Originally Posted by
Chathriyan
Vettaikaran was a hit in 2009 December, it had one of the biggest openings for that year.
2011 Jan 15 - Kavalan released after a lot of troubles and became a moderate success which ran for 100 days despite the competition from Aadukalam & Siruthai and less screens and saved Vijay&career to an extent. After the release Sify released an article stating 'Vijay's popularity has increased'.
2011 April - Vijay and fans supported ADMK and they won election making Vijay safe( at the time) and I remember Velayudham trailer was shown on JeyaTV for the whole day while the election results were being announced at the same time.
2011 Diwali - Velayudham released in less screens than 7am Arivu and became a super hit, running for 100 days beating 7am Arivu and was a big comeback for Vijay by beating Surya as he was at the top in business during that period(due to the combination of ARM after Gajini and had backup from RedGiant Udhayanidhi Stalin). Velayudham was an unexpected hit!
NOTE: Ajith made a strong comeback during this year mid with the blockbuster Mangaatha, making Vijay&Ajith the next generation super stars pushing Surya down.
To be frank Velayudham was a bigger hit than Nanban due to the budget difference. The only thing Nanban did to Vijay is earned him a good name as an actor but failed to beat box office records. Thuppakki was the one after Gilli/Pokkiri which made him a super star of this generation!
Vijay made a comeback with Kaavalan, a movie which every Vijay fan will not forget as there was a Red Card issued on Vijay by Paneerselvam(producer Council leader, a video by him on Vijay/Ajith were shared by media all over)after a disaster Sura and was unable to release it on time(Jan14th) due to huge financial issues & people's support for Vijay increased during/after the movie.