🎬 Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' 💥 Opens with ₹17 Cr Amid Mixed Buzz! 📉🔥
- MediaFx
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
TL;DR 📝
Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam's much-hyped gangster drama 'Thug Life' hit theatres on June 5, 2025, collecting ₹17 crore on its first day. While Tamil Nadu audiences showed strong support, the film faced challenges due to a Karnataka ban and mixed reviews. Despite the star power, the movie's performance lagged behind expectations, especially in Hindi-speaking regions.
🎥 The Grand Reunion: Kamal & Mani Ratnam Back Together! 🤝🎬
After nearly four decades since their iconic collaboration in 'Nayakan' (1987), Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam reunited for 'Thug Life'. The film, set in 1994, delves into themes of crime, betrayal, and power struggles, with Haasan portraying the formidable Rangaraaya Sakthivel Naicker. The ensemble cast includes Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, and others, adding to the film's 💰 Box Office Breakdown: Day 1 Earnings 📊
'Thug Life' garnered a total of ₹17 crore on its opening day in India. Here's the regional split:
Tamil Nadu: ₹15.4 crore
Telugu-speaking regions: ₹1.5 crore
Hindi-speaking regions: ₹0.1
The film's strong performance in Tamil Nadu was offset by its underwhelming reception in other regions, particularly in Hindi-speaking areas.
🎭 Audience Reactions: A Mixed Bag 🎟️
Social media platforms buzzed with varied reactions:
Praise: Some lauded Haasan's performance and the film's visuals.
Criticism: Others pointed out a lackluster second half and underdeveloped characters.
The film's narrative and pacing received mixed feedback, indicating a divide between expectations and delivery.
🚫 Karnataka Ban: A Setback 📉
'Thug Life' did not release in Karnataka due to controversies surrounding Haasan's remarks about the Kannada language. This ban potentially impacted the film's overall earnings and reach.m
📈 Comparative Analysis: Falling Short of Expectations 📉
When compared to Haasan's previous releases:
'Indian 2' (2024): ₹25.6 crore on Day 1
'Vikram' (2022): ₹32 crore on Day 1
'Thug Life' (2025): ₹17 crore on Day
The current film's opening day collection is notably lower, raising concerns about its long-term box office trajectory.
🎬 MediaFx's Take: A Call for Substance Over Star Power 🌟
While the collaboration between two cinema legends generated significant buzz, 'Thug Life' underscores the importance of compelling storytelling and character development. The film's performance serves as a reminder that audiences seek depth and authenticity, beyond star-studded casts.
