Valimai

{{Long plot|date=May 2024}}

In Chennai, an outlaw motorcycle gang called Satan's Slaves are involved in drug rackets, snatch theft and murders, which are headed by Naren aka Wolfranga. With the increase in such crimes getting out of hand, the city commissioner Vijayakumar assigns the case to ACP Arjun Kumar from Madurai, who is known for his peculiar way of handling justice; breaking one of the limbs of the convicted so that they never repeat their crimes, originating from the moral values instilled by his mother Lakshmi.

Arjun is the sole breadwinner in his family consisting of Lakshmi; his drunkard older brother Kothandam and his wife; his married younger sister; and his younger brother Ashok "Kutty", an unemployed graduate. Kutty is constantly looked down by his sisters-in-law, whose daughter he is in love with, for his unemployment, worrying Arjun and Lakshmi. Collaborating with his partner and friend Sophia, Arjun finds the corpse of Naveen, a man in a hostel whose friend Chinna had betrayed the gang and supplied drugs to him. However, Naveen had burned the drugs and committed suicide by hanging, while Chinna had been killed by the biker gang upon learning of his betrayal. Arjun finds Naveen's helmet in his room and finds out that he was a snatch thief who used a stolen motorcycle purchased from an online black marketeer. Arjun and Sophia both figure out the sequence of crimes done by Satan's Slaves.

The bikes used in the crimes had been bought from the same platform using stolen mobile phones via the dark web and that all of these crimes are done by the same organization. After sending one of his colleagues posing as a mercenary to thugs retired from the drug peddling business to find out the kingpin, Arjun learns about Wolfranga and a bike chase and close-combat ensues where Arjun manages to defeat Wolfranga and the gang and arrests them. To his shock, finds out that Kutty had also been involved with the gang. While taking them to prison, Satan's Slaves attacks the convoy, kills the policemen, and aids Wolfranga to escape. Arjun tries to corner Wolfranga, but he is knocked by Kutty, who escapes with the gang.

Arjun gets demoted from the case due to Kutty's involvement and the case is handed over to DCP Rajangam and IG Arasu, both of whom are envious of Arjun. Unknown to anyone, Rajangam and Arasu are moles of Wolfranga and do not pay heed to the case. Lakshmi refuses food and drink out of guilt of seeing Kutty going astray, prompting Arjun to take matters into his own hands and solve the case himself. With Sophia's help alongside a few trusted aides in the cybercrime department, Arjun captures one of the mules and asks him about the gang and how Kutty got entangled into the dirty business. Kutty had become acquainted to Wolfranga after he was humiliated in front of his family by his sister's in-laws due to his unemployment and refused to let their daughter marry him. Wolfranga indoctrinates him, saying that family are selfish individuals whose affection is a trick to make their children serve them in their old age.

Wolfranga runs his business using unemployed graduates who are outcast due to unemployment and as a result are motivated by money buys everything ideology. After fishing out the abandoned, stolen motorcycles from a derelict quarry, Arjun is reassigned the case where he and Sophia plan to expose Rajangam and Arasu's involvement with Wolfranga to Vijayakumar. Wolfranga kidnaps Arjun's family, holds them hostage, and blackmails Arjun to steal a metric ton of seized cocaine from the treasury to release them. However, Wolfranga also tells Rajangam to kill Arjun, pin it on Kutty, and hand him the seized cocaine to be incinerated. Wolfranga gives an empty gun to Kutty and tells him to pretend to shoot Lakshmi in order to shake her selflessness, while he secretly loaded a single bullet in the gun, but upon realizing Lakshmi's love and her readiness to die for him, Kutty inadvertently shoots Wolfranga's girlfriend Sarah dead.

Kutty reunites with his family but is badly beaten and taken hostage as well. Arjun successfully steals the cocaine, exposing and capturing Rajangam, Arasu, and the remaining mules. Arjun arrives at the hideout and fights Wolfranga, defeating him. The team successfully hacks Satan's Slaves's server and lures the bikers to the hideout. Upon arrival, they find Wolfranga dead and are surrounded and arrested by the police force. At the station, Arjun convinces the bikers to work hard and solve the problems and mentions the importance of the parents' love for them and the pleasures they sacrificed for their children, releasing them. The case is successfully closed, while Arjun and the police force are applauded by the public. Owing to their efforts, the police organizes a program to rehabilitate youngsters from depression and drugs.

{{cast list|

• Ajith Kumar as ACP Arjun Kumar IPS
• Jack Robinson as young Arjun Kumar
• Karthikeya as Naren a.k.a. Wolfranga
• Huma Qureshi as Sophia
• Gurbani Judge as Sara
• Sumithra as Lakshmi, Arjun's mother
• Uma Shankari as young Lakshmi
• Raj Ayyappa as Ashok a.k.a. Kutty, Arjun's younger brother
• Dhruvan as Amith
• Achyuth Kumar as Kothandam, Arjun's drunkard older brother
• Sunaina Badam as Arjun's younger sister
• Selva as Vijayakumar, police commissioner
• Dinesh Prabhakar as DCP Rajangam
• G. M. Sundar as IG Arasu
• Vaishnavi Chaitanya as Ramya
• Pearle Maaney as Christina
• Chaitra Reddy as Latha
• Mahanadi Shankar as Parthasarathy
• Pavel Navageethan{{Cite web |date=30 December 2019 |title=Pavel Navageethan to be a part of Ajith's Valimai |url=https://m.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/dec/30/pavel-navageethan-to-be-a-part-of-ajiths-valimai-16274.amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206131323/https://m.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/dec/30/pavel-navageethan-to-be-a-part-of-ajiths-valimai-16274.amp |archive-date=6 February 2021 |access-date=7 August 2020 |website=Cinema Express}} as Selvam
• Pugazh as Success Balu
• D. R. K. Kiran as Inspector Ahmed
• Ajith Nambiar
• Janaki Suresh
• Silmisham Siva
• Kravmaga Sreeram

}}

Additionally, a portrait of late actor Jaishankar as Arjun's late father is also featured in the film.{{Cite news |date=22 February 2022 |title=Did you know late actor Jai Shankar is part of 'Valimai'? Read on... |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-late-actor-jai-shankar-is-part-of-valimai-read-on-/articleshow/89749186.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224052852/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-late-actor-jai-shankar-is-part-of-valimai-read-on-/articleshow/89749186.cms |archive-date=24 February 2022}}

{{Quote box

| quote="This was the second script that I'd done, and it was for another hero. I had a different version of this story. It was not a cop story then. We see what's happening around us. We see youngsters and what kind of problems that they and their families are facing today. I have taken two such problems, which I felt need to be addressed. What if those problems happened to the hero's family? How would they face it? How does he, as the head of the family, tackle it? How his personal and professional lives get affected by this and how he overcomes this forms the plot".

| source = – H. Vinoth, on the origin of Valimai.{{Cite news |date=18 December 2021 |title=Ajith doesn't say no if a director wants something from him: Vinoth |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-doesnt-say-no-if-a-director-wants-something-from-him-vinoth/articleshow/88345433.cms |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218132936/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-doesnt-say-no-if-a-director-wants-something-from-him-vinoth/articleshow/88345433.cms |archive-date=18 December 2021}}

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Soon after the release of director H. Vinoth's second film Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (2017), he approached actor Ajith Kumar. However, Ajith declined the project and asked the director to work on the Tamil remake of the 2016 Hindi film Pink titled as Nerkonda Paarvai.{{Cite web |date=12 August 2019 |title=H Vinoth: If Nerkonda Paarvai earns a rupee more than Viswasam, superstars will have to do such films |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/h-vinoth-if-nerkonda-paarvai-earns-a-rupee-more-than-viswasam-superstars-will-have-to-do-such-films-1580079-2019-08-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812144038/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/h-vinoth-if-nerkonda-paarvai-earns-a-rupee-more-than-viswasam-superstars-will-have-to-do-such-films-1580079-2019-08-12 |archive-date=12 August 2019 |access-date=20 November 2019 |website=India Today}} In January 2019, Boney Kapoor announced the second collaboration with Ajith Kumar and director Vinoth for another Tamil film, titled as Thala 60.{{Cite news |date=30 January 2019 |title=Ajith's next after 'Pink' remake is a full-fledged action flick |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-next-after-pink-remake-is-a-full-fledged-action-flick/articleshow/67755916.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202204257/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-next-after-pink-remake-is-a-full-fledged-action-flick/articleshow/67755916.cms |archive-date=2 February 2019}}{{Cite news |date=11 July 2019 |title=Boney Kapoor clarifies on Ajith's film |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/boney-kapoor-clarifies-on-ajiths-film/articleshow/70169512.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831154421/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/boney-kapoor-clarifies-on-ajiths-film/articleshow/70169512.cms |archive-date=31 August 2019}} Kapoor also stated that, the film will have racing sequences,{{Cite news |date=8 June 2019 |title=Is Thala Ajith's 60th film going to be on racing? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/is-thala-ajiths-60th-film-going-to-be-on-racing/articleshow/69701020.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028003301/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/is-thala-ajiths-60th-film-going-to-be-on-racing/articleshow/69701020.cms |archive-date=28 October 2020}} suggesting that the movie would be an action thriller genre that uses the actor's passion for speed.{{Cite web |date=7 June 2019 |title=Boney Kapoor on his next with Ajith: It's a thriller which uses his passion for speed |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/boney-kapoor-on-his-next-with-ajith-it-s-a-thriller-which-uses-his-passion-for-speed-1544188-2019-06-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117024354/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/boney-kapoor-on-his-next-with-ajith-it-s-a-thriller-which-uses-his-passion-for-speed-1544188-2019-06-07 |archive-date=17 November 2019 |access-date=20 November 2019 |website=India Today}}{{Cite web |date=12 June 2019 |title=I told Ajith sir that I was afraid to do Nerkonda Paarvai: H Vinoth |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2019/jun/12/i-told-ajith-sir-that-i-was-afraid-to-do-nerkonda-paarvai-h-vinoth-12251.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807134149/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2019/jun/12/i-told-ajith-sir-that-i-was-afraid-to-do-nerkonda-paarvai-h-vinoth-12251.html |archive-date=7 August 2019 |access-date=20 November 2019 |website=Cinema Express}} It was reported that Vinoth had written the script with another actor in mind, and with Ajith's involvement, he had to make changes in the script.{{Cite web |date=18 December 2021 |title=H Vinoth: 'Valimai' will be better than any other commercial film in Tamil |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/h-vinoth-valimai-will-be-better-than-any-other-commercial-film-in-tamil-news-tamil-vmseQebgafbjf.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218141443/https://www.sify.com/movies/h-vinoth-valimai-will-be-better-than-any-other-commercial-film-in-tamil-news-tamil-vmseQebgafbjf.html |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=Sify}} The film's production was expected to launch on 29 August 2019,{{Cite news |date=30 July 2019 |title=Boney Kapoor confirms Ajith's 'Thala 60' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/boney-kapoor-confirms-ajiths-thala-60/articleshow/70445323.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113072335/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/boney-kapoor-confirms-ajiths-thala-60/articleshow/70445323.cms |archive-date=13 November 2020}}{{Cite news |date=17 June 2019 |title=Ajith's 'Thala 60' to start from August 29 |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-thala-60-to-start-from-august-29/articleshow/69825192.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111020527/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-thala-60-to-start-from-august-29/articleshow/69825192.cms |archive-date=11 November 2020}} But delayed.

A formal launch ceremony for the film was held on 18 October 2019, at the office of Kapoor's production house.{{Cite web |date=18 October 2019 |title=Ajith's next with Boney Kapoor titled 'Valimai', filming begins |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajiths-next-boney-kapoor-titled-valimai-filming-begins-110778 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019031920/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajiths-next-boney-kapoor-titled-valimai-filming-begins-110778 |archive-date=19 October 2019 |access-date=5 February 2021 |website=The News Minute}} The makers also announced the title of the film as Valimai.{{Cite web |date=18 October 2019 |title=Ajith's 'AK 60' now titled as 'Valimai' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/ajiths-ak-60-now-titled-as-valimai/article29736447.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20191018161307/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/ajiths-ak-60-now-titled-as-valimai/article29736447.ece |archive-date=18 October 2019 |access-date=20 November 2019 |website=The Hindu}}{{Cite news |last=Lakshmi |first=V. |date=18 October 2019 |title=Ajith's #Thala60 with H Vinoth titled Valimai |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-thala60-with-h-vinoth-titled-valimai/articleshow/71649370.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107055319/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-thala60-with-h-vinoth-titled-valimai/articleshow/71649370.cms |archive-date=7 November 2020}} Yuvan Shankar Raja was hired as the film's music director, and Nirav Shah was confirmed as the cinematographer.{{Cite web |date=18 October 2019 |title=Ajith's Thala 60 is officially titled Valimai |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/oct/18/ajiths-thala-60-is-officially-titled-valimai-14986.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125193153/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/oct/18/ajiths-thala-60-is-officially-titled-valimai-14986.html |archive-date=25 January 2021 |access-date=5 February 2021 |website=Cinema Express}} Art director Thota Tharani was reported to join the film's technical crew,{{Cite news |date=29 October 2019 |title=National Award-winning art director joins Ajith's 'Valimai'? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/national-award-winning-art-director-joins-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/71801228.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031092145/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/national-award-winning-art-director-joins-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/71801228.cms |archive-date=31 October 2019}} but was replaced by K. Kathir. Editor Vijay Velukutty and stunt choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan too were a part of the technical team.{{Cite web |date=11 July 2021 |title=In Pics: Ajith's VALIMAI Main cast and crew details – Don't miss! |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/pics-of-ajiths-valimai-main-cast-and-crew-details-official/art-director-is-k-kadhir.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121140602/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/pics-of-ajiths-valimai-main-cast-and-crew-details-official/art-director-is-k-kadhir.html |archive-date=21 November 2021 |access-date=21 November 2021 |website=Behindwoods}} Sources claimed that Ajith would portray a police officer, which was later confirmed by Kapoor.{{Cite news |date=18 October 2019 |title=Thala 60: Ajith Kumar to play a tough cop in H Vinoth's upcoming film |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thala-60-ajith-kumar-to-play-a-tough-cop-in-h-vinoths-upcoming-film/articleshow/71644624.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028120038/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thala-60-ajith-kumar-to-play-a-tough-cop-in-h-vinoths-upcoming-film/articleshow/71644624.cms |archive-date=28 October 2020}}{{Cite web |date=11 December 2019 |title=Ajith to play cop in 'Valimai', confirms Boney Kapoor |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajith-play-cop-valimai-confirms-boney-kapoor-113881 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211143412/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajith-play-cop-valimai-confirms-boney-kapoor-113881 |archive-date=11 December 2019 |access-date=5 February 2021 |website=The News Minute}}

File:Gypsy Joker Protest Run 2.jpgs, with the director used the history of these clubs, including the Satan's Slaves Motorcycle Club as a reference for this film.{{Cite web |date=18 December 2021 |title=Valimai director reveals details about film's plot! |url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/29701/valimai-plot-h-vinoth-ajith-huma-qureshi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202145450/https://www.moviecrow.com/News/29701/valimai-plot-h-vinoth-ajith-huma-qureshi |archive-date=2 February 2022 |access-date=2 February 2022 |website=Moviecrow}}]]

On the release of the trailer glimpse on 23 September 2021,{{Cite web |date=24 September 2021 |title=Watch: Glimpses of Valimai shows high octane action and a dapper Ajith |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/watch-glimpses-valimai-shows-high-octane-action-and-dapper-ajith-155686 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119073013/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/watch-glimpses-valimai-shows-high-octane-action-and-dapper-ajith-155686 |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=The News Minute}} many cinephiles noted about the storyline revolving around the Satan's Slaves Motorcycle Club, which was founded in Shipley in the mid-1960s, and later spread on to various countries including Germany, North America, Scotland and Australia.{{Cite web |date=23 September 2021 |title=Valimai's official 'Glimpse' featuring 'Thala' Ajith promises a thrilling ride! |url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/cinema/2021/sep/23/valimais-official-glimpse-featuring-thala-ajith-promises-a-thrilling-ride-35681.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119073012/https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/cinema/2021/sep/23/valimais-official-glimpse-featuring-thala-ajith-promises-a-thrilling-ride-35681.html |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=Indulge Express}} They were known for the heinous activities being involved such as drug peddling, trafficking in stolen goods, gunrunning, extortion, and prostitution; its film's plot has a resemblance to the documentary covered on the outlaw motorcycle club, titled Sons of Anarchy.{{Cite web |date=24 September 2021 |title=Is this the story of Thala Ajith's Valimai? – Interesting facts from the glimpse teaser! |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/thala-ajith-valimai-story-revealed-glimpse-teaser-h-vinoth-satan-motorcycle-club-pongal-release-date-update-tamil-news-295568 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119072958/https://www.indiaglitz.com/thala-ajith-valimai-story-revealed-glimpse-teaser-h-vinoth-satan-motorcycle-club-pongal-release-date-update-tamil-news-295568 |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=IndiaGlitz}} Vinoth however revealed that the storyline will be loosely based on a group of outlaw motorcyclists involving in heinous crimes and how the protagonist tracks them down, hinting that the history behind Satan's Slaves Club gave its reference.{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=29 December 2021 |title='Valimai' director Vinoth: Ajith's favourite quote is 'Everything will fall in place' |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/valimai-director-vinoth-ajiths-favourite-quote-is-everything-will-fall-in-place/article38063671.ece |url-status=live |access-date=2 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202145445/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/valimai-director-vinoth-ajiths-favourite-quote-is-everything-will-fall-in-place/article38063671.ece |archive-date=2 February 2022}}

