Karthi's latest film Vaa Vaathiyaar is continuing its underwhelming run at the box office after receiving mixed reviews for its story and screenplay following its release on January 14. Although the film had a promising start at the box office in India, earning over Rs 5 crore in the first three days, its initial momentum had tapered down as the film struggled to cross Rs 1 crore after its fourth day. The film's current total after five days in theatres stands at Rs 7.54 crore.

An excerpt from CE's review of Vaa Vaathiyaar reads, "Despite having a fantastical element at the centre of things, it is Nalan’s most simplistic and straightforward film. It feels more like a compromise and less of a cinematic endeavour simply because the beats are familiar, the notes are familiar, and so is the final output, even if it is enjoyable in parts."

In comparison, Jiiva's Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil, which released a day later, has emerged as the front runner in box office collections, earning over Rs 15 crore in the country. It has been steadily witnessing an increase in footfall with housefull shows across the state, thanks to positive word-of-mouth as well as critical ratings. Meanwhile, Sivakarthikeyan-Sudha Kongara's Parasakthi continues its upward streak in revenue. After 10 days in theatres, the film has almost reached the Rs 50 crore mark in the country.

Vaa Vaathiyaar, which released after much delay and legal hurdles, marked the first collaboration between Karthi and director Nalan Kumarasamy. Vaa Vaathiyaar is the director's third feature film, after Soodhu Kavvum (2013) and Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum (2016).

Apart from Karthi, the film also stars Krithi Shetty, Rajkiran, Sathyaraj, Anandaraj, Karunakaran, GM Sundar, Shilpa Manjunath, and Ramesh Thilak in pivotal roles.

Santhosh Narayanan has composed music for the film, continuing his collaboration with Nalan after Soodhu Kavvum (2013) and Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum (2016).