The Tamil film industry in 2025 witnessed a remarkable clash between two films—Tourist Family and Maaman—each carving its own path to success. While Tourist Family, starring M. Sasikumar, emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year, Maaman, featuring Soori, captivated audiences with its compelling narrative and strong performances. This article delves into the box office performances and profitability of these two films, offering a comprehensive comparison.
Tourist Family: A Heartfelt Journey
Directed by Abishan Jeevinth, Tourist Family tells the poignant story of a Sri Lankan Tamil family seeking refuge in India post-COVID-19. The film, featuring M. Sasikumar and Simran, was released on May 1, 2025, and quickly resonated with audiences for its emotional depth and relatable themes.
- Budget: ₹16 crore
- India Net Collection: ₹61.51 crore
- India Gross Collection: ₹72.58 crore
- Overseas Collection: ₹15.55 crore
- Worldwide Collection: ₹88.13 crore
- Return on Investment (ROI): 284.43%
- Verdict: Super-hit
Despite facing competition from other releases, Tourist Family maintained a stronghold at the box office, becoming the fifth highest-grossing Tamil film of 2025.
Maaman: A Tale of Family Bonds
Maaman, directed by Prasanth Pandiyaraj, explores the emotional dynamics between a maternal uncle and his nephew. Released on May 16, 2025, the film stars Soori and Aishwarya Lekshmi. While it faced stiff competition, Maaman stood out for its unique storyline and strong performances.
- Budget: ₹10 crore
- India Net Collection: ₹38.37 crore
- India Gross Collection: ₹45.27 crore
- Overseas Collection: ₹0.25 crore
- Worldwide Collection: ₹45.52 crore
- Return on Investment (ROI): 283.7%
- Verdict: Super-hit
Despite its lower budget, Maaman achieved significant profitability, showcasing the potential of content-driven cinema.
Comparative Analysis
| Aspect | Tourist Family | Maaman |
| Budget | ₹16 crore | ₹10 crore |
| India Net Collection | ₹61.51 crore | ₹38.37 crore |
| India Gross Collection | ₹72.58 crore | ₹45.27 crore |
| Overseas Collection | ₹15.55 crore | ₹0.25 crore |
| Worldwide Collection | ₹88.13 crore | ₹45.52 crore |
| ROI | 284.43% | 283.7% |
| Verdict | Super-hit | Super-hit |
Both films achieved ‘Super-hit’ status, with Tourist Family leading in overall collections and Maaman excelling in profitability.
Conclusion
The success of Tourist Family and Maaman underscores the evolving landscape of Tamil cinema, where content-driven narratives and strong performances resonate with audiences. While Tourist Family dominated the box office with its emotional storytelling, Maaman highlighted the importance of compelling family dynamics. Both films have set new benchmarks for profitability and success in the industry.
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