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Mankatha Re-Release sparks fan frenzy, crackers burst inside the theatre during Ajith’s intro scene

The re-release of Ajith Kumar’s cult hit Mankatha ignited massive fan celebrations across Tamil Nadu, with some fans even bursting crackers inside theatres, raising safety concerns. Police had to intervene at select screenings to manage the excitement.

January 24, 2026 / 12:31 IST
Mankatha Re Release
Snapshot AI
  • Ajith Kumar's Mankatha re-release attracts huge crowds and fan celebrations.
  • Fans burst firecrackers at Coimbatore screening, prompting police intervention
  • Director Adhik Ravichandran teased Ajith's AK 64 at select shows.

Ajith Kumar’s action-packed thriller Mankatha, originally released over a decade ago, made a grand return to cinemas this month, delighting fans who have long waited for a chance to relive the magic on the big screen. The re-release has generated unprecedented excitement, with enthusiasts across Tamil Nadu and Kerala flocking to theatres to witness the film once again.

Day-one advance bookings reportedly approached the record set by Vijay’s blockbuster Ghilli, reflecting the enduring popularity of Ajith and the film’s cult status. Social media buzzed with videos and photos of fans celebrating inside theatres, cheering, whistling, and even dancing as the film played. The enthusiasm was so high that some screenings resembled mini-launch events rather than reruns of a decade-old movie.

However, the celebrations also took a risky turn in certain locations. At Karpagam Theatre in Coimbatore, a few overexcited fans burst firecrackers during Ajith’s on-screen introduction, causing panic and prompting immediate police intervention. While no injuries were reported, theatre authorities and local law enforcement highlighted the potential dangers of such actions. Fans were urged to enjoy the film safely and avoid using pyrotechnics inside the hall.

Adding to the excitement, director Adhik Ravichandran joined fans at select screenings and teased Ajith’s upcoming project, AK 64, further amplifying the energy in the theatres. For many, the re-release has not only been a trip down memory lane but also a celebration of Ajith’s larger-than-life persona and the film’s iconic moments.

The action thriller Mankatha is inspired by match-fixing scandals and centers on a mafia-driven gambling racket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The film features a star-studded cast including Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Suhasini Rajaram Naidu, Ganesh Venkatram, Vaibhav Reddy, Anjali, Raai Laxmi, and Ramesh Thilak in pivotal roles.

Written and directed by Venkat Prabhu, the movie was produced by Dayanidhi Azhagiri, Vivek Rathnavelu, and Dhayanidhi Alagiri. With a runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes, Mankatha boasts music composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. Made on an estimated budget of Rs 24 crore, the film went on to earn over Rs 68 crore at the box office in 2011.

Ragini Jaiswal
Ragini Jaiswal Entertainment journalist and content writer with 3+ years of experience covering Bollywood, lifestyle trends, and celebrity stories across leading digital platforms.
first published: Jan 24, 2026 12:30 pm

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