After 15 years, Ajith Kumar's blockbuster film Mankatha was re-released to packed theatres, celebrations and fanfare on Friday with director Venkat Prabhu and other major cast members present in Kamala Cinemas in Chennai to celebrate the occasion with fans. While Venkat Prabhu has since collaborated with multiple A-list stars on various projects, speculation surrounding a reunion with Ajith—and the long-discussed possibility of a Mankatha sequel—has continued to follow him over the years.
Following the first show of the film, The Greatest of All Time director responded to fans' query once again by saying, "If Ajith says okay, I am ready. He was the one who said yes to Mankatha. He himself will decide about Mankatha 2."
Speaking to reporters outside the theatre, the filmmaker expressed his happiness on the film's lasting legacy and fans' love for the action thriller. The re-release broke multiple records. Rohini Silver Screens has sold over 20,000 tickets while Kamala Cinemas saw over 15,000 sold in its advance ticket bookings. This is also the first time that booking platform BookMyShow has sold over 100,000 tickets for any re-release.
Venkat Prabhu also spoke about Vijay being granted the whistle symbol for the upcoming state elections, and how it connects to his 'Whistle Podu' song in The Greatest of All Time (2024). "People are saying that I predicted it during that time itself. I am very happy. It has now become an anthem," he said, revealing details on how and why the song was made for the film. "Madhan Karky wrote the song. Since the climax sequence will have a CSK match in the backdrop, I wanted to register the title as 'Whistle Podu'. At the time many Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans were scolding us. Now, every Thalapathy fan is celebrating it," he added.
Apart from Ajith, Mankatha also stars Arjun Sarja, Trisha, Lakshmi Rai, Anjali, Andrea Jeremiah, Ashwin Kakumanu, Vaibhav Reddy, Premji Amaren, Mahat Raghavendra, Jayaprakash, Aravind Akash and Subbu Panchu in prominent roles.
The film follows a police officer who is on suspension and who joins a group of robbers to help them steal Rs 500 crore emerging from cricket betting. However, when the time comes to divide the amount, some of them betray the rest, setting the stage for an entertaining film.
Mankatha brought Ajith back in a grey-shaded role after 2007's Billa and is one of the highest-earning films in his career. It is also among the biggest hits in Venkat Prabhu's career and continues to remains one of the most memorable and celebrated films in Ajith's career.