In an interview with Ananda Vikatan, Vinoth stated that he had partially re-written the script before the resumption of the film's shooting, being halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that some of the actors were hesitant to shoot during the pandemic and the location owners denied permission to shoot on the sets that were constructed in the pre-pandemic times. As a result, he had to re-write the story and change the location and setting, due to practical difficulties.{{Cite web |last=பாரதிராஜா |first=மை. |date=7 October 2021 |title="அஜித் கற்றுத்தந்த ரகசியப் பாடம்!" – ஹெச்.வினோத் தரும் 'வலிமை' அப்டேட் |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/valimai-movie-director-h-vinoth-exclusive-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218132937/https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/valimai-movie-director-h-vinoth-exclusive-interview |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=Ananda Vikatan |language=ta}}

In an interview with Gopinath Rajendran of Cinema Express, Vinoth had stated that Ajith's character is modelled on a real life racer-turned-police officer.{{Cite web |date=27 December 2021 |title=Ajith's character in 'Valimai' is based on a real-life cop! |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/ajiths-character-in-valimai-is-based-on-a-real-life-cop-news-tamil-vm1fhLiebccci.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125182512/https://www.sify.com/movies/ajiths-character-in-valimai-is-based-on-a-real-life-cop-news-tamil-vm1fhLiebccci.html |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=Sify}} He said, "When Jayalalithaa ma'am was the Chief Minister, a bike racer was made an SI directly. We have taken that as an inspiration for this character, who is an ex-racing professional turned cop".{{Cite web |last=Rajendran |first=Gopinath |date=25 December 2021 |title=H Vinoth: Valimai is for the fans |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/interviews/2021/dec/25/h-vinoth-ajith-kumar-valimai-update-boney-kapoor-28632.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125182513/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/interviews/2021/dec/25/h-vinoth-ajith-kumar-valimai-update-boney-kapoor-28632.html |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=Cinema Express}} The makers reportedly approached Janhvi Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra to play the female lead, thus marking their debuts in South Indian cinema,{{Cite news |date=1 August 2019 |title=Janhvi Kapoor to make Tamil debut with Ajith's 'Thala 60'? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/janhvi-kapoor-to-make-tamil-debut-with-ajiths-thala-60/articleshow/70479779.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223013408/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/janhvi-kapoor-to-make-tamil-debut-with-ajiths-thala-60/articleshow/70479779.cms |archive-date=23 February 2020}} and both actresses declined due to call sheet issues.{{Cite news |date=30 October 2019 |title=Call sheet issues stops Parineeti from acting in Valimai |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/call-sheet-issues-stops-parineeti-from-acting-in-valimai/articleshow/71817726.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618191824/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/call-sheet-issues-stops-parineeti-from-acting-in-valimai/articleshow/71817726.cms |archive-date=18 June 2021}} While there had been questions surrounding over the film's female lead, with Ileana D'Cruz and Yami Gautam reportedly under consideration,{{Cite news |date=13 December 2019 |title=Ileana or Yami Gautam to play the female lead in Valimai? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ileana-or-yami-gautam-to-play-the-female-lead-in-valimai/articleshow/72511412.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030032802/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ileana-or-yami-gautam-to-play-the-female-lead-in-valimai/articleshow/72511412.cms |archive-date=30 October 2020}} Huma Qureshi was cast as a lead, in her second Tamil film after the Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala (2018).{{Cite news |last=Lakshmi |first=V. |date=21 January 2020 |title=Is Huma Qureshi in Ajith's Valimai? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/is-huma-qureshi-in-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/73431903.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111020530/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/is-huma-qureshi-in-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/73431903.cms |archive-date=11 November 2020}} She portrays Ajith's friend in the film and there were no romantic scenes with the lead actor, due to the scripting changes made by Vinoth.{{Cite web |date=7 October 2021 |title=H Vinoth: There is no romantic track in 'Valimai'! |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/h-vinoth-there-is-no-romantic-track-in-valimai-news-tamil-vkhdSVeaeaifd.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007035912/https://www.sify.com/movies/h-vinoth-there-is-no-romantic-track-in-valimai-news-tamil-vkhdSVeaeaifd.html |archive-date=7 October 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=Sify}}{{Cite news |date=7 October 2021 |title=Huma Qureshi's character in Ajith's 'Valimai' revealed |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/huma-qureshis-character-in-ajiths-valimai-revealed/articleshow/86835293.cms |url-status=live |access-date=2 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071829/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/huma-qureshis-character-in-ajiths-valimai-revealed/articleshow/86835293.cms |archive-date=19 November 2021}}

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn was reported to play the antagonist, and could not act in the film due to his commitments to RRR.{{Cite news |date=29 August 2019 |title=Ajay Devgn to play the villain in Thala 60 |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajay-devgn-to-play-the-villain-in-thala-60/articleshow/70892189.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115114259/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajay-devgn-to-play-the-villain-in-thala-60/articleshow/70892189.cms |archive-date=15 January 2021}} Arvind Swamy also reportedly refused to be part of the film, since he was then shooting for Thalaivii.{{Cite news |date=22 November 2019 |title=Aravind Swamy refused to act in Thala Ajith's 'Valimai'? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/aravind-swamy-refused-to-act-in-thala-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/72184582.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026214134/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/aravind-swamy-refused-to-act-in-thala-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/72184582.cms |archive-date=26 October 2020}} Prasanna was also approached to play a pivotal role in Valimai,{{Cite web |date=20 January 2020 |title=Prasanna to play the antagonist in Ajith's 'Valimai'? |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/prasanna-play-antagonist-ajiths-valimai-116435 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227034615/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/prasanna-play-antagonist-ajiths-valimai-116435 |archive-date=27 February 2021 |access-date=5 February 2021 |website=The News Minute}} but declined the offer.{{Cite web |date=21 January 2020 |title=Prasanna confirms he's not a part of Ajith's 'Valimai' |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/prasanna-confirms-he-not-part-ajiths-valimai-116559 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225114213/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/prasanna-confirms-he-not-part-ajiths-valimai-116559 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |access-date=5 February 2021 |website=The News Minute}} In late 2019, Telugu actor Kartikeya Gummakonda was speculated as the antagonist, making Valimai his Tamil debut, and was confirmed only a year later. {{Cite news |date=17 December 2019 |title=Kartikeya Gummakonda to play the antagonist in Ajith's Valimai? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/kartikeya-gummakonda-to-play-the-antagonist-in-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/72815002.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111141300/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/kartikeya-gummakonda-to-play-the-antagonist-in-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/72815002.cms |archive-date=11 November 2020}}{{Cite news |date=22 September 2020 |title=Karthikeya talks about 'Valimai' for the first time, thanks Ajith fans |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/karthikeya-talks-about-valimai-for-the-first-time-thanks-ajith-fans/articleshow/78249507.cms |url-status=live |access-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821144228/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/karthikeya-talks-about-valimai-for-the-first-time-thanks-ajith-fans/articleshow/78249507.cms |archive-date=21 August 2023}} Vinoth stated that the antagonist is "a strong character who believes in his ideology". Apart from Kartikeya, two other antagonists, were reported to be featured in the film,{{Cite news |date=4 March 2020 |title=Thala Ajith to take on three villains in his upcoming cop drama 'Valimai' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thala-ajith-to-take-on-three-villains-in-his-upcoming-cop-drama-valimai/articleshow/74472305.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027224752/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thala-ajith-to-take-on-three-villains-in-his-upcoming-cop-drama-valimai/articleshow/74472305.cms |archive-date=27 October 2020}} with Pavel Navageethan of V1: Murder Case (2019) fame,{{Cite news |date=29 December 2019 |title='V1 Murder Case' director joins the cast of Ajith's Valimai |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/v1-murder-case-director-joins-the-cast-of-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/73017960.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107095529/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/v1-murder-case-director-joins-the-cast-of-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/73017960.cms |archive-date=7 November 2020}} and Malayalam actor Dhruvan reportedly playing the respective roles.{{Cite web |date=11 February 2021 |title=Malayalam actor Dhruvan also part of Valimai |url=https://onlookersmedia.in/latestnews/confirmed-malayalam-actor-dhruvan-also-part-valimai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922115056/https://onlookersmedia.in/latestnews/confirmed-malayalam-actor-dhruvan-also-part-valimai |archive-date=22 September 2021 |access-date=19 February 2021 |website=onlookersmedia.in}} In October 2021, Vinoth said that Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas was the initial choice for the antagonist before Kartikeya was finalised.{{Cite web |date=14 October 2021 |title=H Vinoth: Tovino Thomas was the first choice for the villain role in Valimai |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2021/oct/14/h-vinoth-tovino-thomas-was-the-first-choice-for-the-villain-role-in-valimai-27268.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125182512/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2021/oct/14/h-vinoth-tovino-thomas-was-the-first-choice-for-the-villain-role-in-valimai-27268.html |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=Cinema Express}}

Raj Ayyappa who played the antagonist in 100, plays Ajith Kumar's brother in the film.{{Cite news |date=8 March 2020 |title=Raj Ayyappa, villain from Atharva's '100', to play Ajith's brother in 'Valimai'? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/raj-ayyappa-villain-from-atharvas-100-to-play-ajiths-brother-in-valimai/articleshow/74537022.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125115108/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/raj-ayyappa-villain-from-atharvas-100-to-play-ajiths-brother-in-valimai/articleshow/74537022.cms |archive-date=25 January 2021}} A leaked picture of the film in December 2020,{{Cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=31 December 2020 |title=Ajith's leaked pic from Valimai takes social media by storm. Viral |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/ajith-s-leaked-pic-from-valimai-takes-social-media-by-storm-viral-1754738-2020-12-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228073847/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/ajith-s-leaked-pic-from-valimai-takes-social-media-by-storm-viral-1754738-2020-12-31 |archive-date=28 February 2021 |access-date=5 February 2021 |website=India Today}} features Achyuth Kumar and Sumithra in the film's cast,{{Cite web |last=Manjula |date=1 January 2021 |title=Spotted: Kannada Actor Achyuth Kumar in Ajith's Valimai Viral Photo |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/kollywood/spotted-kannada-actor-achyuth-kumar-in-ajiths-valimai-viral-photo-664817 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209233813/https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/kollywood/spotted-kannada-actor-achyuth-kumar-in-ajiths-valimai-viral-photo-664817 |archive-date=9 February 2021 |access-date=5 February 2021 |website=The Hans India}} The latter was reported to play Ajith Kumar's mother in the film, which the makers stated her character as a crucial one in the film.{{Cite news |date=3 December 2020 |title='Veeram' actress Sumithra to play Ajith's mother in 'Valimai' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/veeram-actress-turns-ajiths-mother-in-valimai/articleshow/79543393.cms |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127142954/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/veeram-actress-turns-ajiths-mother-in-valimai/articleshow/79543393.cms |archive-date=27 January 2021}}{{Cite news |date=18 December 2020 |title=After 14 years, Ajith to have an emotional mother-son scene in 'Valimai' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/after-14-years-ajith-to-have-an-emotional-mother-son-scene-in-valimai/articleshow/79792282.cms |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118102441/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/after-14-years-ajith-to-have-an-emotional-mother-son-scene-in-valimai/articleshow/79792282.cms |archive-date=18 January 2021}} Popular television actor Pugazh was reported to play a pivotal role in the film.{{Cite news |date=4 January 2021 |title=Popular television star Pugazh to star in Ajith's 'Valimai' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/popular-television-star-pugazh-to-star-in-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/80095695.cms |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118103813/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/popular-television-star-pugazh-to-star-in-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/80095695.cms |archive-date=18 January 2021}} G. M. Sundar, Selva, television actress Chaitra Reddy (in her film debut), Pearle Maaney (in her Tamil debut){{Cite web |date=21 July 2020 |title="THIS WILL BE THE BEST MOVIE OF THALA!.." – VALIMAI ACTRESS' LATEST BREAKING STATEMENT! AJITH FANS, ASSEMBLE! |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/bigg-boss-star-speaks-about-experience-with-ajith-ft-pearle.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108204505/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/bigg-boss-star-speaks-about-experience-with-ajith-ft-pearle.html |archive-date=8 November 2021 |access-date=8 November 2021 |website=Behindwoods}} and Dinesh Prabhakar, were other actors who appear in supporting roles in the film.{{Cite web |date=31 December 2021 |title=Valimai censored U/A, runtime out for Ajith-starrer |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2021/dec/31/valimai-censored-ua-runtime-out-for-ajith-starrer-28734.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231123633/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2021/dec/31/valimai-censored-ua-runtime-out-for-ajith-starrer-28734.html |archive-date=31 December 2021 |access-date=5 January 2022 |website=Cinema Express}}

File:Moscow-City skyline.jpg.]]

