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Thala Ajith Kumar fans have reason to celebrate as Sun Pictures officially confirmed the theatrical re-release of the 2011 blockbuster Mankatha.

The iconic action thriller hits big screens again starting January 23, 2026.

The announcement came via a high-energy promo video shared by Sun Pictures, featuring the famous line “Mankatha daa!” and declaring: “The Kingmaker is back to meet you all ♠️.”

The post quickly went viral, sparking massive excitement across social media platforms.

A Timely Return For A Cult Classic

Directed by Venkat Prabhu, Mankatha marked Ajith Kumar’s 50th film and his bold shift to a full-fledged negative role as the ruthless Vinayak Mahadevan, a suspended police officer masterminding a high-stakes heist.

Released on August 31, 2011, the film became a game-changer, grossing over ₹130 crore worldwide and setting new box office records for Tamil cinema at the time.

Its stylish narration, Yuvan Shankar Raja’s electrifying score (especially the theme “Vilayadu Mankatha”), and ensemble cast, including Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Lakshmi Rai, Anjali, Andrea Jeremiah, Vaibhav, and Premgi Amaren, cemented its cult status.

This re-release comes ahead of the film’s 15th anniversary later in 2026, following a limited screening in select markets for Ajith’s birthday in 2024.

Why Fans Cannot Wait

Iconic Negative Shade: Ajith’s portrayal of the anti-hero redefined his image, proving his versatility beyond heroic roles.
Re-Release Trend Boost: Tamil cinema’s successful revivals, like Ghilli, Billa, and others in recent years, have shown strong demand for nostalgic big-screen experiences.
Theater Energy: Fans are already planning celebrations, with expectations of packed houses and signature Thala fervor.

Industry trackers predict strong openings, especially during the Pongal season extension.

While talks of a potential Mankatha 2 have surfaced occasionally, director Venkat Prabhu has reiterated that it depends on Ajith’s nod; no updates yet on that front.

This re-release offers newer audiences a chance to experience one of Ajith’s most daring performances on the big screen, while loyal fans relive the thrill.

Book your tickets soon, Vinayak Mahadevan is ready to play again!