Kerala has always been one of the most unpredictable markets for Tamil cinema. While star power and massive pre-release hype can help films secure strong openings, sustained success in the state ultimately depends on audience response and word of mouth. Several highly anticipated films have struggled after promising starts, while smaller or less-hyped projects have surprised everyone with their theatrical performance.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s DC has now emerged as one of the biggest examples of this trend. The action drama has reportedly surpassed several major Tamil releases to become the highest-grossing Tamil film in Kerala in 2026. According to the latest trade figures, DC has collected around Rs. 16.5 crore gross in the state.
Interestingly, the film has overtaken Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, which arrived with considerably higher expectations and a massive fan base. However, Jana Nayagan struggled to sustain its theatrical run due to mixed word of mouth, allowing DC to gradually move ahead at the Kerala box office.
The film’s performance highlights the importance of audience reception in the Kerala market. Despite facing competition from bigger releases, DC managed to build momentum through its action-packed content and positive response, eventually turning into a surprise success.
Another unexpected result this year was Blast, starring Arjun. The film managed to collect more than Suriya’s Karuppu in Kerala, further proving how unpredictable the market can be.
The latest trends once again show that Kerala audiences are willing to embrace films based on their content rather than simply relying on star power. DC has capitalized on that sentiment perfectly and has now secured the top spot among Tamil films in the state this year.