Principal photography of Valimai was expected to begin on 13 December 2019,{{Cite news |date=27 November 2019 |title=Ajith's 'Valimai' shooting to begin in December |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-shooting-to-begin-in-december/articleshow/72254964.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922115056/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-shooting-to-begin-in-december/articleshow/72254964.cms |archive-date=22 September 2021}}{{Cite web |date=14 December 2019 |title=Ajith's 'Valimai' with H Vinoth goes on floors |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajiths-valimai-h-vinoth-goes-floors-114082 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213032611/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajiths-valimai-h-vinoth-goes-floors-114082 |archive-date=13 February 2021 |access-date=5 February 2021 |website=The News Minute}} but the shooting was launched two days earlier at the Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.{{Cite web |last=Subramanian |first=Anupama |date=14 December 2019 |title=Thalapathy heroine to romance Thala? |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/141219/thalapathy-heroine-to-romance-thala.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20191214040842/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/141219/thalapathy-heroine-to-romance-thala.html |archive-date=14 December 2019 |access-date=14 December 2019 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M. |date=9 December 2019 |title=Ajith to start shooting for Vinoth's directorial in Hyderabad |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-to-start-shooting-for-vinoths-directorial-from-wednesday-in-hyderabad/articleshow/72425871.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110153119/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-to-start-shooting-for-vinoths-directorial-from-wednesday-in-hyderabad/articleshow/72425871.cms |archive-date=10 November 2020}} The makers filmed an action sequence for Ajith in Hyderabad,{{Cite news |date=17 December 2019 |title=An action sequence for Ajith in Hyderabad |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/an-action-sequence-for-ajith-in-hyderabad/articleshow/72833889.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422234133/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/an-action-sequence-for-ajith-in-hyderabad/articleshow/72833889.cms |archive-date=22 April 2021}} which was completed within two weeks.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2019 |title=First schedule of Ajith's 'Valimai' wrapped up |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/first-schedule-of-ajiths-valimai-wrapped-up/articleshow/72966183.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230000621/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/first-schedule-of-ajiths-valimai-wrapped-up/articleshow/72966183.cms |archive-date=30 December 2019}} Soon after the completion, the team planned for a three-day shooting schedule, at Rekha Gardens in Chennai, and parts of the city.{{Cite news |date=28 December 2019 |title=Ajith 'Valimai' team begins three day shooting schedule in Chennai |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-valimai-team-begins-three-day-shooting-schedule-in-chennai/articleshow/73004607.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922115056/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-valimai-team-begins-three-day-shooting-schedule-in-chennai/articleshow/73004607.cms |archive-date=22 September 2021}} It was reported that, Ajith met with an accident during the filming of a bike sequence before completing the schedule in Chennai, which resulted in the film's delay.{{Cite news |last=CR |first=Sharanya |date=19 February 2020 |title=A bike-chase shoot leaves Ajith injured |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/a-bike-chase-shoot-leaves-ajith-injured/articleshow/74193465.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027221609/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/a-bike-chase-shoot-leaves-ajith-injured/articleshow/74193465.cms |archive-date=27 October 2020}}{{Cite news |date=19 February 2020 |title=#GetWellSoonTHALA: Ajith suffers an injury while shooting for 'Valimai', fans pray for the star's speedy recovery |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/getwellsoonthala-ajith-suffers-an-injury-while-shooting-for-valimai-fans-pray-for-the-stars-speedy-recovery/articleshow/74203884.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030045912/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/getwellsoonthala-ajith-suffers-an-injury-while-shooting-for-valimai-fans-pray-for-the-stars-speedy-recovery/articleshow/74203884.cms |archive-date=30 October 2020}} Filming was reportedly halted in March 2020 due to the pandemic, where, the team planned to shoot few sequences, which include car and motor race at Switzerland, within April 2020,{{Cite news |date=27 January 2020 |title=Parts of Ajith's Valimai to be shot in Switzerland in April? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/parts-of-ajiths-valimai-to-be-shot-in-switzerland-in-april/articleshow/73661290.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109051904/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/parts-of-ajiths-valimai-to-be-shot-in-switzerland-in-april/articleshow/73661290.cms |archive-date=9 November 2020}} and also planned to shoot in Spain and Morocco, after the COVID-19 lockdown in India.{{Cite news |last=Lakshmi |first=V. |date=9 March 2020 |title=Will Ajith head to Spain for some filmy action now? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/will-ajith-head-to-spain-for-some-filmy-action-now/articleshow/74537641.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209231632/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/will-ajith-head-to-spain-for-some-filmy-action-now/articleshow/74537641.cms |archive-date=9 December 2020}}{{Cite news |date=7 April 2020 |title=Will Ajith's 'Valimai' team head to Spain & Morocco after lockdown? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/will-ajiths-valimai-team-head-to-spain-morocco-after-lockdown/articleshow/75025391.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212125358/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/will-ajiths-valimai-team-head-to-spain-morocco-after-lockdown/articleshow/75025391.cms |archive-date=12 December 2020}} However, the pandemic affected the foreign shooting schedules,{{Cite news |date=1 May 2020 |title=Thala Ajith's 'Valimai' shooting schedules abroad doubtful amidst Coronavirus crisis? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thala-ajiths-valimai-shooting-schedules-abroad-doubtful-amidst-coronavirus-crisis/articleshow/75493807.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108134103/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thala-ajiths-valimai-shooting-schedules-abroad-doubtful-amidst-coronavirus-crisis/articleshow/75493807.cms |archive-date=8 November 2020}} which made the team to make major changes in the shooting plan, with the planned foreign schedules to be shot across India.{{Cite news |date=28 May 2020 |title=Thala Ajith's 'Valimai' team planning to make major changes in shooting schedules? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thala-ajiths-valimai-team-planning-to-make-major-changes-in-shooting-schedules/articleshow/76065092.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026224800/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thala-ajiths-valimai-team-planning-to-make-major-changes-in-shooting-schedules/articleshow/76065092.cms |archive-date=26 October 2020}} The post-production works of the film did not happen after Ajith's request. Nearly 60% of the shoot completed before the lockdown imposed.{{Cite news |date=15 May 2020 |title=Why Ajith's Valimai may not rush for post-production works? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/why-ajiths-valimai-may-not-rush-for-post-production-works/articleshow/75756268.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517224454/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/why-ajiths-valimai-may-not-rush-for-post-production-works/articleshow/75756268.cms |archive-date=17 May 2020}}

After multiple delays, the film's shooting resumed on 23 September 2020,{{Cite web |date=26 September 2020 |title=Shoot for Ajith's 'Valimai' resumes after six-month hiatus |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/shoot-ajith-s-valimai-resumes-after-six-month-hiatus-133965 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112063025/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/shoot-ajith-s-valimai-resumes-after-six-month-hiatus-133965 |archive-date=12 January 2021 |access-date=5 February 2021 |website=The News Minute}} with Kartikeya joining the shoot.{{Cite news |date=23 September 2020 |title=Thala Ajith's 'Valimai' shooting resumed in Chennai |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thala-ajiths-valimai-shooting-resumed-in-chennai/articleshow/78277572.cms |url-status=live |access-date=24 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006052909/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thala-ajiths-valimai-shooting-resumed-in-chennai/articleshow/78277572.cms |archive-date=6 October 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Lakshmi |first=V. |date=27 September 2020 |title=Kartikeya resumes shooting for Valimai; Ajith to join later |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kartikeya-resumes-shooting-for-valimai-ajith-to-join-later/articleshow/78339930.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206211005/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kartikeya-resumes-shooting-for-valimai-ajith-to-join-later/articleshow/78339930.cms |archive-date=6 December 2020}} Major portions of the film were shot at Red Hills in Chennai. The makers stated that, Ajith will join the film's shoot by January 2021 and planned to complete the shoot within February,{{Cite web |date=15 September 2020 |title=Ajith's 'Valimai' to be wrapped up by February 2021? |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajith-s-valimai-be-wrapped-february-2021-133145 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930191150/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajith-s-valimai-be-wrapped-february-2021-133145 |archive-date=30 September 2020 |access-date=5 February 2021 |website=The News Minute}} as more than 50–60 days of shoot is pending, including the actor's portions which will be completed within 30 days.{{Cite news |date=14 September 2020 |title=Ajith to complete the shooting of 'Valimai' by February 2021? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-to-complete-the-shooting-of-valimai-by-february-2021/articleshow/78107748.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106180201/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-to-complete-the-shooting-of-valimai-by-february-2021/articleshow/78107748.cms |archive-date=6 January 2021}} It was reported that a popular Hollywood stunt choreographer, was hired to direct the few action sequences, which will introduce a new-style stunt in Tamil cinema.{{Cite news |date=1 October 2020 |title=Thala Ajith's 'Valimai' to introduce 'new style stunt' in Tamil cinema |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thala-ajiths-valimai-to-introduce-new-style-stunt-in-tamil-cinema/articleshow/78423340.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209175840/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thala-ajiths-valimai-to-introduce-new-style-stunt-in-tamil-cinema/articleshow/78423340.cms |archive-date=9 December 2020}} In October 2020, the team planned to shoot few sequences at New Delhi, but after the government denied permission to shoot the film citing the pandemic,{{Cite news |date=19 October 2020 |title=Team 'Valimai' not granted permission to shoot in Delhi amid coronavirus pandemic |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/team-valimai-not-granted-permission-to-shoot-in-delhi-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/articleshow/78743880.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124221728/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/team-valimai-not-granted-permission-to-shoot-in-delhi-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/articleshow/78743880.cms |archive-date=24 November 2020}}{{Cite news |date=19 October 2020 |title=Team 'Valimai' scouts for new location after government denies permission to shoot in Delhi |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/regional/tamil/team-valimai-scouts-for-new-location-after-government-denies-permission-to-shoot-in-delhi/videoshow/78747948.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205154327/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/regional/tamil/team-valimai-scouts-for-new-location-after-government-denies-permission-to-shoot-in-delhi/videoshow/78747948.cms |archive-date=5 December 2020}} the makers chose Hyderabad as the shooting schedule.{{Cite news |date=21 October 2020 |title=Ajith starrer 'Valimai' shooting schedule to commence from tomorrow in Hyderabad |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-starrer-valimai-shooting-schedule-to-commence-from-tomorrow-in-hyderabad/articleshow/78789251.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127030511/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-starrer-valimai-shooting-schedule-to-commence-from-tomorrow-in-hyderabad/articleshow/78789251.cms |archive-date=27 November 2020}}

Ajith joined the sets in Hyderabad, after which he resumed shooting on 25 October,{{Cite news |date=29 October 2020 |title='Valimai': A still from the sets of Ajith's next goes viral |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-a-still-from-the-sets-of-ajiths-next-goes-viral/articleshow/78925643.cms |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106110455/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-a-still-from-the-sets-of-ajiths-next-goes-viral/articleshow/78925643.cms |archive-date=6 January 2021}}{{Cite web |date=24 October 2020 |title=Ajith to join the sets of 'Valimai' in Hyderabad from Sunday |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajith-join-sets-valimai-hyderabad-sunday-136051 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922115059/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajith-join-sets-valimai-hyderabad-sunday-136051 |archive-date=22 September 2021 |access-date=5 February 2021 |website=The News Minute}} despite reported that he will start the shoot in early 2021.{{Cite news |last=Lakshmi |first=V. |date=23 October 2020 |title=Ajith in Hyderabad; will resume shoot of Valimai from October 25 |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-in-hyderabad-will-resume-shoot-of-valimai-from-october-25/articleshow/78823506.cms |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128054128/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-in-hyderabad-will-resume-shoot-of-valimai-from-october-25/articleshow/78823506.cms |archive-date=28 January 2021}} In an interview with an online portal, H. Vinoth stated that the makers may not cancel the foreign schedule because the crucial scene involves more international stuntmen.{{Cite news |date=3 November 2020 |title=Director H Vinoth takes a crucial decision on 'Valimai' foreign schedule |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/director-h-vinoth-takes-a-crucial-decision-on-valimai-foreign-schedule/articleshow/79013721.cms |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210093137/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/director-h-vinoth-takes-a-crucial-decision-on-valimai-foreign-schedule/articleshow/79013721.cms |archive-date=10 December 2020}} In mid-November 2020, it was reported that Ajith may take a month-long break in order to start the next phase of the shoot in Hyderabad.{{Cite news |date=17 November 2020 |title=Ajith to take a one month break to start the next phase of the 'Valimai' shooting |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-to-take-a-one-month-break-to-start-the-next-phase-of-the-valimai-shooting/articleshow/79264269.cms |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209175807/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-to-take-a-one-month-break-to-start-the-next-phase-of-the-valimai-shooting/articleshow/79264269.cms |archive-date=9 December 2020}} After the shoot resumed, the makers filmed a stunt sequence with Ajith performing a bike stunt without a double; however the actor lost his balance while performing a stunt, and fell off the bike.{{Cite news |date=26 November 2020 |title=Ajith's bike stunt goes wrong, actor finishes the schedule despite injury |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-bike-stunt-goes-wrong-actor-finishes-the-schedule-despite-injury/articleshow/79423841.cms |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125050808/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-bike-stunt-goes-wrong-actor-finishes-the-schedule-despite-injury/articleshow/79423841.cms |archive-date=25 January 2021}} Despite sustaining injuries, Ajith completed the schedule without delay.{{Cite web |date=27 November 2020 |title=Ajith wraps up shoot of 'Valimai' schedule despite being injured |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajit-wraps-shoot-valimai-despite-being-injured-138569 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213030438/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajit-wraps-shoot-valimai-despite-being-injured-138569 |archive-date=13 February 2021 |access-date=5 February 2021 |website=The News Minute}}{{Cite web |date=15 December 2021 |title=Making of Valimai: Ajith falls off a sports bike, gets up to complete shot, watch |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/making-of-valimai-ajith-falls-off-a-sports-bike-gets-up-to-complete-shot-watch-101639545124536.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218132936/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/making-of-valimai-ajith-falls-off-a-sports-bike-gets-up-to-complete-shot-watch-101639545124536.html |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=Hindustan Times}} As of December 2020, the makers had completed 80% of the film's shoot and talkie portions, whereas the songs and stunt sequences were yet to be completed.{{Cite news |date=29 December 2020 |title='Valimai': Here's the latest update from Ajith's action drama |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-heres-the-latest-update-from-ajiths-action-drama/articleshow/80010818.cms |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118102436/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-heres-the-latest-update-from-ajiths-action-drama/articleshow/80010818.cms |archive-date=18 January 2021}} It was further reported that the makers planned to film the major stunt sequences in foreign countries post lockdown relaxations,{{Cite news |date=28 January 2021 |title=Ajith's 'Valimai' team waits for lockdown relaxations in European countries |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-team-waits-for-lockdown-relaxations-in-european-countries/articleshow/80497599.cms |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205005952/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-team-waits-for-lockdown-relaxations-in-european-countries/articleshow/80497599.cms |archive-date=5 February 2021}} with a major schedule in South Africa and Spain,{{Cite news |date=18 January 2021 |title=Ajith's 'Valimai' team to move to South Africa next |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-team-to-move-to-south-africa-next/articleshow/80325959.cms |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126150914/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-team-to-move-to-south-africa-next/articleshow/80325959.cms |archive-date=26 January 2021}} where high-octane bike stunts will be filmed in the country.{{Cite news |date=3 February 2021 |title=Ajith's Valimai team to shoot high-risk bike-stunts only in Spain |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimaifirstlook-is-under-process-writes-director-h-vinoth/articleshow/80673367.cms |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203182818/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimaifirstlook-is-under-process-writes-director-h-vinoth/articleshow/80673367.cms |archive-date=3 February 2021}} The film's shooting was wrapped on 15 February 2021, barring the foreign schedule,{{Cite news |date=11 February 2021 |title='Valimai' to finish its shoot by February 15; Boney Kapoor confirms |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-to-finish-its-shoot-by-february-15-boney-kapoor-confirms/articleshow/80831377.cms |url-status=live |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211083207/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-to-finish-its-shoot-by-february-15-boney-kapoor-confirms/articleshow/80831377.cms |archive-date=11 February 2021}} which was filmed in Russia during 26 August 2021 and was completed on 2 September, thereby shooting of the film was wrapped.{{Cite news |date=26 August 2021 |title=Ajith's 'Valimai' team off to Russia to shoot an action sequence |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-team-off-to-russia-to-shoot-an-action-sequence/articleshow/85647687.cms |url-status=live |access-date=19 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071814/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-team-off-to-russia-to-shoot-an-action-sequence/articleshow/85647687.cms |archive-date=19 November 2021}}{{Cite news |date=2 September 2021 |title=Team 'Valimai' completes shooting its foreign schedule |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/team-valimai-completes-shooting-its-foreign-schedule/articleshow/85857817.cms |url-status=live |access-date=19 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071824/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/team-valimai-completes-shooting-its-foreign-schedule/articleshow/85857817.cms |archive-date=19 November 2021}}

Speaking to an interview before the release, producer Boney Kapoor said that the film has been shot within 150-working days, while several days have been lost due to COVID-19 lockdown and travel restrictions, thus taking more than one-and-a-half years. Out of this 80 days were utilised for the action sequences and for those, the team arranged 150 motorbikes and 15{{En dash}}20 cars, with 4 brand new models, for the schedule. Furthermore, they also had 25{{En dash}}30 bikes imported from Russia, after shooting being completed, the team sold the bikes for half price.{{Cite web |date=20 February 2022 |title=Do you know Ajith Kumar's 'Valimai' used 4 brand-new cars, 150 motorbikes, and 80 days for action? |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-do-you-know-ajith-kumar-s-valimai-used-4-brand-new-cars-150-motorbikes-and-80-days-for-action-2935318 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221172642/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-do-you-know-ajith-kumar-s-valimai-used-4-brand-new-cars-150-motorbikes-and-80-days-for-action-2935318 |archive-date=21 February 2022 |access-date=21 February 2022 |website=Daily News and Analysis}}

