Fans of Tamil cinema will be rewarded by a big re-release of the action-packed film Mankatha, slated for a globally distributed re-release on Jan 23, 2026. Released in 2011, the movie was Ajith Kumar’s 50th movie and also saw him play his first bona fide negative role. Directed by Venkat Prabhu and produced by Sun Pictures, Mankatha cemented Ajith’s status as a major movie, the movie made a record ₹70 crore at the box office. Between its slick narrative style, its great cast and Yuvan Shankar Raja’s unforgettable music, the film is still one of the most loved cult classics. Now, excitement is building once again across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and even overseas markets such as the US and UAE thanks to a new trailer unveiled on January 15.
A historic movie in Ajith’s career:
Mankatha marked a pivotal moment in Ajith’s career. Ajith, already a hero, shocked fans into their seats by playing this ruthless, crafty role in the movie. His performance on this film–a bold performance of Vinayak Mahadevan, a suspended police officer who masterminds a high-stakes heist–was refreshing and very new to have been a scene with a good deal of boldness. The film smashed stereotypes and showcased Ajith’s versatility to play a darker and more intricate character. Fans saw their idol bravely embracing a character in shades of grey and it was gratifying for followers, in that the gamble really started paying off massively in terms of a huge hit franchise.
The Ensemble Cast And The Direction:
Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Vaibhav, Premgi Amaren, and Andrea Jeremiah did great work together to deliver a performance. All of the roles brought depth to the story and Mankatha was less of a star vehicle. Venkat Prabhu, director of this very kind of creative mix of humor and action-tension gave a new edge, something that was absent from the classic Tamil thrillers. It was his knack for striking a good balance between the over-the-top personality that Ajith had to embody and a plot that was gripping, that kept Mankatha one of the Tamil thrillers of its era on the list.
Music That Still Resonates:
Mankatha became synonymous with Yuvan Shankar Raja’s soundtrack. Songs like “Vilayadu Mankatha” and “Nee Naan” played to the energy and attitude of the film, with the background score ramping up the tension around certain scenes. Even today, fans are fondly talking of the music in reference to it as one of the peaks of the film. Now, with the re-release, people can't wait to relive Yuvan's music live once again.
The Re-Release:
There’s This Buzz and its release of Mankatha has been met with a lot of buzz. The latest trailer dropped on Jan 15, teasing high-octane drama and confirming Ajith’s robust performance. This shows that some advance bookings are already on board in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and overseas markets such as the US and UAE seem excited within Tamil diaspora audiences. Re-release also happens just when fans are eagerly waiting for Ajith’s next project, so Mankatha could be one way for everyone to get excited by celebrating his legacy.
Why Re-Releases Matter:
There have been evergreen movies re-released in the Indian cinema. They give younger audiences an opportunity to see classics in live theater, while longtime fans can see their favorite moments live in a theater setting. For Mankatha, the re-release is less nostalgia than a celebration of Ajith's audacious decision to play a negative role and the film’s influence on Tamil cinema today. It also shines a light on some of these films’ timelessness that still reaches audiences well after their original release.
Just as Mankatha prepares its international re-release on January 23, fans are gearing up for a cinematic celebration. Ajith’s audacious performance, Venkat Prabhu’s steely direction, and Yuvan Shankar Raja’s iconic music guarantee the thrill they had more than a decade ago. And if fans are enjoying the film’s return to theatres, for reasons both local and international, they will remember its enduring appeal. For Ajith fans, Mankatha is not just a movie but a milestone, a memory, and now, once again, an event to be experienced on the big screen.
