Tamil film "DC" has turned out to be a box office juggernaut at the Kerala box office, collecting an impressive ₹16.45 crore in its first 10 days.
Notably, the difference between the Kerala and Tamil Nadu net collections (₹19.34 crore) is just ₹2.89.
With this performance, the film has officially become the highest-grossing Tamil release in Kerala in 2026 so far, narrowly surpassing "Jana Nayagan", which had earned ₹16.36 crore.
Directed by Arun Matheswaran and starring Lokesh Kanagaraj, "DC" has benefited from strong audience support and positive word-of-mouth. Its performance is especially notable because Kerala has traditionally been one of the most important markets for Tamil cinema outside Tamil Nadu.
According to box office tracking data shared by regional analysts and industry observers, "Blast" ranks third among the top Tamil grossers in Kerala this year with ₹15.26 crore. "Karuppu" follows with ₹14 crore, while "Vishwanath And Sons" has collected ₹4.70 crore in its first three days.
How Kerala has emerged as a key market
The performance of "DC" also highlights the growing importance of Kerala for Tamil films. During its second week, the film recorded several impressive days. On its eighth day, for example, "DC" reportedly earned ₹1.08 crore in Kerala, slightly more than the ₹1 crore it collected in Tamil Nadu that day. Strong theatre occupancy and favourable audience reactions have helped maintain its momentum.
This success follows a larger trend in Kerala, where major Tamil films have achieved exceptional theatrical runs in recent years. "Leo", released in 2023, remains one of the biggest Tamil successes in the state, with a reported lifetime gross of around ₹60 crore. "Jailer" followed with approximately ₹57.75 crore, while "Vikram" earned about ₹40.20 crore.
Several factors have contributed to this growing market. Films associated with director Lokesh Kanagaraj, particularly action-driven projects and stories connected to his cinematic universe, have developed a strong following among Kerala audiences. "Leo" demonstrated this appeal with a record-setting opening.
Cross-industry casting has also played an important role. Tamil films featuring popular Malayalam actors, such as Mohanlal in "Jailer", Fahadh Faasil in "Vikram" and Soubin Shahir in "Coolie", have attracted significant local interest.
The 2026 box office further suggests that success is no longer limited to huge holiday releases. Films such as "DC", "Jana Nayagan", "Blast" and "Karuppu" have all crossed ₹14 crore in Kerala, showing the strength of the market for well-promoted Tamil films.
With its ₹16.45 crore haul in just 10 days, "DC" has therefore achieved more than a strong opening. It has reinforced Kerala's position as one of the most valuable and competitive markets for Tamil cinema.