Post-production works for the film began during mid-February 2021.{{Cite web |date=13 February 2021 |title=Post production of Ajith starrer Valimai to start soon |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/post-production-ajith-starrer-valimai-start-soon-143364 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218132936/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/post-production-ajith-starrer-valimai-start-soon-143364 |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=The News Minute}} Vijay Velukutty, who worked in films such as Sangu Chakkaram (2017) and Jackpot (2019), was announced as the editor in the same month. He edited several portions of the film, except for the foreign schedule, which was speculated to be included with the edit, once the said shooting gets completed.{{Cite news |date=23 February 2021 |title='Valimai': Ajith's action drama will be edited by Vijay Velukutty |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-ajiths-action-drama-will-be-edited-by-vijay-velukutty/articleshow/81172985.cms |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218132936/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-ajiths-action-drama-will-be-edited-by-vijay-velukutty/articleshow/81172985.cms |archive-date=18 December 2021}} In the intermediate period, several actors completed dubbing for the film, including Ajith Kumar who dubbed for his portions in March 2021.{{Cite news |date=26 March 2021 |title='Valimai': Ajith completes dubbing for the film, says he is happy with the outcome |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-ajith-completes-dubbing-for-the-film-says-he-is-happy-with-the-outcome/articleshow/81702839.cms |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218132939/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-ajith-completes-dubbing-for-the-film-says-he-is-happy-with-the-outcome/articleshow/81702839.cms |archive-date=18 December 2021}} The team also worked on the visual effects and supervision in order to get the film ready. With the foreign schedule held in Russia, being completed within September 2021, the team resumed activities on post-production.{{Cite web |date=3 September 2021 |title=It's a wrap for Ajith's Valimai, film enters post production |url=https://www.dtnext.in/Lifestyle/LifeStyleTopNews/2021/09/03074149/1315806/Its-a-wrap-for-Ajiths-Valimai-film-enters-post-production.vpf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218132938/https://www.dtnext.in/Lifestyle/LifeStyleTopNews/2021/09/03074149/1315806/Its-a-wrap-for-Ajiths-Valimai-film-enters-post-production.vpf |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=DT Next}} The team needed to edit the final cut of the film, due to the inclusion of that particular sequence,{{Cite web |date=4 September 2021 |title=Ajith Kumar wraps up 'Valimai' shoot, post-production work to begin soon |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/ajith-kumar-wraps-up-valimai-shoot-post-production-work-to-begin-soon-1026884.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218132938/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/ajith-kumar-wraps-up-valimai-shoot-post-production-work-to-begin-soon-1026884.html |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=Deccan Herald}} and more work on the visual effects, eventually delaying the release.{{Cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=23 October 2021 |title=Valimai producer Boney Kapoor shares latest pics of Thala Ajith from his bike trip. Viral |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/valimai-producer-boney-kapoor-shares-latest-pics-of-thala-ajith-from-his-bike-trip-viral-1868392-2021-10-23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218132937/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/valimai-producer-boney-kapoor-shares-latest-pics-of-thala-ajith-from-his-bike-trip-viral-1868392-2021-10-23 |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=India Today}} Ajith Kumar asked Vinoth to show the rough output of the film to him when the final edit was ready. He initially watched the entire film after its release. But due to the actor's curiosity and excitement of the film, as it has many racing sequences, and also his profession as a racer, he decided to change his plans and was received a rough copy of the film by Vinoth.{{Cite news |date=4 December 2021 |title=Ajithkumar's change in plan for 'AK 61' after watching 'Valimai' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajithkumars-change-in-plan-for-ak-61-after-watching-valimai/articleshow/88086510.cms |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218172837/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajithkumars-change-in-plan-for-ak-61-after-watching-valimai/articleshow/88086510.cms |archive-date=18 December 2021}}

Ghibran who has worked with Vinoth in his second directorial Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru, was reported to compose the film score.{{Cite news |date=2 January 2022 |title=Not Yuvan Shankar Raja but THIS musician has composed the background music for Ajith's 'Valimai' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/not-yuvan-shankar-raja-but-this-musician-has-composed-the-background-music-for-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/88644252.cms |url-status=live |access-date=3 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102072919/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/not-yuvan-shankar-raja-but-this-musician-has-composed-the-background-music-for-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/88644252.cms |archive-date=2 January 2022}} Sources reported that Vinoth and the production team were not impressed by the score that Yuvan had created for the film, which resulted him to opt out of the project, despite composing the songs.{{Cite web |date=10 January 2022 |title=Ghibran, Not Yuvan Shankar Raja, to Compose Background Score For Ajith's Valimai? |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ghibran-not-yuvan-shankar-raja-to-compose-background-score-for-ajiths-valimai-4641638.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125182512/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ghibran-not-yuvan-shankar-raja-to-compose-background-score-for-ajiths-valimai-4641638.html |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=News18}}{{Cite web |date=9 January 2022 |title=வலிமை படத்தின் பின்னணி இசையை மேற்கொள்ளும் ஜிப்ரான்- நடந்தது என்ன? |url=https://tamil.news18.com/news/entertainment/cinema-ghibran-take-overs-valimai-movie-background-score-skd-661215.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125182514/https://tamil.news18.com/news/entertainment/cinema-ghibran-take-overs-valimai-movie-background-score-skd-661215.html |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=News18 |language=ta}} However, the film's sound engineer-audiographer M. R. Rajakrishnan, in an interview, claimed that Yuvan could not come to the final mixing of the score, in the last moment, which resulted in Ghibran's involvement to the project.{{Cite web |date=22 February 2022 |title=Did Yuvan Shankar Raja miss the final sound mixing of Valimai? - Hot update |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/yuvan-shankar-raja-ghibran-valimai-final-sound-mixing-ajith-kumar-h-vinoth-latest-update-tamil-news-308367 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223060917/https://www.indiaglitz.com/yuvan-shankar-raja-ghibran-valimai-final-sound-mixing-ajith-kumar-h-vinoth-latest-update-tamil-news-308367 |archive-date=23 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022 |website=IndiaGlitz.com}} Ghibran worked on the re-recording and final mixing of the film score with Rajakrishnan.{{Cite web |date=17 February 2022 |title=Confirmed: Not just Yuvan Shankar Raja, Ajith's Valimai to have one more music director - Pakka treat guaranteed! |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/not-just-yuvan-shankar-raja-ajiths-valimai-to-have-one-more-music-director-pakka.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217153149/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/not-just-yuvan-shankar-raja-ajiths-valimai-to-have-one-more-music-director-pakka.html |archive-date=17 February 2022 |access-date=17 February 2022 |website=Behindwoods}}{{Cite news |date=23 February 2022 |title=Sound designer MR Raja Krishnan on working with Ghibran for 'Valimai' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/sound-designer-mr-raja-krishnan-on-working-with-ghibran-for-valimai/articleshow/89766088.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223151248/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/sound-designer-mr-raja-krishnan-on-working-with-ghibran-for-valimai/articleshow/89766088.cms |archive-date=23 February 2022}} Sachin Sudharakaran and Hariharan M. of Sync Cinema worked on the sound design of the film. In an interview to The New Indian Express, the duo expressed about the recording of motorcycles and superbikes. They felt that, "the actual bike might not sound optimal for the visual, and we would interchange the sounds to find the perfect match. Since it wasn't feasible to record the sound on the sets, we would record it separately. The makers' decision to retain the bikes even after the shoot came in handy for us [...] Recording a bike would also mean we would fit the mic on the rider as he rode it, and record the sounds of the engine and muffler separately."{{Cite web |last=Srikar |first=Ram Venkat |date=20 January 2022 |title=We have a repertoire of bone-breaking sound effects, says the duo behind 'Rocky's soundscape |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2022/jan/20/we-have-a-repertoire-of-bone-breaking-sound-effectssays-the-duo-behind-rockys-soundscape-2408825.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125182513/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2022/jan/20/we-have-a-repertoire-of-bone-breaking-sound-effectssays-the-duo-behind-rockys-soundscape-2408825.html |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=The New Indian Express}}

The film was given a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).{{Cite news |date=31 December 2021 |title=Ajith's Valimai censored with an U/A certificate |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-censored-with-an-u/a-certificate/articleshow/88615964.cms |url-status=live |access-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125182515/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-censored-with-an-u/a-certificate/articleshow/88615964.cms |archive-date=25 January 2022}} According to a report from the production team, the Board had ordered 15 cuts for the film, including muting and removing excessive use of violence and profanity.{{Cite news |date=7 January 2022 |title=15 cuts for Ajith's 'Valimai' at the censor |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/15-cuts-for-ajiths-valimai-at-the-censor/articleshow/88752838.cms |url-status=live |access-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125182517/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/15-cuts-for-ajiths-valimai-at-the-censor/articleshow/88752838.cms |archive-date=25 January 2022}} The final cut has a running time of 179 minutes.{{Cite web |date=9 January 2022 |title=Details of why so many cuts in Ajith's 'Valimai' out |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/valimai-censor-details-ajith-kumar-h-vinoth-tamil-news-305618 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125182512/https://www.indiaglitz.com/valimai-censor-details-ajith-kumar-h-vinoth-tamil-news-305618 |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=IndiaGlitz}} Valimai was mixed in Auro 11.1 surround sound technology, becoming the second Tamil film to do so after Vishwaroopam (2013). The final mixing happened at Four Frames Sound Company on 10 February 2022, fourteen days before the film's theatrical release.{{Cite web |date=11 February 2022 |title=Did Ajith Kumar watch Valimai today? - Viral photo fumes speculation! |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/ajith-kumar-h-vinoth-valimai-release-latest-update-viral-photo-tamil-news-307681 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217153147/https://www.indiaglitz.com/ajith-kumar-h-vinoth-valimai-release-latest-update-viral-photo-tamil-news-307681 |archive-date=17 February 2022 |access-date=17 February 2022 |website=IndiaGlitz}}

{{Main|Valimai (soundtrack)}}

Ghibran composed the original score in his second collaboration with director H. Vinoth after Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru and his first collaboration with Ajith Kumar and producer Boney Kapoor, while Yuvan Shankar Raja composed the songs, in his second collaboration with Vinoth and Boney Kapoor after Nerkonda Paarvai (2019) and eighth collaboration with Ajith Kumar after Dheena, Billa, Aegan, Mankatha, Billa II, Arrambam and Nerkonda Paarvai. Ghibran's involvement in the film was kept under wraps until being revealed by an article in the Times of India{{Cite web |date=18 October 2019 |title=Ajith's Movie With H Vinoth Titled 'Valimai'; To Have Music By Yuvan Shankar Raja |url=https://silverscreen.in/news/ajiths-movie-with-h-vinoth-titled-valimai-to-have-music-by-yuvan-shankar-raja/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020032926/https://silverscreen.in/news/ajiths-movie-with-h-vinoth-titled-valimai-to-have-music-by-yuvan-shankar-raja/ |archive-date=20 October 2019 |access-date=20 November 2019 |website=Silverscreen.in}}{{Cite web |date=14 April 2020 |title=5 Songs In Ajith's Valimai! |url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/26224/5-songs-in-ajiths-valimai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802153518/https://www.moviecrow.com/News/26224/5-songs-in-ajiths-valimai |archive-date=2 August 2021 |access-date=2 August 2021 |website=Moviecrow}} By February 2020, Yuvan composed two tracks for the film. However, due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, the progress of the film's music album was put on hold.{{Cite news |date=3 July 2020 |title=Yuvan Shankar Raja reveals the progress of Ajith's Valimai's music |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/yuvan-shankar-raja-reveals-the-progress-of-ajiths-valimais-music/articleshow/76773068.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107085504/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/yuvan-shankar-raja-reveals-the-progress-of-ajiths-valimais-music/articleshow/76773068.cms |archive-date=7 November 2020}} Work on the film's songs were completed by late-October,{{Cite web |date=22 October 2020 |title=Yuvan: Ajith suggested that I avoid guitar for 'Valimai' theme music |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/yuvan-ajith-suggested-that-i-avoid-guitar-for-valimai-theme-music-news-tamil-ukwm9Hgfbaihh.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024114039/https://www.sify.com/movies/yuvan-ajith-suggested-that-i-avoid-guitar-for-valimai-theme-music-news-tamil-ukwm9Hgfbaihh.html |archive-date=24 October 2020 |access-date=23 October 2020 |website=Sify}} and recording of the tracks began during mid-December 2020 at composer A. R. Rahman's AM Studios in Chennai,{{Cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=15 December 2020 |title=Yuvan Shankar Raja shares update on Ajith's Valimai. See Instagram post |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/yuvan-shankar-raja-shares-update-on-ajith-s-valimai-see-instagram-post-1749597-2020-12-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126164119/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/yuvan-shankar-raja-shares-update-on-ajith-s-valimai-see-instagram-post-1749597-2020-12-15 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |access-date=5 February 2021 |website=India Today}} with the studio's chief sound engineer S. Sivakumar worked on the film's audiography.{{Cite web |date=16 December 2020 |title=Yuvan Shankar Raja starts composing for Ajith's 'Valimai' |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/yuvan-shankar-raja-starts-composing-ajiths-valimai-139686 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216040624/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/yuvan-shankar-raja-starts-composing-ajiths-valimai-139686 |archive-date=16 December 2020 |access-date=5 February 2021 |website=The News Minute}} The film's soundtrack has different set of songs, consisting of various genres.{{Cite news |date=31 January 2021 |title=Ajith's 'Valimai' will have a different set of songs |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/ajiths-valimai-will-have-a-different-set-of-songs/articleshow/80612705.cms |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620143129/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/ajiths-valimai-will-have-a-different-set-of-songs/articleshow/80612705.cms |archive-date=20 June 2021}} Lyrics for the songs were written by Vignesh Shivan, Thamarai and rapper-cum-lyricist Arivu.

On 2 August 2021,{{Cite web |date=2 August 2021 |title=Valimai's 1st single Vera Maari out to mark Ajith's 30 years in films |url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/Cinema/2021/08/02225422/1309970/Valimais-1st-single-Vera-Maari-out-to-mark-Ajiths-.vpf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802175108/https://www.dtnext.in/News/Cinema/2021/08/02225422/1309970/Valimais-1st-single-Vera-Maari-out-to-mark-Ajiths-.vpf |archive-date=2 August 2021 |access-date=3 August 2021 |website=DT Next}}{{Cite web |date=3 August 2021 |title=The Lord of the Rings series, Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil's Pushpa release dates unveiled: Film, TV announcements round-up |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/the-lord-of-the-rings-series-allu-arjun-fahadh-faasils-pushpa-release-dates-unveiled-film-tv-announcements-round-up-9860261.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803083426/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/the-lord-of-the-rings-series-allu-arjun-fahadh-faasils-pushpa-release-dates-unveiled-film-tv-announcements-round-up-9860261.html |archive-date=3 August 2021 |access-date=3 August 2021 |website=Firstpost}} collaborating with Ajith's 30th anniversary in the film industry,{{Cite news |date=2 August 2021 |title=Surprise! 'Valimai' first single to release tonight |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/surprise-valimai-first-single-to-release-tonight/articleshow/84968573.cms |url-status=live |access-date=3 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071822/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/surprise-valimai-first-single-to-release-tonight/articleshow/84968573.cms |archive-date=19 November 2021}} the makers released the first single "Naanga Vera Maari" on the same night,{{Cite web |date=2 August 2021 |title=Valimai song Naanga Vera Maari: When and where you can stream Ajith's song |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/when-and-where-you-can-stream-the-first-song-from-ajith-valimai-7434558/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071817/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/when-and-where-you-can-stream-the-first-song-from-ajith-valimai-7434558/ |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=3 August 2021 |website=The Indian Express}}{{Cite web |date=2 August 2021 |title=Thala Ajith fans get a Valimai update, first song Naanga Vera Maari out today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/thala-ajith-fans-get-a-valimai-update-first-song-naanga-vera-maari-out-today-1835857-2021-08-02 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071814/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/thala-ajith-fans-get-a-valimai-update-first-song-naanga-vera-maari-out-today-1835857-2021-08-02 |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=3 August 2021 |website=India Today}} and received response from critics.{{Cite web |date=3 August 2021 |title=Thala Ajith's Valimai song Naanga Vera Maari hits 6 million views on YouTube |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/thala-ajith-s-valimai-song-naanga-vera-maari-hits-6-million-views-on-youtube-1836246-2021-08-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071810/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/thala-ajith-s-valimai-song-naanga-vera-maari-hits-6-million-views-on-youtube-1836246-2021-08-03 |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=3 August 2021 |website=India Today}} The track "Mother Song" was released as the second single on 5 December,{{Cite web |date=1 December 2021 |title=Breaking! Thala Ajith's 'Valimai' second single and teaser release dates are here |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/valimai-second-single-teaser-release-date-december-1st-december-9th-thala-ajith-h-vinod-tamil-news-302212 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201111741/https://www.indiaglitz.com/valimai-second-single-teaser-release-date-december-1st-december-9th-thala-ajith-h-vinod-tamil-news-302212 |archive-date=1 December 2021 |access-date=1 December 2021 |website=IndiaGlitz}}{{Cite web |date=6 December 2021 |title=Mother song from Ajith starrer Valimai is making everyone emotional |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/mother-song-from-ajith-valimai-is-making-everyone-emotional-7658473/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106164105/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/mother-song-from-ajith-valimai-is-making-everyone-emotional-7658473/ |archive-date=6 January 2022 |access-date=6 January 2022 |website=The Indian Express}} and the third single from the album {{En dash}} an instrumental track titled "Whistle Theme" was released on 22 December.{{Cite web |date=22 December 2021 |title=Massive! Valimai Theme to be released today! |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/valimai-theme-ajith-kumar-sony-music-h-vinoth-valimai-release-date-tamil-news-304530 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222083253/https://www.indiaglitz.com/valimai-theme-ajith-kumar-sony-music-h-vinoth-valimai-release-date-tamil-news-304530 |archive-date=22 December 2021 |access-date=22 December 2021 |website=IndiaGlitz}}{{Cite web |date=22 December 2021 |title=Valimai: Whistle Theme From Ajith Kumar's Film Is Catchy and a Musical Treat for Fans (Watch Video) |url=https://www.latestly.com/socially/entertainment/south/valimai-whistle-theme-from-ajith-kumars-film-is-catchy-and-a-musical-treat-for-fans-watch-video-3180673.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222104703/https://www.latestly.com/socially/entertainment/south/valimai-whistle-theme-from-ajith-kumars-film-is-catchy-and-a-musical-treat-for-fans-watch-video-3180673.html |archive-date=22 December 2021 |access-date=22 December 2021 |website=LatestLY}} Sony Music India, which acquired the marketing rights of the album, released it on New Year's Day (1 January 2022){{Cite web |date=1 January 2022 |title=வலிமை உடன் போடு வெடிய.. அஜித் ரசிகர்களுக்கு இன்றே காத்திருக்கும் சர்ப்ரைஸ்! |url=https://tamil.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-ta/actor-ajith-kumar-valimai-movie-album-out-today.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102121316/https://tamil.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-ta/actor-ajith-kumar-valimai-movie-album-out-today.html |archive-date=2 January 2022 |access-date=2 January 2022 |website=Behindwoods |language=Ta}} through Spotify,{{Cite web |date=1 January 2022 |title=Valimai (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/2IOUE0ZTRUBGVtUJxEQJCx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105120026/https://open.spotify.com/album/2IOUE0ZTRUBGVtUJxEQJCx |archive-date=5 January 2022 |access-date=6 January 2022 |website=Spotify}} iTunes and YouTube Music. However, two of the tracks were taken down from the album, from the respective platforms, as the tracks revealed the plot of the film, before eventually being restored to the album, a day before the film's release.{{Cite web |date=7 January 2022 |title=Ghibran scores for Valimai? Yuvan's songs removed! |url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/29804/valimai-ajith-ghibran-yuvan-shankar-raja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125182512/https://www.moviecrow.com/News/29804/valimai-ajith-ghibran-yuvan-shankar-raja |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=Moviecrow}}

