
Maharaja has also become the first Tamil film to be made in Hollywood by a major studio, the production house Passion Studios said.
What is ‘Maharaja’ about?
Written and directed by Nithilan Saminathan, Maharaja was released theatrically in June 2024 and marked Vijay Sethupathi’s 50th film as a lead actor.
Vijay Sethupathi plays Maharaja, a Chennai barber who lives with his daughter Jothi. The story begins with Maharaja reporting a seemingly ordinary object — a dustbin named Lakshmi — as stolen following a burglary.
What initially appears to be a bizarre police complaint gradually develops into a darker story involving violence, revenge and long-hidden secrets.
The film employs a non-linear narrative, gradually revealing the events behind Maharaja’s actions.
Apart Sethupathi, the film features Anurag Kashyap in a significant character.
Film’s international success
Maharaja received significant international attention following its release and performed particularly well in China.
The film reportedly earned around ₹91.65 crore at the Chinese box office, according to Sacnilk, while also gaining an audience on OTT platforms.
Its success in China subsequently led a Hollywood agency to approach the producers for the remake rights.
The Hollywood project is reportedly being developed with an A-list actor, although the casting has not been officially confirmed. Sundaram mentioned Matthew McConaughey as one of the names the agency may be considering.
