Theri vs Mankatha: Vijay and Ajith Return to Theatres on January 23
Tamil cinema fans are in for a treat as Vijay and Ajith Kumar make a big comeback to the big screen through the re-releases of their much-loved films Theri and Mankatha. Both movies are set to re-release on January 23, 2026, creating a wave of excitement among fans.
The timing has caught attention, especially among Vijay’s followers. His upcoming film Jana Nayagan has been delayed due to legal and certification issues with the CBFC. With that release pushed back, the return of Theri has become one of the most anticipated events this January.
Theri Makes a Comeback
Directed by Atlee, the 2016 action thriller Theri starred Vijay alongside Samantha Ruth Prabhu and became a major box-office success. The film was originally planned to re-release during the Pongal festival on January 15. However, producer Kalaippuli S. Thanu later decided to shift the date after requests from other producers, to avoid overcrowding theatres during the festive season. The new release date was then locked for January 23.
Mankatha Joins the Race
Theri will face competition from Ajith Kumar’s cult classic Mankatha, which is also returning to theatres on the same day. Directed by Venkat Prabhu, the 2011 film is remembered for Ajith’s bold and unconventional performance as Vinayak Mahadev. The film also features Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Sarja, and an ensemble cast, and continues to enjoy a strong fan following even years after its release.
A Nostalgic Box-Office Face-Off
This re-release clash brings back memories of the long-standing Vijay-Ajith rivalry at the Tamil Nadu box office. The last major face-off between the two stars happened during Pongal 2023, when Varisu and Thunivu released together and drew huge crowds.
With both Theri and Mankatha known for their repeat-watch value, theatre owners are expecting full houses and enthusiastic fan celebrations, even though both films are re-releases.
Disclaimer: Re-release dates are subject to change depending on theatre availability and distributor decisions. Viewers are advised to follow official announcements for the latest updates.