Despite the film's title being announced in October 2019, there was no update regarding the film's first look. In April 2020, Boney Kapoor claimed that the team will not indulge in any promotional activities citing the pandemic, and also stated that the team will kickstart the promotions post-lockdown.{{Cite web |date=30 April 2020 |title=Boney Kapoor clarifies on Valimai first look: No promotional activities due to Covid-19 crisis |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/boney-kapoor-clarifies-on-valimai-first-look-no-promotional-activities-due-to-covid-19-crisis-1672853-2020-04-30 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605054234/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/boney-kapoor-clarifies-on-valimai-first-look-no-promotional-activities-due-to-covid-19-crisis-1672853-2020-04-30 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |access-date=24 March 2021 |website=India Today}}{{Cite news |date=30 April 2020 |title=Does this mean there will be no surprise announcement from team 'Valimai' on Ajith's birthday? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/does-this-mean-there-will-be-no-surprise-announcement-from-team-valimai-on-ajiths-birthday/articleshow/75465319.cms |url-status=live |access-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509081811/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/does-this-mean-there-will-be-no-surprise-announcement-from-team-valimai-on-ajiths-birthday/articleshow/75465319.cms |archive-date=9 May 2020}} However, there was no clarification about the film promotion or first look which prompted fans of Ajith Kumar to trend the hashtag #ValimaiUpdate on Twitter. Furthermore, the producer had confirmed that the first look will release only after the film's shooting being wrapped.{{Cite news |date=16 January 2021 |title='Valimai' first look to release only after the film wraps up |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-first-look-to-release-only-after-the-film-wraps-up/articleshow/80302244.cms |url-status=live |access-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225031055/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-first-look-to-release-only-after-the-film-wraps-up/articleshow/80302244.cms |archive-date=25 February 2021}} Although few members of the production team claimed that the first look will release on the end of February 2021,{{Cite news |date=4 February 2021 |title=Fans elated after Ajith tells them they will release all updates regarding Valimai by February end |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/fans-elated-after-ajith-tells-them-that-they-will-release-all-updates-regarding-valimai-by-february-end/articleshow/80685920.cms |url-status=live |access-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204113554/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/fans-elated-after-ajith-tells-them-that-they-will-release-all-updates-regarding-valimai-by-february-end/articleshow/80685920.cms |archive-date=4 February 2021}} some of the fans had prompted for the film's update at sporting{{Cite web |date=13 February 2021 |title=Ajith fan asks England cricketer Moeen Ali for 'Valimai' update, video goes viral |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2021/feb/13/ajith-fan-asks-england-cricketer-moeen-ali-for-valimai-update-video-goes-viral-2263642.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319095412/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2021/feb/13/ajith-fan-asks-england-cricketer-moeen-ali-for-valimai-update-video-goes-viral-2263642.html |archive-date=19 March 2021 |access-date=24 March 2021 |website=The New Indian Express}}{{Cite web |date=17 February 2021 |title=Ajith fan asks R Ashwin for 'Valimai update' during test match, cricketer reacts |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajith-fan-asks-r-ashwin-valimai-update-during-test-match-cricketer-reacts-143609 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217082000/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajith-fan-asks-r-ashwin-valimai-update-during-test-match-cricketer-reacts-143609 |archive-date=17 February 2021 |access-date=24 March 2021 |website=The News Minute}} and political events and other public venues,{{Cite news |date=8 February 2021 |title=Video: Ajith fans request TN Chief Minister for 'Valimai' update |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/video-ajith-fans-request-tn-chief-minister-for-valimai-update/articleshow/80750434.cms |url-status=live |access-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213015210/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/video-ajith-fans-request-tn-chief-minister-for-valimai-update/articleshow/80750434.cms |archive-date=13 February 2021}} which left Ajith Kumar disappointed and asked his fans to remain patient till the team releases an update.{{Cite news |date=15 February 2021 |title=Ajith disappointed with people asking for Valimai update |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-disappointed-with-people-asking-for-valimai-update/articleshow/80924982.cms |url-status=live |access-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219212248/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-disappointed-with-people-asking-for-valimai-update/articleshow/80924982.cms |archive-date=19 February 2021}} Although the film's first look was scheduled for a release on the first week of March,{{Cite news |date=15 February 2021 |title=#ValimaiUpdate: Boney Kapoor tweets about 'Valimai' first look |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimaiupdate-boney-kapoor-tweets-about-valimai-first-look/articleshow/80923777.cms |url-status=live |access-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215102401/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimaiupdate-boney-kapoor-tweets-about-valimai-first-look/articleshow/80923777.cms |archive-date=15 February 2021}} the producer tweeted that the makers will unveil the first look on 1 May 2021, coinciding with Ajith's birthday.{{Cite news |date=15 March 2021 |title=Official: Ajith's Valimai update from May 1 |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/official-ajiths-valimai-update-from-may-1/articleshow/81510055.cms |url-status=live |access-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322040438/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/official-ajiths-valimai-update-from-may-1/articleshow/81510055.cms |archive-date=22 March 2021}} However, a week prior to the said date, on 23 April 2021, the makers postponed the release of the film's first look due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in India.{{Cite news |date=23 April 2021 |title=Ajith-starrer Valimai's first look will be delayed |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-starrer-valimais-first-look-will-be-delayed/articleshow/82218847.cms |url-status=live |access-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519090220/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-starrer-valimais-first-look-will-be-delayed/articleshow/82218847.cms |archive-date=19 May 2021}}

While the makers planning to launch the first look with release date,{{Cite news |date=25 June 2021 |title=Here's why Valimai first look release is delayed |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/heres-why-valimai-first-look-release-is-delayed/articleshow/83836534.cms |url-status=live |access-date=19 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071811/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/heres-why-valimai-first-look-release-is-delayed/articleshow/83836534.cms |archive-date=19 November 2021}} on 11 July 2021, without pre-announcement, the makers launched the first look and motion poster of the film.{{Cite web |date=12 July 2021 |title=Valimai motion poster: Ajith zooms into your heart with first look, watch video |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/valimai-motion-poster-ajith-first-look-video-7399480/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071831/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/valimai-motion-poster-ajith-first-look-video-7399480/ |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=The Indian Express}}{{Cite web |date=11 July 2021 |title=WATCH {{!}} Motion poster, first look from the Ajith-starrer 'Valimai' out |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2021/jul/11/valimai-update-motion-posterfirst-look-from-the-ajith-h-vinoth-film-out-2328676.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071813/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2021/jul/11/valimai-update-motion-posterfirst-look-from-the-ajith-h-vinoth-film-out-2328676.html |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=The New Indian Express}} Apart from receiving positive response for fans praising Ajith's look in the film,{{Cite news |date=12 July 2021 |title='Valimai' motion poster: Powerful, energetic, and charismatic look of Thala Ajith is here |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-motion-poster-powerful-energetic-and-charismatic-look-of-thala-ajith-is-here/articleshow/84316684.cms |url-status=live |access-date=19 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071820/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-motion-poster-powerful-energetic-and-charismatic-look-of-thala-ajith-is-here/articleshow/84316684.cms |archive-date=19 November 2021}} the motion poster received more than 10 million views on YouTube, within 48 hours.{{Cite web |date=14 July 2021 |title=Ajith's 'Valimai' motion-poster rakes in millions of views |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajith-s-valimai-motion-poster-rakes-millions-views-152325 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071833/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajith-s-valimai-motion-poster-rakes-millions-views-152325 |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=The News Minute}} However, it also fetched criticism as cinephiles apparently noticed that similar images from the poster are widely available on the internet, alleging that the makers have lifted random images from the internet and made it into a motion poster.{{Cite news |date=12 July 2021 |title=Cinephiles disappointed by the motion poster of Ajith's 'Valimai' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/cinephiles-disappointed-by-the-motion-poster-of-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/84337622.cms |url-status=live |access-date=19 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071819/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/cinephiles-disappointed-by-the-motion-poster-of-ajiths-valimai/articleshow/84337622.cms |archive-date=19 November 2021}} Few netizens also stated that the motion poster did not meet its expectations. The making video of the film released on 14 December 2021, and was praised by fans and audiences.{{Cite web |last=Chaubey |first=Pranita |date=15 December 2021 |title=Valimai Making: How Ajith Got Stunts Right Despite Falling |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/valimai-making-how-ajith-got-stunts-right-despite-falling-2652060 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218132936/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/valimai-making-how-ajith-got-stunts-right-despite-falling-2652060 |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=NDTV}}

Prior to the film's release, the marketing team branded the film's posters in hoardings and LED displays located at various transportation services such as bus stops, railways and also at the Chennai Metro's vestibule.{{Cite web |date=17 February 2022 |title=Valimai mania in all transport stations including Chennai metro! |url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/29996/valimai-posters-in-chennai-metro-railway-stations-bus-stops |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218091541/https://www.moviecrow.com/News/29996/valimai-posters-in-chennai-metro-railway-stations-bus-stops |archive-date=18 February 2022 |access-date=18 February 2022 |website=Moviecrow}} Two pre-release events were held for the film. The first event to promote the film's Kannada version was held at Bangalore on 21 February 2022,{{Cite web |date=21 February 2022 |title=Boney Kapoor announces the hot details of Ajith Kumar's 'Valimai' pre-release event! |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/boney-kapoor-official-announcement-ajith-kumar-valimai-pre-release-event-latest-udpate-tamil-news-308267 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222104021/https://www.indiaglitz.com/boney-kapoor-official-announcement-ajith-kumar-valimai-pre-release-event-latest-udpate-tamil-news-308267 |archive-date=22 February 2022 |access-date=22 February 2022 |website=IndiaGlitz.com}}{{Cite news |date=22 February 2022 |title=H Vinoth's short speech at the 'Valimai' pre-release event receives praise |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/h-vinoths-short-speech-at-the-valimai-pre-release-event-receives-praise/articleshow/89748257.cms |url-status=live |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222104022/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/h-vinoths-short-speech-at-the-valimai-pre-release-event-receives-praise/articleshow/89748257.cms |archive-date=22 February 2022}} and the second event to promote the film's Telugu version was held in Hyderabad, the following day.{{Cite web |date=22 February 2022 |title=Bheemla Nayak and Ajith's Valimai makers gear up for grand pre-release events; DETAILS INSIDE |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/bheemla-nayak-and-ajiths-valimai-makers-gear-grand-pre-release-events-details-inside-1029698 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222114757/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/bheemla-nayak-and-ajiths-valimai-makers-gear-grand-pre-release-events-details-inside-1029698 |archive-date=22 February 2022 |access-date=22 February 2022 |website=Pinkvilla}} Few cast members, including Huma Qureshi and Kartikeya, travelled through several cities to promote the film.{{Cite web |date=22 February 2022 |title=Valimai: Huma Qureshi Shuffling Between Cities for Promotions of Ajith Co-Starrer Film |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/valimai-huma-qureshi-promotions-ajith-kumar-co-starrer-film-4798889.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222104022/https://www.news18.com/news/india/valimai-huma-qureshi-promotions-ajith-kumar-co-starrer-film-4798889.html |archive-date=22 February 2022 |access-date=22 February 2022 |website=News18}} SIMCO, the Central Government's South Indian co-operative departmental store functioning in Vellore announced a bid for its share that consumers whom purchase grocery items worth {{Indian Rupee|2,999}}, will receive complimentary tickets for the film amounted to {{Indian Rupee|500}} and might serve popcorn and cold drinks for free.{{Cite web |date=23 February 2022 |title=Buy Groceries From SIMCO, Stand a Chance to get Free Tickets, Popcorn for Ajith's Valimai |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/buy-groceries-from-simco-stand-a-chance-to-get-free-tickets-popcorn-for-ajiths-valimai-4803104.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223143747/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/buy-groceries-from-simco-stand-a-chance-to-get-free-tickets-popcorn-for-ajiths-valimai-4803104.html |archive-date=23 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022 |website=News18}}

Valimai was initially scheduled to release in November 2020, coinciding the festival of Diwali.{{Cite news |date=20 March 2020 |title=Will Thala Ajith's 'Valimai' be delayed or will it release in Diwali as announced? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/will-thala-ajiths-valimai-be-delayed-or-will-it-release-in-diwali-as-announced/articleshow/74727189.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028001748/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/will-thala-ajiths-valimai-be-delayed-or-will-it-release-in-diwali-as-announced/articleshow/74727189.cms |archive-date=28 October 2020}} However, the film's shoot was suspended due to the pandemic, thus resulting in the delay of its release.{{Cite news |date=13 April 2020 |title=Is Thala Ajith's 'Valimai' postponed to January 2021? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/is-thala-ajiths-valimai-postponed-to-january-2021/articleshow/75116889.cms |url-status=live |access-date=22 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822045754/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/is-thala-ajiths-valimai-postponed-to-january-2021/articleshow/75116889.cms |archive-date=22 August 2023}} Post-completion of shooting, the film was initially scheduled to be released within late-2021.{{Cite news |date=11 July 2021 |title=Ajith Kumar's 'Valimai' first look is out |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/valimai-first-look-is-out/article35264251.ece |url-status=live |access-date=19 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071810/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/valimai-first-look-is-out/article35264251.ece |archive-date=19 November 2021}} In mid-September 2021, the producers tweeted that the film is postponed to Pongal in January 2022,{{Cite web |date=22 September 2021 |title=Ajith's Valimai to hit the screens on Pongal 2022; to clash with Prabhas' Radhe Shyam at the box office |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/south-cinema/ajiths-valimai-hit-screens-pongal-2022-clash-prabhas-radhe-shyam-box-office/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922115101/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/south-cinema/ajiths-valimai-hit-screens-pongal-2022-clash-prabhas-radhe-shyam-box-office/ |archive-date=22 September 2021 |access-date=22 September 2021 |website=Bollywood Hungama}} thereby clashing with other big-budget films including S. S. Rajamouli's RRR and Prabhas' Radhe Shyam.{{Cite web |date=5 August 2021 |title=Will 'Valimai' clash with RRR? |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/will-valimai-clash-with-rrr-news-tamil-vifeQhjjdcjaj.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119091846/https://www.sify.com/movies/will-valimai-clash-with-rrr-news-tamil-vifeQhjjdcjaj.html |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=Sify}} The Multiplex Association of India (TMAI), listed the release date as 14 January 2022, in their official press release;{{Cite web |date=16 December 2021 |title=Ajith Kumar's 'Valimai' to release on January 14? |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-kumars-valimai-to-release-on-january-14--news-tamil-vmqiiJebffccg.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218023343/https://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-kumars-valimai-to-release-on-january-14--news-tamil-vmqiiJebffccg.html |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=Sify}} however, the production company officially announced that the film would be released on 13 January, a day before Pongal.{{Cite web |date=1 January 2022 |title=Ajith's 'Valimai' Gets U/A Certificate By The Censor Board, Will Hit Theatres On January 13 |url=https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/ajith-s-valimai-gets-u-a-certificate-by-the-censor-board-will-hit-theatres-on-january-13-1503483 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125182513/https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/ajith-s-valimai-gets-u-a-certificate-by-the-censor-board-will-hit-theatres-on-january-13-1503483 |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=ABP Live |agency=IANS}}

