What was once built as a monumental reunion between two Tamil cinema legends, director Mani Ratnam and actor Kamal Haasan, has taken an unexpected turn. Thug Life, one of 2025’s most anticipated films, did not perform well at the box office.
The film, which marked Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan’s first collaboration in 37 years since Nayakan (1987), opened high expectations but failed to capture critical acclaim or audience enthusiasm.
In a recent interview with 123 Telugu, Mani Ratnam acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the film. He expressed his disappointment for not meeting the audience’s expectations, particularly from fans who anticipated a successor to Nayakan.
“For those who were expecting another Nayakan from the two of us, all I can say is we are sorry. It was never our intention to go back. Why should we? We wanted to do something completely different. I think more than over-expectation, it was another expectation. The audience expected something far removed from what we delivered,” said Mani Ratnam.
As a director, he explained that the film was intended to chart new creative territory, but ultimately, the direction taken did not resonate with viewers. He reflected that the mismatch wasn’t about over-expectation, but different expectations altogether.
Thug Life opened with 15.5 crore in India and amassed around 44 crore in its first week, figures far below projections for a Kamal Haasan led big budget feature. The film earned 38.8 crore in Tamil Nadu but struggled elsewhere, particularly after a ban in Karnataka, reportedly due to comments made by Kamal Haasan that upset the audience from Kannada.
OTT Premiere on the Horizon
As the theatrical run continues, attention has turned to Thug Life’s OTT release. Netflix, which had reportedly purchased the film’s digital rights, is now said to be in talks to renegotiate the deal. Sources claim that the revised agreement could include a 20-25% reduction in licensing fees. If a deal is struck, Thug Life could arrive on streaming platforms within four weeks of its theatrical release.
Despite the stumble, both Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan remain as iconic figures in the cinema industry. Thug Life may have not lived up to expectations, but it adds to the ongoing conversation about evolving cinematic tastes and growing the influence of digital platforms in shaping a film’s second life.
Source: PinkVilla
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