Thala Diwali 2025: Before Thamma arrives, Dude, Bison, Diesel Face Off; Who's Taking the Lead?

This Diwali brought an unusual showdown in the Tamil film industry. For the first time, Pradeep Ranganathan, Dhruv Vikram, and Harish Kalyan had their films release during the festival, creating a rare collision of young talent. Each movie represented a different genre, adding variety and sparking audience interest. With expectations running high, all three films entered the box office race under the festival spotlight.

Fans had been particularly eager to see how Dude, Bison, and Diesel would perform on opening day. Early buzz hinted at strong numbers, and critics and audiences were ready to weigh in. While the films were anticipated, the reception varied sharply, offering an early glimpse into what might unfold in the coming weeks.

Dude Leads the Pack

Among the three, Pradeep Ranganathan’s Dude drew the most attention. Following his earlier successes with Love Today and Dragon, the director returned with expectations of another blockbuster. Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, the film opened strong, collecting Rs. 5.3 crore in Tamil Nadu alone on the first day.

The movie’s first-day performance placed it above its competitors, showing that audience curiosity remained high.

Dude is directed by Keerthiswaran and showcases Ranganathan’s signature style, blending humor with relatable storytelling. The film’s critical response is not as glowing as his previous work, which relied on positive word-of-mouth to drive long-term box office growth.

Whether Dude will replicate the financial success of its predecessors and reach the coveted 100 crore mark remains uncertain, but the initial numbers suggest it has a solid start.

Bison Gains Critical Acclaim

The next strong contender is Mari Selvaraj’s Bison, a sports drama inspired by the life of kabaddi player Manathi Ganesan. Dhruv Vikram leads the cast, supported by Pasupathy, Lal, Ameer, Anupama, and Rejisha. Unlike Dude, Bison has impressed critics, earning praise for its storytelling and performances. The film collected Rs. 2.52 crore in Tamil Nadu on its first day, placing it in second position.

The strong critical reception may help Bison build momentum in the coming days. Positive word-of-mouth could drive audiences to theaters, increasing collections steadily. If the film continues to capitalize on its acclaim, it could mark Dhruv Vikram’s first solo hit and establish him further as a rising star in Tamil cinema.

Diesel Struggles to Find Footing

Harish Kalyan’s Diesel entered the race with moderate expectations. Directed by Shanmugam Muthusamy, the film centers on an oil smuggling mafia in North Chennai. Athulya Ravi plays the heroine, while Vinay takes on the villainous role. The film received mixed reviews and struggled to attract viewers on the first day, collecting only Rs. 24.5 lakh in Tamil Nadu.

With this performance, Diesel appears to be trailing behind its Diwali competitors. In the current three-way battle, the movie may find it difficult to regain traction. Early indications suggest that the main contest this festival is between Dude and Bison, leaving Diesel on the sidelines for now.

A Rare Young-Star Showdown

This Diwali’s box office offered a rare chance to see multiple young actors from the South industry competing head-to-head. Each film drew different audiences: Dude for comedy lovers and fans of Ranganathan, Bison for those who appreciate sports and critically acclaimed drama, and Diesel for viewers interested in crime and action narratives. The diverse genres and mixed responses make it a compelling festival box office story.

As the first-day collections suggest, the battle is far from over. Dude starts as the front-runner, but Bison could gain an edge if it continues to attract positive reviews. Meanwhile, Diesel faces a challenge in catching up. The coming weeks will reveal whether this Diwali becomes a hattrick for Pradeep Ranganathan, a breakthrough for Dhruv Vikram, or a surprising turn for Harish Kalyan.

Which film do you believe will reign supreme at the box office from the three contenders? Bison, Dude or Diesel? Let us know in the comments below.