In December 2021, theatre owners and exhibitors in Tamil Nadu, planned to open shows to begin at 1:00 am in order to get more screenings, thereby enhancing the box office collection.{{Cite news |date=7 December 2021 |title=Ajith's 'Valimai' set to break the opening day box office record in Tamil Nadu |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-set-to-break-the-opening-day-box-office-record-in-tamil-nadu/articleshow/88143579.cms |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218132937/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-set-to-break-the-opening-day-box-office-record-in-tamil-nadu/articleshow/88143579.cms |archive-date=18 December 2021}} The makers too persuaded the Government of Tamil Nadu regarding permission for benefit shows. A week before the release, the film was postponed indefinitely due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, fuelled by the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant,{{Cite web |last=Keshri |first=Shweta |date=6 January 2022 |title=Ajith's Valimai postponed due to rising Covid-19 cases |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/ajith-s-valimai-postponed-due-to-rising-covid-19-cases-1896905-2022-01-06 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106133225/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/ajith-s-valimai-postponed-due-to-rising-covid-19-cases-1896905-2022-01-06 |archive-date=6 January 2022 |access-date=6 January 2022 |website=India Today}}{{Cite web |date=6 January 2022 |title=Ajith's Valimai release postponed due to rising COVID-19 cases |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajith-s-valimai-release-postponed-due-rising-covid-19-cases-159577 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125182512/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajith-s-valimai-release-postponed-due-rising-covid-19-cases-159577 |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=The News Minute}} and the sudden restrictions imposed by the government to control the pandemic.{{Cite web |date=6 January 2022 |title=Ajith Kumar's Valimai pushed indefinitely due to spike in Covid-19 cases, Boney Kapoor confirms |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/ajith-kumar-s-valimai-pushed-indefinitely-due-to-spike-in-covid-19-cases-boney-kapoor-confirms-101641480157645.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125114554/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/ajith-kumar-s-valimai-pushed-indefinitely-due-to-spike-in-covid-19-cases-boney-kapoor-confirms-101641480157645.html |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=Hindustan Times}} In early February, It was confirmed that the film is now scheduled to be released on 24 February 2022.{{Cite web |date=2 February 2022 |title=Ajith Kumar's Valimai to hit the theatres on February 24. Boney Kapoor says wait is truly over |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/ajith-kumar-s-valimai-to-hit-the-theatres-on-february-24-boney-kapoor-says-wait-is-truly-over-1907620-2022-02-02 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202061556/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/ajith-kumar-s-valimai-to-hit-the-theatres-on-february-24-boney-kapoor-says-wait-is-truly-over-1907620-2022-02-02 |archive-date=2 February 2022 |access-date=2 February 2022 |website=India Today}} Apart from Tamil, the film will be released in dubbed versions of Hindi, Kannada and Telugu languages along with the original version.{{Cite news |date=4 January 2022 |title=Confirmed! Ajith's 'Valimai' releasing in 3 languages on January 13th |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/confirmed-ajiths-valimai-releasing-in-3-languages-on-january-13th/articleshow/88690478.cms |url-status=live |access-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125182512/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/confirmed-ajiths-valimai-releasing-in-3-languages-on-january-13th/articleshow/88690478.cms |archive-date=25 January 2022}}{{Cite web |date=2 February 2022 |title=Final Valimai update? Ajith's much-awaited film will hit theatres this month |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/final-valimai-update-ajiths-much-awaited-film-will-hit-theatres-month-160502 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202060128/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/final-valimai-update-ajiths-much-awaited-film-will-hit-theatres-month-160502 |archive-date=2 February 2022 |access-date=2 February 2022 |website=The News Minute}} A planned release of a Malayalam dubbed version, was put on hold due to closure of theatres in Kerala, as a precautionary measure to control the rise of COVID-19 cases in Kerala.{{Cite news |date=12 January 2022 |title=Ajith's 'Valimai' to be a Pan India release; film to be dubbed in Malayalam and Kannada versions too |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-to-be-a-pan-india-release-film-to-be-dubbed-in-malayalam-and-kannada-versions-too/articleshow/88847956.cms |url-status=live |access-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125182513/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-to-be-a-pan-india-release-film-to-be-dubbed-in-malayalam-and-kannada-versions-too/articleshow/88847956.cms |archive-date=25 January 2022}} With theatres being reopened in Kerala during mid-February, after relaxations, the makers reinstated to release the Malayalam-dubbed version along with the original on 24 February.{{Cite web |date=19 February 2022 |title=KING OF OPENING அஜித் வரார்! "வலிமை" பட கேரள வினியோகஸ்தர் கொடுத்த வேறமாரியான ரிலீஸ் தகவல்! |url=https://tamil.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-ta/king-of-opening-ajith-kumar-valimai-kerala-theatre-count.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220113307/https://tamil.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-ta/king-of-opening-ajith-kumar-valimai-kerala-theatre-count.html |archive-date=20 February 2022 |access-date=20 February 2022 |website=Behindwoods |language=ta}}

Following the release, the film received criticism for its length. Responding to the criticism, the makers trimmed all versions by 12 minutes, except the Hindi version, which was shortened by 18 minutes. The edits came into effect by 25 February 2022.{{Cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title='Valimai' Makers To Cut Short Run Time By 15 Minutes |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/filmmakers-to-cut-short-valimai-s-run-time-news-184057 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226011042/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/filmmakers-to-cut-short-valimai-s-run-time-news-184057 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=Outlook}}

According to trade industry sources, Valimai was the first film to be released in over 1000 theatres across Tamil Nadu.{{Cite news |date=2022-02-24 |title='Valimai' becomes the first film to release with more than 1000 screens occupancy in Tamil Nadu |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-becomes-the-first-film-to-release-with-more-than-1000-screens-occupancy-in-tamil-nadu/articleshow/89765184.cms |access-date=2024-10-08 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |date=10 February 2022 |title=Ajith Kumar's Valimai to Premiere in Almost all Theatres in Madurai on February 24 |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ajith-kumars-valimai-to-premiere-in-almost-all-theatres-in-madurai-on-february-24-4757162.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217153151/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ajith-kumars-valimai-to-premiere-in-almost-all-theatres-in-madurai-on-february-24-4757162.html |archive-date=17 February 2022 |access-date=17 February 2022 |website=News18}}{{Cite news |date=23 February 2022 |title='Valimai' becomes the first film to release with more than 1000 screens occupancy in Tamil Nadu |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-becomes-the-first-film-to-release-with-more-than-1000-screens-occupancy-in-tamil-nadu/articleshow/89765184.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223060916/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-becomes-the-first-film-to-release-with-more-than-1000-screens-occupancy-in-tamil-nadu/articleshow/89765184.cms |archive-date=23 February 2022}} Film financier G. N. Anbu Chezhiyan's Gopuram Films, which distributed the film in Madurai, had announced that Valimai will be released in all over 27 theatres across the district with 45-50 shows being allotted.{{Cite news |date=8 February 2022 |title=Ajith's 'Valimai' occupies all theaters in Madurai |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-occupies-all-theaters-in-madurai/articleshow/89424069.cms |url-status=live |access-date=17 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217153147/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-occupies-all-theaters-in-madurai/articleshow/89424069.cms |archive-date=17 February 2022}}{{Cite web |date=8 February 2022 |title=VALIMAI: மதுரை மாவடடததில சததமிலலாமல செம சமபவம செயத அஜித நடிககும வலிமை படம! |url=https://tamil.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-ta/ajith-kumar-valimai-movie-madurai-district-full-theatre-list.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208094342/https://tamil.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-ta/ajith-kumar-valimai-movie-madurai-district-full-theatre-list.html |archive-date=8 February 2022 |access-date=17 February 2022 |website=Behindwoods |language=ta}} This came as a response, due to Ajith's exponential growth of the fanbase in Madurai, and the response for the actor's previous films there. Four days before the release, on 20 February 2022, the makers started the state-wide advance bookings in Tamil Nadu, and saw tremendous response within few hours, according to trade exhibitors,{{Cite web |date=21 February 2022 |title=Valimai Box Office Advance Booking Update: Manages To Amass 2 Million Likes On A Ticket Booking Platform! |url=https://www.koimoi.com/south-indian-cinema/valimai-box-office-advance-booking-update-manages-to-amass-2-million-likes-on-a-ticket-booking-platform/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221171429/https://www.koimoi.com/south-indian-cinema/valimai-box-office-advance-booking-update-manages-to-amass-2-million-likes-on-a-ticket-booking-platform/ |archive-date=21 February 2022 |access-date=21 February 2022 |website=Koimoi}}{{Cite news |date=21 February 2022 |title=Record shattering bookings are done for 'Valimai'; fans raise cutouts of Ajith outside theatres |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/record-shattering-bookings-are-done-for-valimai-fans-raise-cutouts-of-ajith-outside-theatres/articleshow/89725136.cms |url-status=live |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222104021/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/record-shattering-bookings-are-done-for-valimai-fans-raise-cutouts-of-ajith-outside-theatres/articleshow/89725136.cms |archive-date=22 February 2022}} with tickets being sold out within a day.{{Cite web |date=22 February 2022 |title=Ahead of February 24 Premiere, Ajith's Valimai Almost Sold Out in Tamil Nadu |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ahead-of-february-24-premiere-ajiths-valimai-almost-sold-out-in-tamil-nadu-4799435.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222142129/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ahead-of-february-24-premiere-ajiths-valimai-almost-sold-out-in-tamil-nadu-4799435.html |archive-date=22 February 2022 |access-date=22 February 2022 |website=News18}} The first show in Tamil Nadu is expected to begin at 4:00 am.{{Cite news |date=16 February 2022 |title='Valimai' FDFS time in Tamil Nadu locked; deets inside! |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-fdfs-time-in-tamil-nadu-locked-deets-inside/articleshow/89618620.cms |url-status=live |access-date=20 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216125447/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-fdfs-time-in-tamil-nadu-locked-deets-inside/articleshow/89618620.cms |archive-date=16 February 2022}} Reports from News18 had anticipated that "Valimai is expected to shatter records" as it did not have any major release in the vicinity,{{Cite web |date=17 February 2022 |title=Will Ajith's Valimai Challenge Rajinikanth and Vijay's Box Office Supremacy? |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/will-ajiths-valimai-challenge-rajinikanth-and-vijays-box-office-supremacy-4783316.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217153147/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/will-ajiths-valimai-challenge-rajinikanth-and-vijays-box-office-supremacy-4783316.html |archive-date=17 February 2022 |access-date=17 February 2022 |website=News18}} and also expected the film might revive the Tamil film industry which was affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and bring a similar response to that of Master (2021).

{{Quote box

| quote="[Valimai is] not just an action film [...] It is a proper family entertainer that also talks about social issues. When I say family film, it is not about the issues that crop up within a family, but it deals with an issue that a family faces, how that results in a crime, and how the hero tries to stop that crime from wrecking his family. It is a film that one should watch with their family [...] Ajith sir told me, 'I feel proud to have done this film. I'm going to screen this film to my mom and dad, and my family, as I feel like a proud son after having made this film.' He has screened it for them, and it was only after seeing their response that our producer decided to release it in a big way in Hindi, Telugu and Kannada".

| source = H. Vinoth in an interview with Chennai Times about Valimai{{'}}s screening.{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M |date=20 February 2022 |title=Ajith sir told me he feels proud to have done this film: H Vinoth |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-sir-told-me-he-feels-proud-to-have-done-this-film-h-vinoth/articleshow/89688816.cms |url-status=live |access-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223151249/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-sir-told-me-he-feels-proud-to-have-done-this-film-h-vinoth/articleshow/89688816.cms |archive-date=23 February 2022}}

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| width = 25%

}}

Film exhibitor Tiruppur Subramanian had stated that "Valimai{{'s}} release will definitely bring in a change. Just like we saw when Master came out in 2021, and after Doctor or Maanaadu in the wake of second wave restrictions ending. These kinds of big films are essential for drawing audiences back. Once they come, it'll become a routine to re-visit theatres like before".{{Cite web |date=6 February 2022 |title=Valimai coming: What's in store for Ajith fans, audiences and theatre owners? |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/valimai-coming-what-s-store-ajith-fans-audiences-and-theatre-owners-160672 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217153147/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/valimai-coming-what-s-store-ajith-fans-audiences-and-theatre-owners-160672 |archive-date=17 February 2022 |access-date=17 February 2022 |website=The News Minute}} Boney Kapoor called Valimai as Ajith's first pan-Indian film in an interview with The Times of India-based critic M. Suganth, and said that "The film has family drama, fantastic action and also something for the audiences to take home. So, it has the potential to work everywhere. You can call this the beginning of a pan-India release for Ajith's films".{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M. |date=13 February 2022 |title=Valimai will be Ajith's first pan-India film: Boney Kapoor |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-will-be-ajiths-first-pan-india-film-boney-kapoor/articleshow/89529695.cms |url-status=live |access-date=17 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216233357/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-will-be-ajiths-first-pan-india-film-boney-kapoor/articleshow/89529695.cms |archive-date=16 February 2022}} Ajith held a special screening for his family, few days before the release, and followed by the positive response, the team decided for a pan-Indian release in Tamil, Hindi, Kannada and Telugu languages.{{Cite web |date=20 February 2022 |title=Ajith hosts special screening of Valimai for his parents; Director H Vinoth spills the beans on their reaction |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/valimai-maker-h-vinoth-his-next-it-film-one-should-watch-family-1028404 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222153228/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/valimai-maker-h-vinoth-his-next-it-film-one-should-watch-family-1028404 |archive-date=22 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022 |website=Pinkvilla}}{{Cite web |date=20 February 2022 |title=Here's How Ajith Kumar Reacted After Watching Valimai, Hosted A Special Screening For Parents |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/heres-how-ajith-kumar-reacted-after-watching-valimai-hosted-a-special-screening-for-parents-4792193.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223170505/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/heres-how-ajith-kumar-reacted-after-watching-valimai-hosted-a-special-screening-for-parents-4792193.html |archive-date=23 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022 |website=News18}}

While Valimai is released in several theatres across Tamil Nadu,{{Cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=17 February 2022 |title=Boney Kapoor announces Valimai Day as Ajith's film is all set for a grand release on Feb 24 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/boney-kapoor-calls-feb-24-as-valimai-day-shares-a-new-promo-of-ajith-s-film-1914373-2022-02-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217114702/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/boney-kapoor-calls-feb-24-as-valimai-day-shares-a-new-promo-of-ajith-s-film-1914373-2022-02-17 |archive-date=17 February 2022 |access-date=17 February 2022 |website=India Today}} the film is expected to clash with Pawan Kalyan's Bheemla Nayak in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana,{{Cite web |date=17 February 2022 |title=It's a wrap for Pawan Kalyan's Bheemla Nayak, all set for release next week |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/its-a-wrap-for-pawan-kalyan-bheemla-nayak-all-set-for-release-next-week-7778250/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217131726/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/its-a-wrap-for-pawan-kalyan-bheemla-nayak-all-set-for-release-next-week-7778250/ |archive-date=17 February 2022 |access-date=17 February 2022 |website=The Indian Express}} and Alia Bhatt's Gangubai Kathiawadi in North India, whose films releases a day later.{{Cite web |date=2 February 2022 |title=Alia Bhatt's Gangubai Kathiawadi to clash with Ajith Kumar's Valimai |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/alia-bhatt-s-gangubai-kathiawadi-clash-ajith-kumar-s-valimai-1012652 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217153149/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/alia-bhatt-s-gangubai-kathiawadi-clash-ajith-kumar-s-valimai-1012652 |archive-date=17 February 2022 |access-date=17 February 2022 |website=Pinkvilla}} IVY Productions, which acquired the distribution rights in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, had stated that Valimai will be released in over 500 screens in these states.{{Cite tweet |number=1493825624166731779 |user=IVYProductions9 |title=#Valimai Theater count estimate Telugu – 500+ Counting (Telangana & Andhrapradesh) Biggest release for #AjithKumar Sir 🔥 |author=I V Y Productions}} E4 Entertainment announced that Valimai will be released in over 200 theatres in Kerala and fan-shows will begin from 4:00 am. In overseas centres, the film will be screened at about 60 locations in Australia, 19 locations in New Zealand and 5 locations in Fiji.{{Cite tweet |number=1494582817577369606 |user=TheAakashavaani |title=#Valimai releasing in 60 Locs in Australia & 19 Locs in New Zealand. Biggest ever release for #ThalaAjith. |author=Aakashavaani}} Hamsini Entertainment announced that premiere shows for the film will begin on 23 February 2022, and the film will be screened in over 400 theatres across 250 locations in United States.{{Cite tweet |number=1494519772071215108 |user=Hamsinient |title=Here is #Valimai Tamil & Telugu USA Theaters list 😎 #ValimaiUSA Release by @Hamsinient 🇺🇸 #ValimaiUSAPremiere Shows on 23rd Feb 💪 |author=Hamsini Entertainment}} The film's pre-sale record in United States crossed $30-mark from 46 locations. The film is also scheduled to be screened at Grand Rex, France, which was considered as the world's largest cinema theatre.{{Cite news |date=17 February 2022 |title=Janhvi Kapoor to watch 'Valimai' in world's largest theatre |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/janhvi-kapoor-to-watch-valimai-in-worlds-largest-theatre/articleshow/89640367.cms |url-status=live |access-date=17 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217104559/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/janhvi-kapoor-to-watch-valimai-in-worlds-largest-theatre/articleshow/89640367.cms |archive-date=17 February 2022}} However, it was called off after the film's planned release in France was cancelled for unknown reasons.{{Cite web |date=19 February 2022 |title=Ajith's Valimai Screening In France Cancelled |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ajiths-valimai-screening-in-france-cancelled-4790534.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219132407/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ajiths-valimai-screening-in-france-cancelled-4790534.html |archive-date=19 February 2022 |access-date=20 February 2022 |website=News18}} The advance bookings for the film, began in Japan, three weeks before the anticipated release.{{Cite news |date=7 February 2022 |title=Ajith's 'Valimai' early bookings opened in Japan |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-early-bookings-opened-in-japan/articleshow/89407910.cms |url-status=live |access-date=21 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207141741/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-early-bookings-opened-in-japan/articleshow/89407910.cms |archive-date=7 February 2022}} The film will be released in 42 locations across Saudi Arabia, which is touted to be the biggest release in the country, with early fan shows being held on 24 February 2022.{{Cite web |date=22 February 2022 |title=Fan Show of Valimai To Be Held in Saudi Arabia on February 24. Here's Why it's a Big Thing |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/fan-show-of-valimai-to-be-held-in-saudi-arabia-on-february-24-heres-why-its-a-big-thing-4798697.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222104023/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/fan-show-of-valimai-to-be-held-in-saudi-arabia-on-february-24-heres-why-its-a-big-thing-4798697.html |archive-date=22 February 2022 |access-date=22 February 2022 |website=News18}}

The film made a business of about {{INRConvert|300|c|year=2021}} before the release, with the inclusion of satellite, digital, audio and Hindi dubbing rights.{{Cite news |date=6 July 2021 |title=Ajith's 'Valimai' earns Rs. 200 crore before release; Deets inside |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-earns-rs-200-crore-before-release-deets-inside/articleshow/84164032.cms |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218170635/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-earns-rs-200-crore-before-release-deets-inside/articleshow/84164032.cms |archive-date=18 December 2021}} The film's gross in pre-release deal was {{INRConvert|300|c}},{{Cite news |date=14 February 2022 |title=Ajith's 'Valimai' grosses over 300 crores in pre-release business |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-grosses-over-300-crores-in-pre-release-business/articleshow/89564009.cms |url-status=live |access-date=17 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217153147/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-valimai-grosses-over-300-crores-in-pre-release-business/articleshow/89564009.cms |archive-date=17 February 2022}} The Tamil Nadu theatrical rights were sold for {{INRConvert|64.50|c}}, Kerala and Karnataka theatrical rights were sold to {{INRConvert|2.5|c}} and {{INRConvert|4|c}} and Andhra and Telangana theatrical rights were sold jointly for {{INRConvert|2.5|c}}.{{Cite web |last=Perumal |first=Ganesh |title=Valimai Movie : ரிலீசுக்கு முன்பே வசூலில் வாகைசூடிய வலிமை!! யம்மாடியோ... இத்தனை கோடியா? |url=https://tamil.asianetnews.com/gallery/cinema/ajiths-valimai-grosses-over-300-crores-in-pre-release-business-r7brzr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215030203/https://tamil.asianetnews.com/gallery/cinema/ajiths-valimai-grosses-over-300-crores-in-pre-release-business-r7brzr |archive-date=15 February 2022 |access-date=17 February 2022 |website=Asianet News |language=ta}} The North India theatrical distribution and Hindi dubbing rights were purchased for {{INRConvert|2.5|c}}, and overseas rights were sold to {{INRConvert|30|c}}. The film made {{INRConvert|96|c}} from theatrical rights, and {{INRConvert|59|c}} from non-theatrical rights – satellite and digital rights were sold to {{INRConvert|28|c}} and {{INRConvert|31|c}}, respectively.{{Cite web |date=23 February 2022 |title=Ajith Kumar-starrer Valimai Pre-release Business Breaks Records. Details Inside |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ajith-kumar-starrer-valimai-pre-release-business-breaks-records-details-inside-4801301.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223155852/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ajith-kumar-starrer-valimai-pre-release-business-breaks-records-details-inside-4801301.html |archive-date=23 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022 |website=News18}}

The theatrical rights of the film were acquired by Raahul of Romeo Pictures and film financier Anbu Chezhian's Gopuram Cinemas.{{Cite news |date=30 March 2021 |title='Valimai' theatrical rights sold even before the film completes its shoot |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-theatrical-rights-sold-even-before-the-film-completes-its-shoot/articleshow/81755016.cms |url-status=live |access-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519090220/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/valimai-theatrical-rights-sold-even-before-the-film-completes-its-shoot/articleshow/81755016.cms |archive-date=19 May 2021}} Both the distributors acquired the rights in Chennai and Madurai.{{Cite web |date=5 December 2021 |title=Ajith's Valimai all area rights sold! |url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/29621/ajiths-valimai-all-area-rights-sold |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218170637/https://www.moviecrow.com/News/29621/ajiths-valimai-all-area-rights-sold |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=Moviecrow}} Subbaiyah Shanmugham of SSI Productions purchased the rights in the Coimbatore territory and Sri Kumaran Films acquiring the Salem theatrical rights.{{Cite web |date=1 December 2021 |title=Thala Ajith's 'Valimai' business kick starts in TN! |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/thala-ajiths-valimai-business-kick-starts-in-tn-news-tamil-vmbeRTbgchadc.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201153141/https://www.sify.com/movies/thala-ajiths-valimai-business-kick-starts-in-tn-news-tamil-vmbeRTbgchadc.html |archive-date=1 December 2021 |access-date=1 December 2021 |website=Sify}} The theatrical rights in Chengalpet region were sold to Kalaimagan Mubarak of Skyman Films International for an undisclosed price.{{Cite web |date=2 December 2021 |title=Valimai Movie Chengalpattu Area Rights Bagged by This Distributor |url=https://tamil.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-ta/valimai-movie-chengalpattu-area-rights-bagged-by-this-distributor.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202114959/https://tamil.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-ta/valimai-movie-chengalpattu-area-rights-bagged-by-this-distributor.html |archive-date=2 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=Behindwoods}} Rockfort Entertainment purchased the theatrical distribution rights in the Arcot region (North Arcot and South Arcot).{{Cite web |date=2 December 2021 |title=Valimai Movie North South Arcot Rights Bagged by This Distributor |url=https://tamil.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-ta/valimai-movie-north-south-arcot-rights-bagged-by-this-distributor.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218170638/https://tamil.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-ta/valimai-movie-north-south-arcot-rights-bagged-by-this-distributor.html |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=Behindwoods}} The theatrical rights were sold to Sri Durgambigai Films in the Tiruchirappalli region, whilst MKRP Productions, a film production company owned by M. K. Ramprasad, purchased the rights in the Tirunelveli–Kanyakumari territories.

IVY Productions acquired the theatrical rights in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana territories.{{Cite web |date=22 December 2021 |title=Valimai Worldwide Pre-Release Business: Here's How Much Ajith's Actioner Has Earned Before Its Grand Release |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2021/valimai-worldwide-pre-release-business-here-s-how-much-ajith-s-actioner-earned-before-its-release-326671.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222231920/https://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2021/valimai-worldwide-pre-release-business-here-s-how-much-ajith-s-actioner-earned-before-its-release-326671.html |archive-date=22 December 2021 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=Filmibeat}}{{Cite tweet |number=1493630692835532802 |user=IVYProductions9 |title=And the countdown begins! Just in 9 days, the action-packed sequences of #Valimai will be hitting the big screens!💥🔥 |author=I V Y Productions}} E4 Entertainment purchased the theatrical rights in Kerala,{{Cite tweet |number=1473913838575624193 |user=BayViewProjOffl |title=We are happy to announce our association with E4 entertainment for releasing #Valimai in Kerala. |author=BayViewProjectsLLP}} whereas Kamar Film Factory had purchased the Karnataka distribution rights.{{Cite tweet |number=1476795135224545283 |user=BayViewProjOffl |title=We are happy to announce our association with Kamar Film Factory for the release of #Valimai in Karnataka. |author=BayViewProjectsLLP}} Zee Studios holds the North India theatrical and Hindi-dubbing rights for the film. United India Exporters acquired the film's overseas distribution rights in December 2020.{{Cite web |date=26 December 2020 |title=Thala Ajith's 'Valimai' overseas rights sold! |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/thala-ajiths-valimai-overseas-rights-sold-news-tamil-um0gdycgacghc.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126111235/https://www.sify.com/movies/thala-ajiths-valimai-overseas-rights-sold-news-tamil-um0gdycgacghc.html |archive-date=26 January 2022 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=Sify}} Cinemark and Hamsini Entertainment, holds the rights for theatrical distribution in United States and United Kingdom.{{Cite web |date=28 December 2020 |title=Valimai's overseas rights sold; trends on Twitter, fans seek updates from makers |url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/valimais-overseas-rights-sold-trends-on-twitter-fans-seek-updates-from-makers-dnm-qm1ug3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126111234/https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/valimais-overseas-rights-sold-trends-on-twitter-fans-seek-updates-from-makers-dnm-qm1ug3 |archive-date=26 January 2022 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=Asianet News}} Lotus Five Star purchased the theatrical rights in Malaysia and Singapore.{{Cite tweet |number=1416014728065785859 |user=LotusFivestarAV |title=The wait is finally over! 🏍🌟🌟 #VALIMAIxLFS |author=Lotus Five Star AV}} Scandinavian Tamil Media Group AS purchased the rights in the Scandinavian territory, including countries such as Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Niraj Poudel of A Eight Films acquired the distribution rights in Nepal for an undisclosed price.{{Cite tweet |number=1494187853458583553 |user=ZeeStudios_ |title=We are happy to announce our association with #AEightFilms for the release of #Valimai in Nepal. |author=Zee Studios}}

The entire rights of the film were owned by its co-producer and distributor Zee Studios, the production and distribution firm of Zee Entertainment Enterprises who sold the satellite rights to Zee Tamil and Zee Thirai, and the digital distribution rights to ZEE5 and its video-on-demand service Zee Plex.{{Cite web |date=5 July 2021 |title=Thala Ajith's 'Valimai' does all time record business even before first look release – Full details |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/valimai-update-satellite-rights-digital-rights-business-220-crores-thala-ajith-h-vinod-huma-qureshi-tamil-news-290242 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218170635/https://www.indiaglitz.com/valimai-update-satellite-rights-digital-rights-business-220-crores-thala-ajith-h-vinod-huma-qureshi-tamil-news-290242 |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=IndiaGlitz}} The makers planned for a digital premiere through Zee Plex, only after 35 days of its theatrical run being completed, and later premiere it on ZEE5.{{Cite web |date=27 February 2021 |title=Valimai First Look in April? OTT Release plans out now! |url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/27842/valimai-update-first-look-ott-release-plan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218170640/https://www.moviecrow.com/News/27842/valimai-update-first-look-ott-release-plan |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=Moviecrow}} However, as Zee Enterprises decided to close down Zee Plex, as their films released through this model, did not fetch the required numbers expected resulting huge losses for the company;{{Cite news |last=Pinto |first=Viveat Susan |date=25 May 2021 |title=Zee bets on hybrid movie model even as Salman's Radhe gets mixed response |work=Business Standard |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/zee-bets-on-hybrid-movie-model-even-as-salman-s-radhe-gets-mixed-response-121052500984_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218170635/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/zee-bets-on-hybrid-movie-model-even-as-salman-s-radhe-gets-mixed-response-121052500984_1.html |archive-date=18 December 2021 |quote="Their upcoming release might include the Ajith Kumar-actioner Valimai which will be premiered through pay-per-view only after 35 days of theatrical release}} the makers decided to sell the post-theatrical streaming rights to ZEE5 in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada languages, in which the film might have a 50-day window, between the theatrical and digital release.

Valimai opened to mixed reviews from critics but praised Ajith's performance.{{Cite web |date=26 February 2022 |title='Valimai' 2-day box office collection: Ajith Kumar-starrer stays strong |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/valimai-2-day-box-office-collection-ajith-kumar-starrer-stays-strong-1085306.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226115057/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/valimai-2-day-box-office-collection-ajith-kumar-starrer-stays-strong-1085306.html |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=Deccan Herald |quote=Valimai received mixed to negative reviews with critics lauding Ajith's 'massy' performance but criticising the second half.}}

M. Suganth of The Times of India gave the film a rating of 3/5 praising the stunts and performances and wrote "There are times it works (a scene in prison when he has to break someone's arm) and times when it doesn't (the monologue in the climax). But there is no denying that it is his presence that holds together this two distinct tones of the film."{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M. |date=24 February 2022 |title=Valimai Movie Review: Ajith's one-man show |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/valimai/movie-review/89789096.cms |url-status=live |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224043107/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/valimai/movie-review/89789096.cms |archive-date=24 February 2022}} Janani K of India Today gave the film a rating of 3/5 and wrote "The action-thriller is a predictable story laced with brilliant action sequences".{{Cite web |last=K |first=Janani |date=24 February 2022 |title=Valimai Movie Review: Ajith's film is a crowd-pleaser |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/regional-cinema/story/valimai-movie-review-ajith-s-film-is-a-crowd-pleaser-1917187-2022-02-24 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224072457/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/regional-cinema/story/valimai-movie-review-ajith-s-film-is-a-crowd-pleaser-1917187-2022-02-24 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=India Today}} Pinkvilla gave the film a rating 3/5 and wrote "'Valimai' is for you if you like larger-than-life action blocks involving bike-bound men and their unflinching adventures".{{Cite web |date=24 February 2022 |title=Valimai Movie Review: This Ajith-starrer is amped up by superb action blocks |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/valimai-movie-review-ajith-starrer-amped-superb-action-blocks-1031451 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224090014/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/valimai-movie-review-ajith-starrer-amped-superb-action-blocks-1031451 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=Pinkvilla}}

Ashameera Aiyappan of Firstpost gave the film a rating of 2.5/5 and wrote "H Vinoth exchanges the grounded authenticity of his predecessor work for glitzy, gimmicky action which ends being a kitsch combination of sensibilities".{{Cite web |last=Aiyappan |first=Ashameera |date=24 February 2022 |title=Valimai movie review: Ajith, Kartikeya face off in H Vinoth's ineffective film with interesting ideas |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/valimai-movie-review-ajith-kartikeya-face-off-in-h-vinoths-ineffective-film-with-interesting-ideas-10404831.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224081917/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/valimai-movie-review-ajith-kartikeya-face-off-in-h-vinoths-ineffective-film-with-interesting-ideas-10404831.html |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=Firstpost}} Vivek M V of Deccan Herald gave the film a rating of 2.5/5 and wrote "Ajith is fine while Huma Qureshi has just one slick action scene to shine. The saving grace is the maniacal performance from Kartikeya Gummakonda".{{Cite web |last=M V |first=Vivek |date=24 February 2022 |title='Valimai' movie review: All stunts and no glory |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/entertainment/dh-talkies/valimai-movie-review-all-stunts-and-no-glory-1084629.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225053858/https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/entertainment/dh-talkies/valimai-movie-review-all-stunts-and-no-glory-1084629.html |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=Deccan Herald}} Manoj Kumar R of The Indian Express gave the film a rating of 2/5 and wrote "Vinoth's idea of creating an urban legend goes awry when the film fails to distinguish Ajith Kumar's offscreen persona from Ajith Kumar's character in Valimai".{{Cite web |last=R |first=Manoj Kumar |date=24 February 2022 |title=Valimai review: Ajith Kumar pops a wheelie. That's all |url=https://www.indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/valimai-review-ajith-kumar-pops-a-wheelie-and-thats-all-7788623/lite/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084729/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/valimai-review-ajith-kumar-pops-a-wheelie-and-thats-all-7788623/lite/ |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=The Indian Express}} Umesh Punwani of Koimoi gave the film a rating of 2/5 and wrote "Watch this only for Ajith, because he won't disappoint even though the film might!".{{Cite web |last=Punwani |first=Umesh |date=24 February 2022 |title=Valimai Movie Review: Film's Title Means 'Strength' In English & That's What Required To Watch This Ajith Starrer! |url=https://www.koimoi.com/reviews/south-indian-movie-reviews/valimai-movie-review-films-title-means-strength-in-english-thats-what-required-to-watch-this-ajith-starrer/amp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225010503/https://www.koimoi.com/reviews/south-indian-movie-reviews/valimai-movie-review-films-title-means-strength-in-english-thats-what-required-to-watch-this-ajith-starrer/amp/ |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=Koimoi}} Sowmya Rajendran of The News Minute gave the film a rating of 2/5 and stated "The stunts are indeed valimai but the film becomes a kodumai with its wonky script and poor characterisation".{{Cite web |last=Rajendran |first=Sowmya |author-link=Sowmya Rajendran |date=24 February 2022 |title=Valimai review: Ajith's bike zooms while the story is stuck in a pothole |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/valimai-review-ajith-s-bike-zooms-while-story-stuck-pothole-161311%3famp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227030029/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/valimai-review-ajith-s-bike-zooms-while-story-stuck-pothole-161311?amp |archive-date=27 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=The News Minute}} Bollywood Hungama gave the film a rating of 2/5 and wrote "VALIMAI [Hindi] suffers from its long length and complicated narrative. The Hindi version might struggle at the BO".{{Cite web |date=24 February 2022 |title=Valimai Movie Review: Valimai |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/amp/movie/valimai/critic-review/valimai-movie-review/valimai-hindi-suffers-from-its-long-length-and-complicated-narrative-the-hindi-version-might-struggle-at-the-bo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224171024/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/amp/movie/valimai/critic-review/valimai-movie-review/valimai-hindi-suffers-from-its-long-length-and-complicated-narrative-the-hindi-version-might-struggle-at-the-bo/ |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}

Lakshmi Subramanian of The Week gave the film a rating of 2/5 and wrote "Every character in Valimai, including Huma and both the brothers feel like add-ons with no depth. The characters are either fully for the hero or completely against him.The second half is long and tiring with just bikes and bikers again. Besides this, Ajith's expressionless face adds to the misery".{{Cite web |last=Subramanian |first=Lakshmi |date=24 February 2022 |title='Valimai' review: With lots of bikes and a weak plot, Ajith's film is a test of patience |url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2022/02/24/valimai-review-lots-of-bikes-weak-plot-ajith-film-test-of-patience.amp.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224165943/https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2022/02/24/valimai-review-lots-of-bikes-weak-plot-ajith-film-test-of-patience.amp.html |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=The Week}} Scroll.in gave the film a rating of 2/5 and wrote "Except for a handful of pulsating action sequences and a villain who is nearly equal in capabilities to the hero, Valimai has trouble kicking into gear".{{Cite web |date=24 February 2022 |title='Valimai' review: The bikes defy gravity and the plot defies logic |url=https://scroll.in/reel/1018080/valimai-review-the-bikes-defy-gravity-and-the-plot-defies-logic |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225000655/https://scroll.in/reel/1018080/valimai-review-the-bikes-defy-gravity-and-the-plot-defies-logic |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=Scroll.in}} Aditya Shrikrishna of The Quint gave the film a rating of 2/5 and wrote "Ajith Kumar's Film Is a Shoddily Produced Tepid Affair".{{Cite web |last=Shrikrishna |first=Aditya |date=24 February 2022 |title='Valimai' Movie Review: Ajith Kumar's Film Is a Shoddily Produced Tepid Affair |url=https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/russia-ukraine-war-can-india-look-beyond-a-neutral-stance#read-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224082141/https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/russia-ukraine-war-can-india-look-beyond-a-neutral-stance#read-more |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=The Quint}} Nishad Thaivalappil of News18 stated "Thala Ajith fans will love Valimai, but the film has little to offer to others in terms of a cinematic experience".{{Cite web |last=Thaivalappil |first=Nishad |date=24 February 2022 |title=Valimai Movie Review: Ajith Kumar Fans in for a Treat, But Film Will Give a Headache to Others |url=https://www.news18.com/amp/news/movies/valimai-movie-review-ajith-kumar-fans-in-for-a-treat-but-film-will-give-a-headache-to-others-4806095.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224214930/https://www.news18.com/amp/news/movies/valimai-movie-review-ajith-kumar-fans-in-for-a-treat-but-film-will-give-a-headache-to-others-4806095.html |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=News18}} Haricharan Pudipeddi of Hindustan Times stated "Ajith Kumar-starrer would've been a cracker of a film if it solely focused on providing action thrills".{{Cite web |last=Pudipeddi |first=Haricharan |date=24 February 2022 |title=Valimai review: Terrific action in Ajith Kumar film supersedes predictable story |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/valimai-review-terrific-action-in-ajith-kumar-film-supersedes-predictable-story-101645682938652-amp.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224085949/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/valimai-review-terrific-action-in-ajith-kumar-film-supersedes-predictable-story-101645682938652-amp.html |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=Hindustan Times}} Srivatsan S of The Hindu stated "While 'Theeran Adhigaram Ondru' may have announced that H Vinoth could do action, 'Valimai' reaffirms our belief that Vinoth could perhaps be the best Indian filmmaker who knows how to write, choreograph and execute action sequences with a larger vision and purpose".{{Cite news |last=S |first=Srivatsan |date=24 February 2022 |title='Valimai' movie review: The 'Amma' sentiment ruins this otherwise thrilling Ajith Kumar-starrer |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/valimai-movie-review/article65080099.ece/amp/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226061755/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/valimai-movie-review-the-amma-sentiment-ruins-this-otherwise-thrilling-ajith-kumar-starrer/article65080099.ece |archive-date=26 February 2022}}

Valimai was expected to have very high collections at the box office.{{Cite news |last=S. Srivatsan |date=7 January 2022 |title=The 'pan-Indian' strategy of Telugu cinema |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/the-pan-indian-strategy-of-telugu-cinema/article38163523.ece |url-status=live |access-date=16 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110140529/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/the-pan-indian-strategy-of-telugu-cinema/article38163523.ece |archive-date=10 January 2022}}

Valimai had the highest opening day in Tamil Nadu at the time of its release according to Box Office India,{{Cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title=Tamil Film Valimai Sets Record And Telugu Film Bheemla Nayak Huge Start |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=6677 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226114331/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=6677 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |website=Box Office India}} or the second highest opening day behind Sarkar (2018), according to Bollywood Hungama. On its opening day, Bollywood Hungama said that the film grossed around {{INRConvert|28|c}} to {{INRConvert|32|c}} in Tamil Nadu.{{Cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title=Valimai box office: Ajith Kumar defeats Vijay & Rajinikanth; collects Rs. 30 crore gross on opening day |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/valimai-box-office-ajith-kumar-defeats-vijay-collects-rs-30-crore-gross-opening-day/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307172508/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/valimai-box-office-ajith-kumar-defeats-vijay-collects-rs-30-crore-gross-opening-day/ |archive-date=7 March 2022 |access-date=7 March 2022 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}

In USA, the film beat Ajith's previous film Viswasam's lifetime USA gross by grossing $300k, becoming Ajith's fifth film to gross more than $300k in USA.{{Cite magazine |last=Rishita Roy Chowdhury |date=27 February 2022 |title=Valimai box office collection Day 3: Ajith's film with terrific opening continues to draw huge crowd |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/valimai-box-office-collection-day-3-ajith-s-film-with-terrific-opening-continues-to-draw-huge-crowd-1918378-2022-02-27 |url-status=live |magazine=India Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227065745/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/valimai-box-office-collection-day-3-ajith-s-film-with-terrific-opening-continues-to-draw-huge-crowd-1918378-2022-02-27 |archive-date=27 February 2022 |access-date=27 February 2022}}

In February 2023, nearly a year after the film's release, director Rajesh Raja accused Vinoth of lifting 10 scenes from the former's 2019 short film Thanga Sangili for Valimai. Due to his inability to reach Vinoth, Rajesh Raja approached the Commissioner of Chennai.{{Cite news |date=11 February 2023 |title=A plagiarism case filed against Ajith's 'Valimai' almost after a year of its release |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/a-plagiarism-case-filed-against-ajiths-valimai-almost-after-a-year-of-its-release/articleshow/97816090.cms |url-status=live |access-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230224060105/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/a-plagiarism-case-filed-against-ajiths-valimai-almost-after-a-year-of-its-release/articleshow/97816090.cms |archive-date=24 February 2023}}

The impact of Valimai, even before the release, has been noted by several cinephiles, with the hashtag #ValimaiUpdate becoming a trending topic on Twitter.{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=29 September 2021 |title=Boney Kapoor on 'Valimai': I have never seen a fan following like Ajith's |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/boney-kapoor-on-valimai-i-have-never-seen-a-fan-following-like-ajiths/article36732338.ece |url-status=live |access-date=19 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071828/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/boney-kapoor-on-valimai-i-have-never-seen-a-fan-following-like-ajiths/article36732338.ece |archive-date=19 November 2021}} Boney Kapoor noted the fan following of the actor in regard to this. In an interview with The Hindu, he said that though fans of Ajith had every right to ask for updates on the film, "I did not want to mislead them. I wanted to give out material only when there was something concrete at hand." This trend influenced celebrities from the film fraternity,{{Cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=11 July 2021 |title=Ajith's Valimai 1st Look: Here's Celebrities Reaction to Ajith's Mass Poster |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-valimai-1st-look-heres-celebrities-reaction-ajiths-mass-poster-838547 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071818/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-valimai-1st-look-heres-celebrities-reaction-ajiths-mass-poster-838547 |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=International Business Times}} sportspersons,{{Cite web |date=17 February 2021 |title=Ajith fan asks R Ashwin for 'Valimai update' during test match, cricketer reacts |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajith-fan-asks-r-ashwin-valimai-update-during-test-match-cricketer-reacts-143609 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217082000/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ajith-fan-asks-r-ashwin-valimai-update-during-test-match-cricketer-reacts-143609 |archive-date=17 February 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=The News Minute}}{{Cite web |date=17 February 2021 |title='What is Valimai?': Moeen Ali's confused question to Ravichandran Ashwin |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/valimai-moeen-ali-confused-ravichandran-ashwin-7192155/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071830/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/valimai-moeen-ali-confused-ravichandran-ashwin-7192155/ |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=The Indian Express}} politicians and media outlets.{{Cite web |last=Narayani |date=24 September 2021 |title=Valimai Pongal: Seven reasons why Ajith Kumar's 60th film is the most-anticipated Thala movie ever! |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/seven-reasons-why-ajith-kumars-valimai-is-the-most-anticipated-thala-movie-ever/why-ajith-kumars-valimai-is-the-most-anticipated-thala-movie-ever-valimai-update.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108205618/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/seven-reasons-why-ajith-kumars-valimai-is-the-most-anticipated-thala-movie-ever/why-ajith-kumars-valimai-is-the-most-anticipated-thala-movie-ever-valimai-update.html |archive-date=8 November 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=Behindwoods}} Ravichandran Ashwin shared the same in an online interaction, when he experienced a fan asking Moeen Ali and him,{{Cite web |date=28 September 2021 |title=Watch: Moeen Ali Speaks about 'Valimai Update' Incident During Chennai Test |url=https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/watch-moeen-ali-speaks-about-valimai-update-incident-during-chennai-test-4257254.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071828/https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/watch-moeen-ali-speaks-about-valimai-update-incident-during-chennai-test-4257254.html |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=News18}} for an update regarding the film during the second test match, between India and England in Chennai. Politician Vanathi Srinivasan too said that after her win in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, the fans might get the update about the film.{{Cite web |date=15 March 2021 |title=நான் வெற்றி பெற்ற உடன் நிச்சயமாக 'வலிமை' அப்டேட் கிடைக்கும் தம்பி: வானதியின் நகைச்சுவை ட்வீட் |url=https://www.hindutamil.in/news/social-media/645826-vanathi-srinivasan-tweet-on-valimai-update.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071828/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/social-media/645826-vanathi-srinivasan-tweet-on-valimai-update.html |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=Hindu Tamil Thisai |language=ta}} #ValimaiUpdate campaign also influenced the elections, with Election Commission's Tamil Nadu wing advertising the title on the necessity to urge every individual to vote.{{Cite web |date=10 March 2021 |title=Whoa! The government finally gives a 'Valimai' update rocking the internet |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/valimai-update-election-commission-district-collector-vijayakarthikeyan-vote-tn-general-elections-2021-tamil-news-282116 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119071817/https://www.indiaglitz.com/valimai-update-election-commission-district-collector-vijayakarthikeyan-vote-tn-general-elections-2021-tamil-news-282116 |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=IndiaGlitz}} In February 2022, the film crossed more than 2 million interests on the online-ticketing portal BookMyShow,{{Cite web |date=25 June 2021 |title=Valimai sets a new record on the internet; first look expected to release in July |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/article/valimai-sets-a-new-record-on-the-internet-first-look-expected-to-release-in-july/775939 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218170636/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/article/valimai-sets-a-new-record-on-the-internet-first-look-expected-to-release-in-july/775939 |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=Times Now}} beating records earlier set by Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017) and Avengers: Endgame (2019).{{Cite web |date=23 August 2021 |title=This Was The Most-Tweeted Hashtag Of 2021 In India |url=https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/ajith-s-movie-valimai-tops-the-list-of-most-tweeted-hashtags-in-india-for-2021-2516596 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218170635/https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/ajith-s-movie-valimai-tops-the-list-of-most-tweeted-hashtags-in-india-for-2021-2516596 |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=NDTV}} Valimai was the second most tweeted film in India, according to a year-ender survey report released by Twitter in December 2021.{{Cite news |date=9 December 2021 |title=Vijay's 'Master' and Ajith's 'Valimai' most tweeted-about movies in India in 2021 |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vijays-master-and-ajiths-valimai-most-tweeted-about-movies-in-india-in-2021/article37908149.ece |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211192742/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vijays-master-and-ajiths-valimai-most-tweeted-about-movies-in-india-in-2021/article37908149.ece |archive-date=11 December 2021}}{{Cite web |date=9 December 2021 |title=Master, Valimai are among 2021's most popular movies on Twitter; Sonu Sood, Alia Bhatt top actors chart |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/master-valimai-are-among-2021s-most-popular-movies-on-twitter-sonu-sood-alia-bhatt-top-actors-chart-7664307/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218170635/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/master-valimai-are-among-2021s-most-popular-movies-on-twitter-sonu-sood-alia-bhatt-top-actors-chart-7664307/ |archive-date=18 December 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |website=The Indian Express}}

In an interview with Pinkvilla, Boney Kapoor expressed his plans on a sequel and more future instalments, so that the film would be developed into a franchise. He stated that the possibility for a sequel will be dependent on the audience response towards the film and the box-office performance.{{Cite web |date=18 February 2022 |title=Boney Kapoor drops hint about Valimai sequel, says his relationship with Ajith is growing |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/boney-kapoor-hint-about-valimai-sequel-says-his-relationship-with-ajith-growing-7778768/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217233011/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/boney-kapoor-hint-about-valimai-sequel-says-his-relationship-with-ajith-growing-7778768/ |archive-date=17 February 2022 |access-date=18 February 2022 |website=The Indian Express}}

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